The Callisto Protocol

 PlayStation 5
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1069 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 615 out of 1069
  2. Mixed: 212 out of 1069
  3. Negative: 242 out of 1069
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  1. OakToastedNut
    Sep 7, 2023
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Callisto Protocol delivers exactly what it was marketed as, which wasn't much but I still had fun. I finished the game at just under 7 hours which is about the usual length other survival horror games take to run through and it delivers on fun combat, great atmosphere, and stunning visuals. The story is safe, but I found myself invested enough to want to see it through and find out what was happening at Black Iron. The characters and performances were great, although I would've liked a bit more of Sam Witwer's character as he feels underutilized here. My biggest "flaw" with the game would be that it is not scary, like at all. I would describe it as more of a thriller where the only attempts at trying to establish that fear factor are through expected jump scares and great sound design/atmosphere that works to build tension, but at a certain point you feel powerful enough with Jacob's arsenal that there's no real threat that you won't be able to overcome. I personally enjoyed that feeling though, being ready to conquer whatever was thrown at me next and survive. Overall, Callisto doesn't push the survival horror genre forward in any impactful way, but it's a good addition and I'm glad that it exists. I had a good time and was thoroughly entertained the whole way through. I hope the game does well despite the mixed reception as I very much enjoyed this game as a survival horror fan. Although a lack of content at launch did hurt its replay value and it was a hard sell given it's a 7 hour game being charged at $70.

    UPDATE: Dropping my score from a 7 to a 6. The story expansion, which I've forgotten the name of, is the biggest slap on the face to fans of Callisto. Going through the main story just to end up a cripple and get blown up is one of the most unsatisfying conclusions to a video game I've ever experienced.    … Expand
  2. Traumvita
    Sep 6, 2023
    7
    Biggest problem with this game is that it tries to make the story and characters important when they’re all pretty lame. Besides that I found the game to be a solid experience. Visuals are one of the best I’ve ever seen in a game. Gameplay is solid yet repetitive at times. I enjoyed several of the segments throughout the game and it has a genuine sense of fear and tension. Game was soBiggest problem with this game is that it tries to make the story and characters important when they’re all pretty lame. Besides that I found the game to be a solid experience. Visuals are one of the best I’ve ever seen in a game. Gameplay is solid yet repetitive at times. I enjoyed several of the segments throughout the game and it has a genuine sense of fear and tension. Game was so close to being above and beyond but just does a few things wrong. Would recommend around max $40.… Expand
  3. ThePi3dPiper
    Aug 29, 2023
    7
    Good game ruined by poor mechanics, slow pacing, and frustrating enemies.
    The dark immersive design concept and look and feel of the game really drew me in and I did mostly enjoy the playthrough. However the level layout and repetitiveness left a lot to be desired. One example is the dreaded 'crawl through this vent' and' shimmy through this narrow gap' as a sort of held back level    Good game ruined by poor mechanics, slow pacing, and frustrating enemies.
    The dark immersive design concept and look and feel of the game really drew me in and I did mostly enjoy the playthrough. However the level layout and repetitiveness left a lot to be desired. One example is the dreaded 'crawl through this vent' and' shimmy through this narrow gap' as a sort of held back level loader. This was constant and regularly broke the immersion for me. I did however enjoy the overall story.    … Expand
  4. BradMorgan
    Jul 31, 2023
    7
    The Callisto Protocol is a wonderfully atmospheric linear rollercoaster that almost feels like an old school game. It is not too much but just enough. Until….you've played 2/3 of the game. It seems as if the developers suddenly thought, let's make impossible fights regardless of the difficulty. It results in exposing all the game's flaws. Save points that are not planned well, alwaysThe Callisto Protocol is a wonderfully atmospheric linear rollercoaster that almost feels like an old school game. It is not too much but just enough. Until….you've played 2/3 of the game. It seems as if the developers suddenly thought, let's make impossible fights regardless of the difficulty. It results in exposing all the game's flaws. Save points that are not planned well, always short of credits, ammo, health, the combat that falls short with more and stronger enemies and so on. The result is mainly irritation and a bitter taste of the game in general. It is a shame since it is mostely an adventure that is fun to go through.

    In conclusion, it is a fun game with major flaws. Yet it is worth your time if you can get it with a discount.

