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The Callisto Protocol

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Callisto Protocol
Item: The Callisto Protocol
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Horror, Single Player

AvailableDec 2, 2022

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperStriking Distance Studios

Overview

In this narrative-driven, third-person survival horror game set 300 years in the future, the player will take on the role of Jacob Lee – a victim of fate thrown into Black Iron Prison, a maximum-security penitentiary located on Jupiter's moon, Callisto. When inmates begin to transform into monstrous creatures, the prison is thrown into chaos.

Elsewhere

7.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Callisto Protocol are quite varied. Some critics, such as Noisy Pixel and NME, express disappointment in the lack of character development and relatability of the protagonist. However, they also acknowledge that there are satisfying moments and big reveals that make the investment in the story worth it. Guardian mentions the presence of predictable power cuts, body horror, and evil conspiracies, which contribute to the revival of sci-fi horror elements in the game. The Independent highlights the setting of the game on Jupiter's moon turned prison colony and the unfolding of the story through personal accounts and the history of the moon's inhabitants. Dexerto and KeenGamer appreciate the simplicity and enjoyment of the story, with surprising twists and fun characters. Gfinity also mentions that the story explores themes of corporate greed, human degeneracy, and morality, and teases a long-running franchise in the third act. On the negative side, critics such as Power Unlimited, CGMagazine, NME, Slant Magazine, Softpedia, Game Informer, VG247, Screen Rant, TheXboxHub, and Easy Allies express various criticisms of the story. These include a slow start, lack of engagement, uninteresting and uninspired narrative, lack of originality, lack of depth, predictable and cliché plot, and a rushed dump of information in the final hour. VG247 also points out that the game lacks the lean focus of its inspirations and comes off as overbearing and frustrating. Screen Rant mentions that the narrative feels like a familiar plague story told in a familiar style, with interruptions to superficially extend the journey. Game Informer specifically mentions the lack of a satisfying conclusion to Jacob's story. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the intriguing and enjoyable aspects of the story, such as Dexerto, KeenGamer, and God is a Geek, others find it lacking in various areas, such as character development, engagement, originality, and depth. The presence of satisfying moments, big reveals, and captivating atmosphere is acknowledged by Noisy Pixel, Guardian, and GAMES.CH. However, the negative aspects mentioned by multiple critics cannot be ignored, indicating that the story of The Callisto Protocol falls short in certain areas.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions about The Callisto Protocol's story. Some praise its satisfying moments and big reveals, while others criticize its lack of character development and originality. The game's setting on Jupiter's moon turned prison colony and themes of corporate greed and morality are noted positively. However, criticisms include a slow start, uninteresting narrative, and a rushed conclusion. Overall, the story's strengths and weaknesses divide critics' opinions, leaving the game with a mixed reception.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of The Callisto Protocol are varied, with some positive and negative aspects highlighted. In terms of positives, the gameplay is praised for its intense and visceral combat, with a focus on melee combat and utilizing the environment to defeat enemies. Critics such as GameSpew and Dexerto appreciate the robust combat system, which includes dodging, blocking, and powerful attacks. The use of different weapons and abilities, as mentioned by Guardian, adds innovation to the combat experience. The game also offers a risk/reward system for resource management, as mentioned by The Independent. Additionally, the ability to customize weapons and gear, as mentioned by Dexerto, adds depth to the gameplay. However, there are several negative aspects of the gameplay that critics have pointed out. One common criticism is the repetitive nature of encounters and gameplay elements. Critics like Noisy Pixel and Slant Magazine mention that combat can become tiresome and repetitive, with encounters playing out the same way. The combat mechanics, while easy to understand, can also become tiresome, as mentioned by Noisy Pixel. The boss monsters are criticized for being bullet sponges and having one-hit kill attacks, as mentioned by Guardian. The difficulty spike in the second half of the game is also mentioned as a negative aspect by Guardian. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of The Callisto Protocol has its strengths and weaknesses. While the combat system and intense action are praised by some critics, the repetitive nature of encounters and gameplay elements is a common criticism. The game's reliance on melee combat and limited enemy variation, as mentioned by TheXboxHub, is also seen as a drawback. Additionally, issues with clunky movement, frustrating attack animations, and a lack of innovation in the gameplay mechanics are mentioned by critics such as Player 2 and KeenGamer. Despite these criticisms, some critics appreciate the unique aspects of the combat system, the risk/reward resource management, and the ability to utilize the environment to defeat enemies.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on The Callisto Protocol gameplay. Positive points include intense combat, innovative combat system, risk/reward resource management, and weapon customization. However, negative aspects include repetitive encounters, tiresome combat mechanics, bullet sponge boss monsters, and difficulty spikes. Overall, while some appreciate the combat system's uniqueness, others criticize the repetitive nature and lack of innovation in gameplay mechanics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of The Callisto Protocol have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers have praised the game for its stunning visuals, exceptional graphics, and attention to detail. Critics such as Guardian and GameSpew commend the game for its realistic character models and atmospheric environments, showcasing the capabilities of next-gen consoles like the PS5. The game's graphics are described as gorgeous, with Softpedia noting that the visuals are crisp and GameSpace highlighting the great world-building and fitting ambiance for a horror title. TheXboxHub also mentions the next-gen look of the game, particularly in the exploration of the moon's surface. Overall, the positive opinions emphasize the game's immersive and visually stunning experience. However, there are a few criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of The Callisto Protocol. Some critics, like Power Unlimited and Game Informer, mention that while the graphics are praised, the game lacks world-building and the visual design can be underwhelming. Game Informer specifically highlights the lack of variety in death animations and frustrating gun animations. Slant Magazine also notes that while the game pays attention to small visual details, it falls short compared to more recent space horror games, feeling like overcompensation for other design flaws. These criticisms suggest that while the graphics are generally praised, there are some areas where the visual design could have been improved. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Callisto Protocol has impressive graphics and visual design. The majority of reviewers highlight the game's stunning visuals, realistic character models, and immersive atmosphere. Critics such as Noisy Pixel, The Independent, and Dexerto mention the impressive set design, tense situations, and chilling atmosphere created by the game's visuals. The positive feedback from multiple critics, including VG247 and ZTGD, further reinforces the notion that the graphics are a standout aspect of The Callisto Protocol. While there are some criticisms regarding aspects like world-building and variety in animations, the overall sentiment is that the graphics and visual design of the game are very good.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

