The Callisto Protocol

Press StartJames Berich

8/10

The Callisto Protocol is a modest starting point for what I hope will flourish into another heavy-hitting horror franchise. It's gory and gratuitous, with an endlessly satisfying combat system. But the lack of enemy variety scares, and surprises, even if engaging, stop it from being the horror game masterpiece it's trying to be. Despite all of its shortcomings, it's an immensely enjoyable romp that's left me desperate for more.

GGReconHarry Boulton

No summary available

GameSpewRichard Seagrave

8/10

Aside from one or two overly frustrating encounters, we’ve truly enjoyed our time with The Callisto Protocol. And over time, we’re sure it’s going to get better. This is a mighty debut for Striking Distance Studios, and we can’t wait to get our hands on an improved sequel or something entirely new from the studio in the future. We wholeheartedly recommended The Callisto Protocol to horror fans open to brutal close-combat encounters, but some might want to wait until features such as New Game Plus have been added and certain issues have perhaps been ironed out. With a solid update or two, it wi...

WayTooManyGamesKyle Nicol

7.5/10

Dead Space remains one of the greatest horror games of all time. A game that is equally both action-packed and terrifying, taking all the right notes from the amazing Resident Evil 4 and ramping it up to eleven. Dead Space 2 elevated this even further, with a more action-packed yet just as terrifying entry. The Callisto Protocol is from Dead Space creator, Glen Schofield, and some key members from that production team, so I’ve been keenly keeping my eye on this game for a while. I was reall...

Sirus GamingLeif Rey Bornales

7/10

We tell you, it’s a good game! It’s not average! It might have some problems here and there, but you have to admit it is a “Good” game.

MP1STPaulmichael Contreras

7/10

The Callisto Protocol is a good first shot at terrifying you in space. While not as scary as Dead Space, and lacking the same kind of satisfying combat, there is still fun to be had amidst the sometimes enragingly-unfair fights and odd story pacing. After just eight chapters, the adventure is over, as it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Things are also setup nicely for a sequel, should sales meet or exceed expectations, so with any luck Striking Distance will have another chance to deliver a more refined adventure that truly terrifies us.

Capsule ComputersTravis Bruno

6/10

The Callisto Protocol offers some meaty melee combat and is one of the best looking games around but its poor story, lack of scares, and other issues will leave fans wanting.

DestructoidChris Carter

6/10

If Callisto Protocol was able to get out of its own way (and was less glitchy at launch), it probably would have been an even bigger hit. If they’re aiming for a follow-up I hope they take a lot of the criticism to heart, because there’s something here.

Impulse GamerNathan Misa

The Callisto Protocol is a survival horror game that, on paper, sounds like a winning combo.

SiliconeraKazuma Hashimoto

4/10

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. To survive, Jacob must battle his way to safety to escape Black Iron Prison, while uncovering the dark and disturbing secrets buried beneath the surface of Callisto. Using a unique blend of shooting and close-quarters combat, Jacob will need to adapt his ...

GameWatcherNick Akerman

4/10

The Callisto Protocol is one of the year’s biggest letdowns. It is joyless, contrived and feels unfinished, as if the studio rushed it out prior to Dead Space Remake’s launch on January 27, 2023. Like Black Iron itself, I can’t help but feel the project was abandoned at some point. It feels so wrong for a game that looks and sounds this great to be so devoid of spark and quality control. It’s fitting that after traversing every tight nook and cranny, the only feeling left once the cre...

Video ChumsA.J. Maciejewski

4/10

Survival horror games come in all shapes and sizes and The Callisto Protocol provides a promising take on the genre so let's get to it.