    Pros:
    - Atmosphere - Hack and Slash
    - Graphics Cons:
    - Leveling system with credits
    - Combat is far from perfect - Difficulty end stages of the game are out of proportion - Level design is repetitive    … Expand
  5. phoenix_prjct
    Jul 19, 2023
    5
    Final Thoughts:

    The Callisto Protocol is undoubtedly the spiritual successor to the Dead Space series, but it sadly won’t set the genre on fire in the same way. Solid if bland plots and characters are buoyed by an immersive atmosphere, and a brutally unforgiving focus on melee feels tactful and crunchy, making The Callisto Protocol a fresh IP and an incredibly visceral game (sorry).    Final Thoughts:

    The Callisto Protocol is undoubtedly the spiritual successor to the Dead Space series, but it sadly won’t set the genre on fire in the same way. Solid if bland plots and characters are buoyed by an immersive atmosphere, and a brutally unforgiving focus on melee feels tactful and crunchy, making The Callisto Protocol a fresh IP and an incredibly visceral game (sorry).

    Review Update:

    So, after multiple replays, several increasing difficulties, and various DLC (one of which kills any potential future for the property), I felt compelled to do something I’ve never done before: change my rating and update a review…
    The Callisto Protocol has its potential, but, the more I play, the more frustrated I get. There are moments where just as I feel like I’m enjoying myself, the game reminds me that it doesn’t actually want me to play it. In fact, its biggest issue is just that, so much control is taken from the player. If you’re not shimmying through a tight space, you’re crawling through yet another vent; if the combat isn’t glitching, you’re forced into a ‘cinematic’ grab; and, until recently, if you weren’t doing any of the above, you were in an unskippable cutscene. Too much playtime consists of, well, very little actual playtime.
    In my original review, I focused on how from the atmosphere, setting, and aesthetics The Callisto Protocol is undoubtedly the spiritual successor to Dead Space, but it’s almost as if the game realises this and tries to pivot violently the other way, leaving a confused and messy horror that tries too hard to force an experience only to, sadly, avoid one entirely.

    For an in-depth look and more reviews, visit my site: https://thephoenixprjct.com    … Expand
  6. andnotmetoo
    Dec 8, 2022
    5
    changed my mind, and after couple days, after releasing some normal games on ps5 - this one looks like demo project, I am not hater, just clarifying gameplay is poor.
  7. FeoGamer
    Jun 24, 2023
    5
    Juego corto con final abierto para luego terminar de venderte la historia en un DLC
    Jugabilidad tosca que cuando hay más de un enemigo se siente injusta
    Doblaje al español dessincronizado
    Sólo destaca en la ambientación
  8. kNuSpErKoPf
    Jun 2, 2023
    6
    What is wrong with this game?!
    I played this game a few weeks after release because I wanted to wait for the user ratings on steam. The people said it's too bad for what it's cost. So I had to try myself. And now I know what they mean.

    The Story is Just „okay" a 7/10
    The graphics are „fantastic" 10/10 beautiful
    The fighting system is „...” a 0/10

