5 Best Video Games To Play While Waiting For Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet

August 4, 2026 - 17:03

Naughty Dog's upcoming space adventure, "Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet," is shaping up to be a major release, but the studio has kept the launch window vague. That leaves plenty of time to explore other worlds. If you are craving that blend of deep storytelling, tight combat, and strange alien landscapes, these five titles should keep you busy.

First up is "Returnal." This roguelike shooter on PS5 and PC drops you on an alien planet with a brutal time loop. Every death resets your run, but the gunplay feels incredible, and the eerie atmosphere sticks with you. It is hard, but fair, and the mystery of the protagonist unfolds slowly. It is the closest thing to a high-budget sci-fi thriller that rewards patience.

For those who prefer a slower burn, "Outer Wilds" is a masterpiece of exploration. You are a tiny astronaut in a tiny solar system that explodes every 22 minutes. The trick is learning why. There is no combat, just pure curiosity and clever puzzle design. The sense of discovery is unmatched, and the ending will stay with you for weeks.

If you want something with more action and a strong narrative, "Mass Effect Legendary Edition" is the obvious pick. The trilogy lets you build your own commander and make choices that ripple across three games. The galaxy is huge, the companions are memorable, and the final mission in the third game still feels epic. It is a time sink, but a rewarding one.

On the horror side, "Dead Space" (the 2023 remake) delivers pure dread. You are an engineer on a mining ship overrun by necromorphs. The zero-gravity sections are tense, and the sound design is terrifying. It is more linear than the others, but the atmosphere is dense and claustrophobic. If you want a sci-fi game that makes your heart race, this is it.

Finally, "Prey" (2017) is a hidden gem that deserves more attention. You wake up on a space station under attack by shape-shifting aliens. You can fight, sneak, or use your powers to turn into a coffee mug. The level design is brilliant, and the story twists in unexpected ways. It rewards creative thinking and offers a lot of freedom.

All five games are available on modern consoles or PC. They each offer something different, but they all share that sense of wonder and danger that "Intergalactic" promises. So pick one, get comfortable, and let the wait for Naughty Dog's next masterpiece feel a little shorter.