Two Sci-Fi Games from Sony: Can They Coexist and Stand Out?

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Over the past few years since its launch, the PlayStation 5 has already had some major first-party games and is set to receive even more. Fresh from the success of Astro Bot, which won Game of the Year at The Game Awards in 2024, the PlayStation 5 will generate further enthusiasm this year with the long-awaited debut of Ghost of Yotei. This anticipated release is likely to be one of many first-party games that will keep making the PlayStation 5 a highly desirable console.

It seems Sony is venturing into a distinctive new path with its first-party games, particularly focusing on science fiction genres. For instance, Naughty Dog’s upcoming game, titled “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet“, promises to be an immersive hard sci-fi experience. Furthermore, whispers from the grapevine hint that Santa Monica Studio’s next project will also delve into science fiction themes. Despite sharing the same genre, Sony developers can effectively differentiate these two games, making them notable and unique in their own rights.

Sony May Have Two Big Sci-Fi Games On Its Hands

Intergalactic May Be Heading Toward Hard Sci-Fi

The space-themed game, “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet,” which Santa Monica Studios is rumored to be developing, might not follow the typical pattern of a sci-fi game. As revealed at The Game Awards 2024, “Intergalactic” appears to lean towards hard science fiction. This suggests that its plot and themes could revolve around technology, rationality, and scientific realism.

As a fan, I can’t help but imagine that the game “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet” could draw more inspiration from anime like “Akira” and “Cowboy Bebop,” both space adventures. In this game, it seems you’d play as a bounty hunter on a distant planet, tracking down rogue robots and pursuing a gang of criminals. Given Naughty Dog’s past work on games like “The Last of Us,”” the inclusion of horror elements wouldn’t come as a surprise.

Santa Monica Studios Could Make Its Sci-Fi IP Fantasy-Based

If Santa Monica Studios indeed develops a sci-fi game as rumored, it might stand out from Intergalactic by adopting a blend of science fiction and fantasy aesthetics. This unique approach would set it apart and enable it to establish its own identity rather than mirroring Sony’s other project. Furthermore, shifting towards a soft-sci-fi style, which emphasizes human and societal aspects, wouldn’t be unexpected from Santa Monica Studios, considering the emotionally engaging narratives of their recent God of War series.

It’s worth noting that Santa Monica Studios has dabbled in sci-fi gaming before, back in the 2010s when they were working on a futuristic sci-fi project called “Darkside.” This project included dinosaur-like adversaries, but unfortunately, it was halted in 2014 due to staff reductions at the studio. Maybe they could draw inspiration from this unfinished project as they embark on creating a fresh sci-fi game.

The anticipated sci-fi game by Santa Monica Studios, not necessarily “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet,” may differ significantly in its sci-fi themes.

Sony Could Use Some Vastly Different Gameplay Styles For Its Sci-Fi Games

If Santa Monica Studios is developing a sci-fi game and transitioning it into a fantasy setting, they have the chance to alter the gameplay from Naughty Dog’s creation. In contrast to Intergalactic, which seems to focus predominantly on action, a sci-fi fantasy game could distinguish itself by prioritizing magical combat elements, offering a distinctive twist. This strategy would help Santa Monica Studios’ game maintain its individuality, especially since another Sony developer is venturing into the sci-fi genre as well.

Certainly, since Santa Monica Studios hasn’t confirmed their next game yet, it’s important to approach any information about it with a bit of skepticism. Although the new game seems to be a fresh concept, we can’t say for sure if it will delve into sci-fi elements. However, if it does, Sony has the chance to infuse it with a distinct style without overshadowing Naughty Dog’s work on “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet“.

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2025-02-06 03:38