The Callisto Protocol (PS5)
Reviewed on PlayStation 5
The Callisto Protocol is a highly anticipated single-player survival horror game. Developed by Striking Distance Studios and published by Krafton. It was directed by Glen Schofield, who had previously co-created the Dead Space series. Callisto’s release trailers were reminiscent of Dead Space (a fan favorite), and with Schofield, at the helm, it rightfully had high expectations.
Welcome To Black Iron Prison
The game starts with you waking up in Black Iron Prison amidst a Riot while the whole establishment is falling apart. Callisto Protocol boasts the power of the new Unreal Engine 5. With amazing graphics and sound design, I was immersed immediately and ready to escape my newfound prison.
Once you begin your escape from Black Iron Prison the game introduces you to a weapon and combat mechanics. The combat feels smooth but very shallow and repetitive. Unfortunately, the game’s combat system does not expand later in the game except for a few guns and a gravity tool. Even with the addition of these new weapons, the combat does not progress past “dodge left, dodge right, attack, repeat”. While shallow, the combat was cinematic enough to keep me engaged for most of my playthrough.
“Lost”
Throughout the story you have to navigate a complex Black Iron Prison without any handholding from the game. It’s easy to get lost in the dimly lit hallways with multiple directions to progress. However, Callisto Protocol’s design allows it to be traversed intuitively without the need for the usual onscreen markers or a map. There were times I felt lost when going through optional routes but not often. It was a pleasant surprise that this game was not as linear as advertised.
Exploring Black Iron Prison
While trying to find your way out of the prison you encounter many enemies. However, it’s not a diverse pool of enemies, they all fight and look the same with some minor differences. There is a lack of significant boss fights which left me disappointed. In exploring Black Iron Prison you encounter notes and voice recordings from dead guards, doctors, and miners. I found this style of lore delivery & world-building a tad lazy. With that said, the main story was great and so were the main characters you meet throughout the game.
Redemption Protocol: The Story
The Callisto Protocol got a lot of criticism on release, and while some was fair even for my copy (shallow combat, short story, & a lack of enemy diversity) the performance issues on PS5 from my first run were non-existent. On PS5 the game ran great with no issues.
As a horror game, it nailed it.
Striking Distance Studios did a great job of building suspense and making the player uncomfortable while navigating their prison. I was tense the whole time and every unexpected jump scare got me.
While lacking in some gameplay areas, Callisto had a great story which I believe did not get enough praise. The Callisto Protocol had no shortage of plot twists and had me on the edge of my seat wanting to uncover what exactly happened in Black Iron Prison. Who caused the riot? What was the origin of the infection and what was their intended goal? The writing was spectacular in this game and a driving force for reaching the credits.
“Return To Black Iron Prison.”
Striking Distance Studios has announced that Callisto will receive an update in February 2023 with a new game+, a hardcore mode, and a 6-month season pass. There is still more information to be released on what content will be included in the season pass.
What we do know is that there will be additional story content. If they can pair the new story content with new gameplay mechanics to diversify the combat, they could change the bad rep they got on release.
CALLISTO PROTOCOL (PS5)
FINAL SCORE: 7/10
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