Every Akira Reference in Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Explained

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As a lifelong fan of both Akira and Naughty Dog, I must say that I was beyond excited when Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was announced at The Game Awards 2024. With its stunning visuals and nods to classic sci-fi, it’s like my two favorite worlds have collided in the best way possible!

2024 at The Game Awards, Naughty Dog’s newest IP, titled “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet“, was unveiled with a daring trailer that delved into the realm of science fiction. Although specific gameplay details remain scarce, it’s evident that this title will pay tribute to iconic sci-fi classics. Among the numerous influences, the spirit of the 1988 anime film “Akira” has been noticeably prominent in its early reveal. As a fan, I can hardly wait to see how these inspirations unfold in this intriguing new universe!

Viewing a scene depicting a brooding bounty hunter in a disorganized spaceship, complete with noir-style cinematography, could easily evoke the atmosphere of Cowboy Bebop, suggesting that this show may have influenced Naughty Dog. However, upon closer inspection of the trailer for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, it appears that Akira might be a more significant reference point for the studio. Despite the contrasting space setting, the visual elements could offer insights into the narrative direction of the game.

Shot-for-Shot Parallels to Famous Akira Imagery Form the Basis of Intergalatic: The Heretic Prophet’s Announcement Trailer

Jordan A. Mun’s Design Appears Inspired by Akira’s Kaneda

When the main character of “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet” puts on a cropped red jacket with a distinctive collar, it strongly recalls the silhouette of Shotaro Kaneda from “Akira”. Not only is the overall shape similar, but she consistently sports a noticeable emblem on the back of her jacket. While Kaneda’s symbol signifies his membership in the Neo-Tokyo motorcycle gang called The Capsules, the knight chess piece logo on Jordan’s clothing suggests she might belong to a group of her own.

The trailer suggests she might have belonged to a bounty hunter gang called the Five Aces, and if their interactions resemble those of Kaneda and his crew after Tetsuo’s chaos in Akira, it could mean a heart-wrenching tale is about to unfold.

Shots of a Retro-Futuristic CD Jukebox

In the sci-fi series “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet,” Jordan selects a Pet Shop Boys tune on her spaceship’s audio system as she readies for departure to Sempiria. This scene bears a striking resemblance to an earlier moment in “Akira” where Kaneda manipulates a similar CD player, with certain elements mirroring what Naughty Dog has recently created. Although the layout of the control panel differs, the use of chunky analog buttons in a futuristic setting harks back to the ’80s aesthetic movement known as “Cassette Futurism,” tying the visual style to the technology of that era.

Jordan’s Spaceship is Framed Similarly to Kaneda’s Motorcycle

Instead of belonging to a biker gang like Kaneda, she could be a bounty hunter. Yet, the streamlined red vessel that Jordan pilots shares striking similarities with her vehicle, making these comparisons hard to overlook. The manner in which she accelerates her spaceship by firing up the thrusters, as it vanishes into the distance, echoes an iconic scene of him revving his motorcycle – even though she’s working on a grander scale.

In this trailer, although it doesn’t exactly replicate the famous “Akira slide” shot, there is a striking similarity with another scene from the film, as Jordan’s spaceship glides across the screen in a manner reminiscent of the Capsules gang. It remains to be seen how strongly it will draw on Akira’s influence, but the powerful visual style suggested by these comparisons can definitely be traced back to Akira in Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet‘s unveiling.

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2024-12-22 23:33