Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophetis still a long time away at this point, but the game’s first and only trailer has already ignited plenty of curiosity about its world. InIntergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, players take on the role of Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter who finds herself on the planet of Sempiria.
So far, that’s pretty much all that’s known regarding the main story. However, there are hints throughout the trailer that give insight into what players should expect. It’s been confirmed thatIntergalactictakes place in a retro-inspired world where 80s-style product placement is alive and well. Beyond that, though, is the importance of music. “It’s a Sin” by Pet Shop Boys serves as the trailer’s closing song, signaling thatIntergalacticwill feature licensed musicin some capacity. If music plays as big of a role in the adventure as it seems, then there are a handful of songs and artists that will hopefully be present.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Has a Deep Well of Musical Inspiration to Pull From
Religious-Themed 80s Hits
Neil Druckmann confirmed in a recent New York Times article thatIntergalacticwill tackle religionand “what happens when you put your faith in different institutions.” Such a plot combined with an 80s-inspired world is a fascinating blend that sets the stage for some great hits from the decade that are filled with religious imagery and themes. “Dear God” by XTC and “Like a Prayer” by Madonna brought controversy when they were released, but the singles have lived on to be great songs that could help drive home the themes ofIntergalactic. Other hits like “Heaven is a Place on Earth” by Belinda Carlisle and “Hell is For Children” by Pat Benatar would also be solid options.
More Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys are one of the most influential synth pop bands of their generation, and using “It’s a Sin” inIntergalactic’s trailer really helped set the tone for what to expect from the game. “It’s a Sin” is far from the band’s only hit, though. Songs like “West End Girls” and the fast-paced synth-infused cover of “Always on My Mind” could round out the Pet Shop Boys representation. It’s even possible that the Pet Shop Boys areprotagonist Jordan’s favorite band.
The planet of Sempiria is home to a mysterious civilization known as the Sempirians. No one has been able to communicate with the Sempirians for over 600 years.
Intergalactictakes place in a retro-inspired world where 80s-style product placement is alive and well.
Diving Deeper Into 80s Alt Pop
Expanding on the use of Pet Shop Boys bydeveloper Naughty Dog, there is a long list of great bands of the decade that are part of the alt pop genre. While not full-blown pop stars like Madonna or Prince, artists and bands who were peers of Pet Shop Boys could help bring that darker edge while still offering some great head-bopping energy.
Nine Inch Nails
It’s important to note that Nine Inch Nails can only barely be considered an 80s band. Their debut album, “Pretty Hate Machine,” was released on June 02, 2025. With Nine Inch Nails founder Trent Reznor in charge ofIntergalactic’s original score, that hopefully means the game has room for songs like “Head Like a Hole” and “Sin,” which would also be in line with the religious themes.
As the year continues, Naughty Dog will hopefully reveal more ofwhatIntergalactichas in store for gamers. Considering the developer’s last original projects were theUnchartedandThe Last of Usfranchises,Intergalacticis a major departure, and that’s exciting. The finer details of the game may be a mystery, but the first look atIntergalacticteases an exciting place for music within its world.
