By Dean Moses
Game: The Callisto Protocol
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Rating: M for Mature
Cost: $69.99
Last month, Developer Striking Distance Studios released the much-anticipated survival horror action game The Callisto Protocol. This new Sci-fi outing is very similar to the 2008 series, Dead Space, in terms of gameplay and mechanisms (like the health bar) but, it is not a sequel. However, fans of the Dead Space series will find themselves enraptured by the creepy and extremely gross and gory Callisto environment thanks to a deadly disease infecting its inhabitants.
Story
Players are immersed into a Sci-fi horror created by video game artist Glen Schofield, where they must plot their escape from Black Iron Prison. Set in 2320 on Jupiter’s moon Callisto, a virus has infected the prisoners transforming them into monsters. Gamers follow protagonist, Jacob Lee, a cargo pilot who was wrongfully imprisoned and must now fight his way to freedom. The compelling narrative is enhanced by the stellar voice acting of Lee, voiced by Josh Duhamel (known for his role in Transformers) and his comrade Dani Nakamura played by Karen Fukuahara (known for Suicide Squad and the Boys). As the story unfolds, Lee learns that a cult may be the culprits behind the virus, thanks to blood covered messages sprawled across the walls with directions on how to kill the infected monsters.
GamePlay
The Callisto Protocol is hauntingly spectacular graphically with jump scares lurking around each gory corridor. Prisoner corpses line the floors and dangle from the walls, as Lee struggles to squeeze through confined spaces and hurtle past foes. This third-person outing puts you at the forefront of Lee’s battle for survival, showcasing every cut and ripped clothing. That being said, the game is no walk in the park. Aside from limited weapons to utilize as you make your escape, the tight spaces make you vulnerable to attacks so you must repeatedly dodge and block, and then strategically strike with your melee weapon.
Conclusion
Overall, The Callisto Protocol will provide a smashingly good time for gamers and fans of Sci-fi horror games and films. This iteration combines the futuristic horror from Dead Space, the nail-biting tension and jump-scares of Last of Us, and the action-packed combat of Resident Evil and Silent Hill.
