Naughty Dog, the acclaimed studio behind gaming giants like The Last of Us, Uncharted, Crash Bandicoot, and Jak and Daxter, has unveiled its next ambitious project: Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. The cinematic trailer, premiered at The Game Awards, offered a tantalizing glimpse into this new sci-fi world, introducing the main character and showcasing stunning visuals. But beyond the surface lies a treasure trove of Easter eggs, hinting at connections to Naughty Dog’s rich history and offering clues about the game’s potential narrative.
The protagonist, Jordan A. Mun, immediately presents the first Easter egg. Her initials, J.A.M., directly reference JAM Software, the original name of Naughty Dog. This subtle nod suggests a deliberate homage to the studio’s roots and perhaps indicates that Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet has been in development for a considerable period.
alt text: Jordan A. Mun, the protagonist of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, stands with her sword on her back in a pose reminiscent of Nathan Drake from the Uncharted series. This image highlights the character design and potential gameplay elements.
Further linking Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet to the Naughty Dog universe is the presence of “Savage Starlight.” Within Jordan’s ship, a “Savage Starlight” record can be seen. This directly connects to the collectible comic book series in The Last of Us and the trading cards in The Last of Us Part II. While seemingly a small detail, it raises intriguing questions about the potential shared universe between these titles. Could the futuristic setting of “Savage Starlight” be the same universe Jordan inhabits?
The trailer also features several nods to the Uncharted series. Jordan is seen drinking from a Macho Nacho cup, a clear reference to the restaurant in the Uncharted universe where Elena Fisher, Nathan Drake’s wife, once worked. Additionally, Jordan’s pose in the title card, standing with her sword on her back, mirrors Nathan Drake’s iconic stance on the Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune box art.
A more cryptic Easter egg involves a QR code hidden within the trailer. Dedicated fans deciphered the code as a sequence of numbers: 66260600410 or 66260700410. The meaning remains elusive, with theories ranging from a representation of Planck’s Constant, a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, to a potential release date clue. Some have even attempted to interpret the numbers as Earth coordinates, but without success.
Beyond Easter eggs, the trailer showcases clear influences from iconic works of science fiction. Jordan’s red jacket, red spaceship, and bounty hunter profession evoke strong parallels to Cowboy Bebop. The futuristic cityscape and overall aesthetic also hint at inspiration from Akira. These influences, combined with the confirmed casting of Kumail Nanjiani as Colin Graves and product placements like a Porsche spaceship, Adidas shoes, and a Sony sound system, paint a vibrant picture of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet‘s world.
Naughty Dog’s history of incorporating secrets and Easter eggs suggests that future reveals will likely uncover even more hidden details. Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet promises a rich and layered experience, rewarding players who delve deeper into its mysteries.