SummaryBot, here's a TL;DR for the document: Critics mostly praise The Callisto Protocol for its exceptional graphics, stunning visuals, and immersive atmosphere, showcasing next-gen console capabilities. However, some criticize the lack of world-building and variety in animations, although the consensus is that the game's graphics are impressive overall.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of The Callisto Protocol received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. App Trigger praised the sound mixing, stating that it creates an eerie environment. COGconnected highlighted the low hums and skittering sounds that further build tension in the game. Gaming Age also commended the sound design, describing it as top-notch and capable of heightening the fear built by the environment. Softpedia and GameSpace echoed these sentiments, with Softpedia stating that the sound design is top-notch and GameSpace mentioning that the musical score and accompanying sounds enhance the horror experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there were a few criticisms regarding the sound design and music of The Callisto Protocol. Destructoid mentioned audio bugs and some intense dialogue that doesn't play properly, but still considered the overall sound design to be decent. However, these negative points were not emphasized by other critics, suggesting that they may be isolated incidents or minor issues that did not significantly impact the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of The Callisto Protocol are excellent. Screen Rant praised the outstanding sound design, mentioning menacing echoes and a tonally dark atmosphere. Easy Allies noted that the audio effectively immerses players in the game world, with creatures skulking around and popping out of vents to attack. God is a Geek described the sound design as excellent and a key factor in creating a tense and scary atmosphere. Dexerto and KeenGamer both highlighted the immersive qualities of the sound design, with Dexerto mentioning chilling tones and unsettling noises that encapsulate the horror vibe, and KeenGamer noting realistic squelching and buzzing sounds that enhance the overall experience. In conclusion, the sound design and music of The Callisto Protocol received high praise from critics. The majority of reviewers commended the immersive qualities, eerie atmosphere, and effective tension-building elements of the sound design. While there were a few minor criticisms mentioned, they did not detract significantly from the overall positive reception. The Callisto Protocol seems to have successfully utilized sound design and music to enhance the horror experience and create a truly immersive and terrifying game world.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise The Callisto Protocol for its exceptional sound design and music, creating an immersive and eerie atmosphere that enhances the horror experience. Despite some minor criticisms like audio bugs and intense dialogue issues mentioned by a few critics, overall reception remains overwhelmingly positive. The sound design effectively builds tension, with reviewers highlighting chilling tones, unsettling noises, and realistic sounds that contribute to a tense and scary atmosphere. The consensus is clear: The Callisto Protocol excels in utilizing sound design and music to deliver a truly terrifying and immersive gaming experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Callisto Protocol has received mostly positive reviews from the critics. Many critics praised the performances of the actors, particularly Josh Duhamel, Karen Fukuhara, and Sam Witwer. Softpedia, ZTGD, and God is a Geek all mentioned the great performances and the special nod to Karen Fukuhara, who gave a standout performance. App Trigger and COGconnected also highlighted the talent of the voice actors, with COGconnected specifically mentioning the strong performances that carry the narrative. The critics appreciated the likability and confidence in the performances, with Destructoid mentioning a confident performance by Josh Duhamel. The performances were described as talented, well done, and adding to the game by critics like App Trigger and ZTGD. While the majority of the reviews were positive, there were a few critics who had some negative feedback regarding the voice acting in The Callisto Protocol. Easy Allies mentioned that the characters felt like cliché archetypes due to the lack of character development, which somewhat diminished the impact of the solid performances. VG247, on the other hand, did not provide further details or evaluation of the Hollywood talent in the space suits, leaving their opinion on the voice acting somewhat unclear. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in The Callisto Protocol is strong and adds to the game. The performances were praised for being talented, likable, and well done. The established actors, such as Josh Duhamel, Karen Fukuhara, and Sam Witwer, were mentioned multiple times for their standout performances. The voice acting was seen as a positive aspect that contributed to the narrative and added to the mystery surrounding the events in the game, as mentioned by Dexerto. Despite some criticisms regarding character development, the overall sentiment towards the voice acting in The Callisto Protocol is positive.