    Don't buy this for the full price pls.
  9. GiammarcoIbba
    May 13, 2023
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Would honestly give it 6.5, but since my expectations were below the unimaginable (never heard of the game before tragic reviews) and I had fun playing it, I’ll edge towards 7. Easy plot with repetitive enemies, and a solid boss fight, hope they’ll do a better joke with the second chapter… Expand
  10. WellEvil
    May 8, 2023
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is a bunch of ideas mixed together with neither head nor feet. A type of game that seems impressive when you read or hear about it, but falls flat when you actually get down to playing it.… Expand
  11. EugeneB21
    Apr 30, 2023
    7
    Крепкий среднячек с хорошей графикой. Импакт есть, сюжета нет. В целом на распродаже можно взять и поиграть пару вечеров.
  12. Fran_Dirdam
    Apr 22, 2023
    7
    Es un juego tratado injustamente. La fecha de salida y el pase de temporada lastran mucho porque salió a la vez prácticamente que Dead space Remake y pagar 30€ extras por ropita y animaciones es lamentable, pero el juego en si está muy bien, y los defectos que le ponen en mecánicas y enemigos no son para tanto y me parece que encajan muy bien con la historia en sí y tampoco el tema deEs un juego tratado injustamente. La fecha de salida y el pase de temporada lastran mucho porque salió a la vez prácticamente que Dead space Remake y pagar 30€ extras por ropita y animaciones es lamentable, pero el juego en si está muy bien, y los defectos que le ponen en mecánicas y enemigos no son para tanto y me parece que encajan muy bien con la historia en sí y tampoco el tema de esquivar ataques en cuerpo a cuerpo es practica, porque es muy sencillo. Los gráficos son de lo mejor así como las animaciones y transiciones.Si me gustaría una segunda parte en esta línea y puliendo cosas en la gestión de inventario y algunas cosas así. Definitivamente me gustaría que se convirtiera en una franquicia. Dale una oportunidad si es que estas dudando.… Expand
  13. Evgeni_M
    Apr 19, 2023
    7
    very atmospheric beautiful project, I enjoyed it a lot, I hope this is not the last game of the studio, I wish you good sales and find a good publisher.
  14. Jediskills
    Mar 26, 2023
    6
    The visuals are great, the plot is ok. It’s quite linear which I’m fine with. However the controls are clunky and can get frustrating at times. It got better as you unlock better weapons but not a game I would recommend to buy full price.
  15. Rami_el_maton
    Mar 25, 2023
    5
    Es un juegazo, tiene unos gráficos y sonido impresionantes, la historia es interesante y la jugabilidad está bastante bien.
    No entiendo tantq crítica, es un juego lineal pero muy bien hecho.

