The Callisto Protocol
Most streamers rate The Callisto Protocol a tough sell.
15 streamer verdicts· Released 2022-12-02Independent creators only · sponsored coverage never counts
Streamer Verdicts
15 displayed
Our analysis
Dead Space spiritual successor with rough execution. Visuals impressive but gameplay doesnt match budget.
Our analysis
A decent-to-good sci-fi survival horror debut suffering from first-game syndrome: a solid foundation that needs refinement. It is gorgeous and photorealistic with impressive environments, though performance stutters badly on PC. The melee-and-dodge combat eventually clicks and feels rewarding, but lack of enemy variety, a generic story, and repetitive linear level design hold it back from the hype.
Our analysis
A disappointing wait-for-sale that betrays the Dead Space DNA it borrows from. The graphics are excellent, the HUD-less immersion is beautifully executed, and the grotesque death animations and slower, scarier moments shine, but a poorly conceived analog-stick dodge system buckles once encounters pile on multiple enemies. Uncreative early weapons, melee-first combat in a shooting-focused genre, and obvious loading-screen tricks make it heartbreaking rather than terrible.
Our analysis
An almost refreshingly bad Dead Space clone with all the original's interesting edges sanded down into generic creeping-through-dark-corridors fare. The poorly explained directional dodge feels random, slow weapon/heal/upgrade animations can't be interrupted or skipped and constantly disrupt combat, and unavoidable face-hugger ambushes plus a melee focus turn intended horror into pure frustration. A misguided, frustrating design that even ends on an unearned cliffhanger.
Our analysis
Intense horror-action with excellent combat and gore despite repetitive bosses and weak story.
Our analysis
Solid first entry in what Striking Distance hopes to be the next big horror franchise. Flawed but unique melee combat fights against terrifying foes, Black Iron Prison is alluring, and horrifying visual detail emphasizes tense encounters. Held back from being truly great by limited exploration, cliche story, and forgettable firearms.
Our analysis
3/10 from Angry Joe — beautiful graphics but gameplay fundamentals falter. Final boss and encounter design issues drop this below what Dead Spaces shadow deserves.
Our analysis
Dead Space-inspired survival horror with Chronicles of Riddick vibe. ~10 hours linear. Great visuals, immersive sound design, interesting level design. Combat is janky (slow melee, weird dodge, tight quarters vs. multiple enemies). Halfway through, scares wear off and repetitive mid-boss appears. Story is simple, not much payoff. Trial-and-error gameplay. Ends on anti-climactic final boss. PC version had major launch issues. Worth playing for genre fans, but wait on PC fix.
Our analysis
Visually stunning sci-fi horror with fun gameplay but repetitive save system and no cutscene skip options diminish experience; not worth full price for 12-15 hour campaign.
I didn't hate my time with it I had fun it just wasn't overall great
ultimately while the Callisto protocol is not without its charms Dead Space still treats it like it's a suspicious looking corpse and Stomps all over it
overall the Callisto protocol is a fantastic experience it is relatively short but the time I spent with it was engrossing and I feel the game justifies its price tag
it's a fun 9 to 10 hour experience that I'm glad I had
I still think you should play the Callisto protocol I think it's something worth experiencing at some point
About
- Released
- 2022-12-02
- Genre
- Shooter, Adventure
Creator Mentions · 4
GameSpot👎 negative
WatchOur analysis
The Callisto Protocol excels individually in art direction, sound design, and character performances, but its core elements work against each other. The melee-focused combat design of the opening gives way to frantic action in the latter half, failing to adequately commit to either horror or action and ultimately feeling like a generic third-person shooter rather than the survival horror experience it initially promised.
GmanLives😐 mixed
WatchOur analysis
A survival horror game with a strong story and visuals that mostly delivers on its premise, but is hampered by PC port issues, lack of new game plus, and repetitive design choices. Recommended for survival horror fans despite significant flaws.
Sheshounet👎 negative
WatchOur analysis
The Callisto Protocol has good atmosphere and attempts innovative combat, but suffers from minimal replay value, poor PC optimization, questionable DLC practices, and language bugs. The reviewer recommends forgetting about it and playing it much later, if at all.
The Sphere Hunter👎 negative
WatchOur analysis
A disappointingly linear third-person action game that fails to deliver on its survival horror premise. While technically polished with solid gunplay and melee mechanics, the game suffers from repetitive enemy design, lack of exploration, and a hollow story that leaves more questions than answers.