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics mostly praise the voice acting in The Callisto Protocol, highlighting standout performances by Josh Duhamel, Karen Fukuhara, and Sam Witwer. Some critics noted cliché character archetypes but overall, the talent of the voice actors was commended for adding to the game's narrative and mystery.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on PlayStation 5, the opinions of the critics are mixed. Some reviewers, such as Gfinity, praise the game for its stunning visuals and zippy load times. Easy Allies also note that the performance is stable, especially after recent patches. However, there are also several negative aspects mentioned by other critics. Noisy Pixel, NME, and GameSpew highlight issues with graphical oddities, performance hitches, and frustrating checkpointing. Gaming Age mentions broken checkpoints, misplaced mod stations, and weapon swapping problems. Screen Rant points out various technical issues, including harmless jumpscares triggering predictably and items disappearing into the floor. Despite these drawbacks, Dexerto and Easy Allies mention that they encountered next-to-no technical issues or only occasional framerate drops, respectively. On the PC platform, the technical performance of The Callisto Protocol seems to be more problematic. Softpedia describes the game as having major technical issues, such as performance drops, crashes, disappearing subtitles, and artifacts. GameSpace mentions issues with bad frame rates and slow movement, even with reduced graphics. Although patches have been released to address these problems, some issues still persist. This indicates that the PC version of the game has had a more troublesome technical performance compared to the PlayStation 5 version. When considering the overall consensus of the critics for all gaming platforms, it is evident that The Callisto Protocol has faced technical challenges across the board. While some reviewers, like Gfinity and Easy Allies, highlight positive aspects such as stunning visuals and stable performance after patches, the majority of critics mention various technical issues. These include graphical oddities, performance hitches, crashes, broken checkpoints, weapon swapping issues, frustrating checkpointing, and disappearing items. Softpedia's review specifically emphasizes major technical issues on the PC platform, while ZTGD notes bugs and glitches on Xbox Series X. Despite some positive aspects, the overall sentiment suggests that the technical performance of The Callisto Protocol falls short of expectations on all gaming platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of The Callisto Protocol. While some praise its visuals and stable performance on PlayStation 5, others highlight issues like graphical oddities, performance hitches, and frustrating checkpointing. The PC version faces more severe problems with performance drops, crashes, and disappearing subtitles. Overall, the game struggles with technical challenges on all platforms, falling short of expectations despite some positive aspects.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of The Callisto Protocol are mixed. Destructoid praises the game for its linear structure and hidden rooms, which provide some degree of freedom and replay value. This suggests that players may find enjoyment in exploring different paths and uncovering hidden secrets, enhancing the overall replayability of the game. Additionally, KeenGamer mentions that the unique death animations and simplistically vile horror gameplay may attract a dedicated community, indicating that there may be a niche audience who will find value in replaying the game to experience these elements again. However, there are several negative aspects of The Callisto Protocol that impact its replay value. Screen Rant criticizes the lack of a new game+ feature, which limits the incentive to replay the game after completion. This omission may disappoint players who enjoy revisiting the game with enhanced abilities or different starting conditions. Furthermore, Easy Allies highlights the limited exploration, cliché story, and forgettable firearms as factors that hold the game back from being truly great. These criticisms suggest that the lack of variety and depth in gameplay elements may deter players from wanting to replay the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a lower replay value for The Callisto Protocol. While Destructoid and KeenGamer acknowledge certain aspects that may attract players to replay the game, the criticisms from GameSpew, Screen Rant, and Easy Allies outweigh the positives. The absence of a new game+ feature, tedious gameplay, and uninspired story contribute to the perception that The Callisto Protocol may not offer a compelling experience for players to revisit. Additionally, God is a Geek mentions the scarcity of credits, which may hinder players from unlocking everything in a single playthrough, further reducing the replay value. As a result, it seems that The Callisto Protocol may struggle to provide significant replayability for a broader audience.

