The Callisto Protocol Gameplay Revealed Ahead of December Release

Horror has been redefined, and it's on Callisto

The Callisto Protocol Featured Image

Developer Striking Distance Studios spared no time in reminding us that the legacy of Dead Space is alive and well through its latest trailer for The Callisto Protocol. And one can see all the brutal deaths and dismemberment in this exclusive gameplay first look at the game.

Oh, did we mention the Callisto Protocol is coming out on December 2nd, 2022? That’s plenty of time to get your fill of space horrors before the Dead Space Remake comes out.

About The Callisto Protocol

Set on Jupiter’s “dead moon” Callisto in 2320, The Callisto Protocol is the story of Jacob Lee, an inmate at Black Iron Prison who must fight for his life when a mysterious outbreak throws the moon into chaos. Prison guards and inmates are mutating into monstrous creatures called Biophage, and Jacob must battle to survive the horrors of Black Iron and uncover the dark secrets of the United Jupiter Company.

Speaking to PlayStation Blog, Glen Schofield (Creator of Dead Space), shares what the team did to bring the Callisto Protocol to life.

Horror starts with atmosphere.  Callisto is an oppressive world that feels desolate, isolated, and puts players on edge. We spend a ton of time designing the lighting to create a sense of dread and keep players guessing about what’s in the shadows.

The Callisto Protocol Trailer Capture 01

We also take full advantage of PS5’s 3D Audio capabilities and leverage acoustic ray tracing, diffraction, and portaling to fully immerse players in the world.  From the monstrous sounds of Biophage echoing down long dark hallways, to the ambient whirring of broken prison machinery, audio is a huge feature in making players feel trapped, isolated, and alone.

We also obsess over building and releasing tension. You can’t have jump scares around every corner.  Sometimes we space scares out to give players time to catch their breath, and sometimes we hit them with two or three scares in a row.  We want your heart to race with every tick of the PS5’s awesome haptics. From the satisfying swing of Jacob’s stun baton, to the heavy footsteps of a massive enemy, the PS5 helps us make players feel every moment of the pulse-pounding tension.

The Callisto Protocol Trailer Capture 02

What would a horror game be without brutality?  Striking Distance Studios has designed a strategic combat system that forces players to get up close and personal with our horrifying creatures.  We seamlessly blend melee combat and gunplay with a unique gravity weapon called the GRP.

Black Iron guards use the GRP to control the prison population, but it also allows Jacob to get creative in how he battles the Biophage.  Players can freeze a rushing enemy in their tracks, or even throw Biophage into a nearby turbine fan or environmental hazard to escape a seemingly dire situation.

What is the Callisto Protocol Release Date?

The Callisto Protocol comes out around the world on Xbox Series, PS4, PS5, and PC on December 2nd, 2022.

Make sure to pre-order the game on the PlayStation Store to receive a special Contraband Pack to help give Jacob a fighting chance against the unspeakable horrors of Black Iron Prison.

Source: PlayStation Blog