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The Callisto Protocol sets its sights high, aiming to resurrect the spirit of classic survival horror with a modern cinematic polish. Developed by Striking Distance Studios and helmed by Glen Schofield (Dead Space co-creator), the game promises a spiritual successor to that franchise’s blend of body horror and claustrophobic terror. And while it delivers in atmosphere and presentation, it stumbles in some critical areas of gameplay and pacing.
Visually, The Callisto Protocol is a stunner. The game’s depiction of Black Iron Prison—a facility on Jupiter’s moon Callisto—is oppressive, grimy, and absolutely dripping with dread. Dynamic lighting and environmental detail are meticulously crafted. Flickering lights, claustrophobic hallways, and grotesque mutations lurking in the dark give the game a chilling cinematic quality. It’s one of the most visually polished horror titles in recent memory.

Gameplay and Combat is where things get more divisive. The Callisto Protocol leans heavily into melee combat, with a dodge-based system that’s both innovative and, at times, frustrating. The close-quarters brawling can feel satisfying when it works, but often becomes repetitive and punishing, especially as enemy encounters escalate without enough evolution in tactics or tools. The camera can be an issue in tight spaces, making some fights feel more clunky than terrifying.
Gunplay, while serviceable, takes a backseat to melee—sometimes to the detriment of pacing and strategy. The GRP (gravity weapon) is a standout, allowing players to hurl enemies into environmental hazards, and it provides some needed variety.
You play as Jacob Lee, a cargo pilot unwittingly caught in the middle of a horrifying outbreak. The story leans into mystery and slow reveals, though the narrative beats are often familiar for fans of the genre. Josh Duhamel and Karen Fukuhara provide solid performances, lending some emotional weight to what is otherwise a fairly straightforward sci-fi horror tale.
Unfortunately, character development feels shallow. The game introduces big ideas—corporate exploitation, bioengineering, and prison ethics—but doesn’t explore them deeply. What’s here is more about mood and survival than moral complexity.
What The Callisto Protocol does incredibly well is terror. Its sound design is masterful: distant groans, sudden shrieks, and the ever-present hum of machinery build a soundscape that constantly keeps you on edge. Jump scares are frequent, but they’re earned thanks to the oppressive tension and superb audio cues.
At launch, the game suffered from performance issues, especially on PC. Patches have since addressed many of these, but some technical hiccups may remain depending on your platform. On current-gen consoles, the game runs smoothly and looks phenomenal.
The Callisto Protocol is a gorgeous, gruesome, and atmospheric ride that succeeds in evoking dread and awe. Its visuals and sound design are among the best in the genre, but repetitive combat and underwhelming story elements prevent it from reaching the heights of its spiritual predecessor. It’s a solid entry for horror fans craving a dark, immersive experience—just be prepared for some rough edges.
Rating: 7/10