TL;DR

replay value

The Callisto Protocol receives mixed reviews on replay value, with some praising its hidden rooms and unique death animations, while others criticize the lack of a new game+ feature and uninspired gameplay elements. Overall, critics suggest that the game may not offer a compelling experience for replaying due to its limitations and shortcomings.

Overall Verdict

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Callisto Protocol has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from critics. Several reviewers praised the game for its graphics, sound design, and voice acting. App Trigger commended the game for its "amazing graphics and talented voice acting," while Dexerto described it as a "wonderfully exhausting exercise in futility" with compelling storytelling. TheXboxHub also acknowledged some good elements in the game, such as the unique and engaging melee combat and the alluring space to investigate in the Black Iron Prison. PC Games went as far as calling it the "horror game of the year" and a worthy spiritual successor to Dead Space. On the other hand, there were several criticisms directed at The Callisto Protocol. Some reviewers felt that the game lacked originality and failed to live up to the legacy of Dead Space. CGMagazine described it as "uninspired and hard to recommend," while Slant Magazine mentioned its lack of a compelling narrative and repetitive gameplay. Power Unlimited even went as far as calling it a "mediocre warm-up" for the Dead Space remake. Destructoid and Game Informer both raised concerns about technical issues and the game's potential being hampered by rushed development and underwhelming execution. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Callisto Protocol falls short of its potential. While it offers a decent survival horror experience with impressive visuals and sound design, it fails to deliver on originality and engaging gameplay mechanics. The lack of connection to the characters, repetitive gameplay, and technical issues were mentioned as significant drawbacks. However, some reviewers still found enjoyment in the game, particularly horror fans who appreciated its atmosphere and visuals. Easy Allies highlighted the unique and engaging melee combat, while God is a Geek praised the game's violent and brutal nature. Despite its flaws, The Callisto Protocol has its dedicated community and potential for improvement in future updates, as noted by GameSpew and KeenGamer.

TL;DR

The Callisto Protocol receives mixed reviews from critics, praised for graphics and voice acting but criticized for lack of originality and technical issues. While some see it as a decent horror game with potential, others find it falls short of expectations set by Dead Space. The game's unique melee combat and atmosphere have their fans, but its repetitive gameplay and disconnected narrative are notable drawbacks. Despite its flaws, there is hope for improvement in future updates according to some reviewers.

MONSTER

Reviews

214 reviews found

100

Dexerto

PlayStation 5

Dec 1, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Callisto Protocol is a wonderfully exhausting exercise in futility, constantly keeping the player on edge. The visual and sound design, along with the compelling story, make it a must-play for survival horror fans.

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PC Games

PlayStation 5

Dec 1, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Callisto Protocol is a worthy spiritual successor to Dead Space and the horror game of the year.

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Gfinity

PlayStation 5

Dec 1, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer loves The Callisto Protocol and considers it a great survival horror game. It has polished gameplay, engaging story, and terrifying scares. The reviewer had nightmares after playing the game, indicating its impact.

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GAMES.CH

Xbox Series X

Dec 1, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Callisto Protocol delivers a captivating atmosphere and impressive visuals, but suffers from repetitive gameplay sequences. Horror fans will find enjoyment in this game.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Dec 1, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Callisto Protocol is violent and brutal, with stunning visuals, but it's intimacy causes a few problems that are hard to be overlooked.

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KeenGamer

PlayStation 5

Dec 8, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Callisto Protocol is a wonderfully flawed gaming experience that shines as a simplistically vile horror game. It may not revolutionize the genre, but it has its own dedicated community.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Dec 13, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Callisto Protocol is a solid debut for Striking Distance Studios, with potential for improvement in future updates. Recommended for horror fans open to close-combat encounters.

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GameSpace

Dec 12, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Callisto Protocol has a compelling story, unique gameplay mechanics, great graphics and sound design, and solid voice acting. However, the technical performance issues on PC detract from the overall experience.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Dec 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Although it never reaches the heights of its predecessor's first two outings, it still offers a trembling trek through a terrifying detention center.

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Player 2

PlayStation 5

Dec 1, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Callisto Protocol falls short of recapturing the magic of Dead Space, with unstable foundations due to poorly implemented gameplay. However, the engaging story and impressive graphics and sound design make it worth experiencing.

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