    Cuál es el problema??
  16. LANteRem
    Mar 8, 2023
    7
    The graphics, sound and story are great, really no complaints. The facial rendering is one of the best in the industry. On the other hand, the game mechanics and the replayability and predictability of the opponents are sub-par. The animations take too long (e.g. healing or reloading) and most of the time lock the player into a single action (inability to cancel out swings). Also, it makesThe graphics, sound and story are great, really no complaints. The facial rendering is one of the best in the industry. On the other hand, the game mechanics and the replayability and predictability of the opponents are sub-par. The animations take too long (e.g. healing or reloading) and most of the time lock the player into a single action (inability to cancel out swings). Also, it makes no sense not to allow cinematics to be skipped, given that the developers expect the game to be completed multiple times (e.g. new games+ and hardcore mode). All of that being said, The Callisto Protocol is the first game by these developers, and it's still fun horror experience.… Expand
  17. Kada_peka
    Feb 24, 2023
    5
    Very good then any other games like hallo i love it so much action and scary
  18. nauGie
    Feb 22, 2023
    6
    Adjusted my rating after the utterly boring and repetitive DLC trophies were released. I dunno if the goal of the developers was to make even their former fans hate the game in the end. Well, if that was their goal they might have succeeded.
  19. Reqtix
    Feb 17, 2023
    7
    Good Atmosphere, nice soundtrack, I like the game and the combat mechanics. But the Lipsynchronisation is awful, the story behind this game is okay, but not really catching. I played this game 3 times in 3 Days to complete Platin Trophy. You need at least 7 hours to finish the game once. Would recommend this game as a secondhand purchase, but not for the full release price.
  20. MoscowMega
    Feb 12, 2023
    7
    A game from the creators of the original Dead Space, Glenn Scofield. It was expected from her, at least, a similar horror as in the original game, and maybe even better. Although he personally did not play the original, The Callisto Protocol was interesting from the first trailer. And did not disappoint, looking ahead. Firstly, someone may think that a monotonous combat system with dodges,A game from the creators of the original Dead Space, Glenn Scofield. It was expected from her, at least, a similar horror as in the original game, and maybe even better. Although he personally did not play the original, The Callisto Protocol was interesting from the first trailer. And did not disappoint, looking ahead. Firstly, someone may think that a monotonous combat system with dodges, although it is so. And the further you go through the story, this system gets a little boring, although it is made in principle in an original way. Yes, even the whole game can be completed, almost, without firearms, using only melee weapons. But still, someone may get bored with these dodges. Second: the plot. In fact, he is not so brilliant, this has already been seen somewhere, heard, read, etc. Again, as you can guess from the trailers, prison, scientists, research, etc. But you hardly notice this flare during the passage, but you just go further and try to get out of this damn planet! On the PS5, by the way, there were no problems either in terms of FPS drawdown or from a graphical point of view. It played great. Here only duration still to increase a little. and so not chic, but a good Horror! Play clearly.… Expand
  21. rdonoso
    Feb 11, 2023
    5
    Gráficos salvam o jogo de uma nota ainda mais baixa. Roteiro péssimo, mecânicas ultrapassadas, ganchos ridículos. Um jogo vazio.
  22. jmartin94
    Feb 9, 2023
    6
    Great graphics, ok story, horrible combat. I had my hopes high for this game.. ☹️
  23. PaleNielsen
    Jan 31, 2023
    6
    It's an okay game not really that bad but I understand the complaints this game receives. I love the visuals, the gores, and the death sequences it's really good but It was never really scary. The combat is okay but repetitive and the camera is really bad I just hope they have just added a lock-on system or just make the character a little bit farther away from the screen. The weaponIt's an okay game not really that bad but I understand the complaints this game receives. I love the visuals, the gores, and the death sequences it's really good but It was never really scary. The combat is okay but repetitive and the camera is really bad I just hope they have just added a lock-on system or just make the character a little bit farther away from the screen. The weapon upgrade system is fun by how they add different parts to the weapon by printing it but they could have added more weapons to choose from because when I finish it, I only use 3 types. Also, they could have added more different types of enemies or added more boss battles with different designs. The story is okay just average. They kinda hinted that a sequel might happen by how the ending happened and I'll still play it if it comes but by how this was received by other people it might not come.… Expand
  24. Ghoster
    Jan 30, 2023
    6
    What exactly happend with this game ? Nobody was probably more excited about that than me with preorder day 1! As big Dead Space fan I thought that can't go wrong. A lot of tbhings are done wrong in this game. Fight is little too clanky. Hope they will learn and make next project better.
  25. Ares359
    Jan 28, 2023
    7
    An enjoyable game.
    Not as bad as some might say, but it could be better. Here's hoping that going forward there can be improvements.
  26. uncleblazer
    Jan 27, 2023
    5
    Best part of this game is the visuals. Looks amazing, but the gameplay leaves a lot to be desired. Combat just feels shallow. Story is ok didn't really hit with me. Actors were good they just didn't have the best material. For a new ip I was pretty excited but it never gave us something new or improved upon that Dead Space didn't already do. Wish the enemy and weapon variety was deeper toBest part of this game is the visuals. Looks amazing, but the gameplay leaves a lot to be desired. Combat just feels shallow. Story is ok didn't really hit with me. Actors were good they just didn't have the best material. For a new ip I was pretty excited but it never gave us something new or improved upon that Dead Space didn't already do. Wish the enemy and weapon variety was deeper to change up gameplay more. Apparently this cost a ton of money to make but I don't see where it went unless it cost all that money to make it look and sound great.… Expand
  27. Xzavinh
    Jan 27, 2023
    5
    The game is envolving, some moments are Very scary, but the story is generic and the dodge is lame, also the melee combat sucks. 6/10
  28. art1373
    Jan 25, 2023
    5
    Excellent cinematography and graphics.
    medicore story copied from other games
    awefull gameplay mechanics clearly waiting for the second part (Which I am not gonna buy cause #First_impression. and no depth of character at all.
  29. Rowualfo
    Jan 25, 2023
    7
    It's not a great game but it's not a bad game. I've had a pretty good time, although I think it would have been better if I had bought it at a sale.
  30. Guados
    Jan 20, 2023
    5
    After 3h of gameplay it looks still same. Combat is same and boring. + For graphics.
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 85 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 85
  3. Negative: 7 out of 85
  1. PLAY
    Feb 11, 2023
    40
    Repetitive survival horror that feels like a life sentence, The Callisto Protocol is as bereft of life as the harsh conditions of the moon on which it’s set. [Issue#23, p.70]
  2. MGG Spain
    Jan 26, 2023
    83
    Callisto Protocol makes some mistakes, but in general computing the good wins by far. It is true that it is somewhat angry to see that something with so much potential has not been fully squeezed, but what it offers is already much more than most. We trust that combat system that we have loved and its setting to make the game worthwhile and we would love to see a second installment.
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  3. Games.cz
    Jan 19, 2023
    80
    A visually beautiful sci-fi experience which, surprisingly, doesn’t resort to simply cloning Dead Space. The difficulty and the fear factor both don’t reach the heights I’d expect, however. A shame! It could have been extraordinary.
    Read full review
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