I’m not a massive fan of comparing a game for the sake of it. Normally, I can appreciate influences without prejudice. Consequently, I’ve been disappointed when I read other reviews for The Callisto Protocol. Many gamers have bemoaned its core concept and fighting mechanics. Furthermore, they state it’s the poor relative to Dead Space. However, I can’t entirely agree.
I can, of course, see the resemblance, and I appreciate the thought process, but I certainly can’t entirely agree with their conclusion. Instead, I think this gory and story-rich endeavour is atmospheric, brutal, and horrific. As such, I enjoyed it on many levels, and won’t be comparing it to the phenomenal Dead Space series, for the most part, anyway.
Developed by Striking Distance Studios and published by KRAFTON, Inc, this is a horror-adventure title. What’s more, it has some puzzle elements, grim combat, and an amazing cast of actors. As such, it is a captivating tale that hooks you from the very beginning.
The Callisto Protocol is a bleak vision of our future.
Fantasy games with a bleak outlook fill me with dread. The modern era is bad enough. Yet, when you hear tales of zombies, mutants, and mankind’s downfall, I think maybe we’re doing alright after all. Thereupon, The Callisto Protocol drags you through a grim version of humanity’s battle with existence. Instead of peace and harmony, our greedy and destructive traits get the better of us. Subsequently, humans must abide by some strict laws, and failure to do so lands you in deep shit.
This is exactly what happens in The Callisto Protocol. You control Jacob Lee, who is a pilot with a dodgy side hustle. Sadly, this ropy interest gets him into serious trouble, and his life gets flipped upside down. Accordingly, his freedom is taken, and he becomes an inmate of the cruel and grim Black Iron Prison. While serving his time, strange things happen. The prisoners become ill as they mutate into unrecognisable beasts. As the outbreak occurs, the prison’s high-tech security fails, and all hell breaks loose. Consequently, Jacob must fight for his life while uncovering the deepest and darkest secrets of Jupiter’s dank moon.
Exploration and lore.
The plot of this horror title is unbelievably incredible as it is held together by some fantastic key components. The gameplay unfolds in a strictly linear fashion. Now, this may seem small-minded, but in this case, it works well. The funnelled style creates a tense atmosphere that will make you jump. Of course, the developers have relied on some familiar and almost tacky jump scares, but it matters not. With face huggers to avoid, tentacle beasts, and hulking creatures, it is overwhelmingly unnerving.
Alongside this, the hidden voice recordings add depth while padding out the story. Therefore, much of the plot feels voyeuristic and surreal. This was incredible, as it enhanced both the drama and the tension. What’s more, the audio bites unveiled hidden truths and fragments of each character’s personality.
Upgrades and combat
These elements were great, but the upgrade system and combat mechanics were better, still. I adored how the developers incorporated a tough but fair learning curve. As the game progresses, you’ll face a larger and more challenging roster of abominations. Accordingly, you will need weapons and combat skills to take them down. Thankfully, The Callisto Protocol has a progression system that can be tailor made for your play style. Whether you enjoy hand-to-hand combat, gunplay, or advanced tech, the options are all there.
Alongside this, improving and unlocking the new gear is as easy as gathering credits and advancing the story. As you do these things, you’ll find new gear that you can pay to improve. You’ll discover guns, electric poles, a crazy stun glove, and more. These new tools enhance your arsenal of moves and turn you into a badass killing machine.
Talking of combat, I’m going to have to mention Dead Space. I know I promised I wouldn’t, but the slick movement and definitive timing mechanics are unbelievably similar. Furthermore, the gruesome decapitation and bone-crunching blows will make you wince. However, its timing is too generous, and this undermines the difficulty. I would have liked this to be tightened up to make it more hardcore and rewarding.
The Callisto Protocol is stunning.
A gruesome and bloody title shouldn’t be beautiful. However, The Callisto Protocol is morbidly intriguing. Whether you are creeping past monsters, crawling through vents, or exploring vast spaces, it never gets old. Moreover, the animation is buttery smooth, the violence will make your skin crawl, and the variety of monsters is incredible. Consequently, Striking Distance Studios has tackled the eerie and uncomfortable elements of horror without being clichéd. On top of this, the cinematic is jaw-dropping and unmissable.
If I was to complain, I’d say there is a reliance on a familiar stage design. Sadly, the developers have a rigged formula that holds the action back. Unfortunately, there are an awful lot of vents to crawl through, claustrophobic spaces to navigate, and boxes to vault. As such, you soon beg for a change of pace and approach.
This aside, I couldn’t fault the incredible audio. Your blood will chill as each monster snarls, growls, and screams in your direction. Furthermore, the drip of water, crackle of electricity, and thud of footsteps get your heart pumping. This is before you consider the incredible soundtrack and awesome acting. Every cinematic is performed perfectly as the gruff protagonist contemplates his fate. Moreover, the phenomenal soundbites add depth and drama to the horrific plot.
Responsive controls.
When a game relies on reactions to succeed, it needs responsive controls. Fortunately, thanks to the excellent UI and controller layout, The Callisto Protocol is superb to play. I loved flitting between each weapon, utilising each ability, and dodging every monster. However, my complaint, as mentioned earlier, about dodging each enemy is valid. Though it is enjoyable and entertaining, it is far too easy.
A linear game limits its replay value and longevity. At around 15 to 20 hours of action, this isn’t the longest of titles. What’s more, a lack of an NG+ mode is disappointing. Yet, the developers are working on free content for 2023 and a New Game + option is in the pipeline. Other than this, the collectables and the enhanced difficulty options are the key reason to return.
The Callisto Protocol is a wonderful but horrific experience.
No matter how much it tries, The Callisto Protocol will be forever compared to Dead Space. This isn’t entirely unfair, but it should be enjoyed on its merits. I adored the gruesome combat, the atmospheric setting, its incredible audio, and the amazing visuals. But I was frustrated by its simple combat and the familiar level design. However, these issues shouldn’t put you off an otherwise excellent game. Accordingly, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you uncover the dark secrets and survive? Explore, fight, and unravel the unnerving mystery on Jupiter’s dankest moon.
