The Callisto Protocol

 Xbox Series X
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 288 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 174 out of 288
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 288
  3. Negative: 72 out of 288
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  1. Jamiroquai
    Jan 15, 2023
    10
    Thanks for the real art and fresh air. Sooner or later such great games will disappear. God damn shame
  2. Stopthestodge
    Jan 11, 2023
    10
    I went into this game expecting a gruesome, difficult and spooky masterpiece and that is exactly what I got. It is one of the best looking games I have ever played with an engaging story that slowly reveals the mysteries of the well designed world without revealing too much as to still leave you with an essence of uncertainty that’s needed in this type of game. I rarely say this but II went into this game expecting a gruesome, difficult and spooky masterpiece and that is exactly what I got. It is one of the best looking games I have ever played with an engaging story that slowly reveals the mysteries of the well designed world without revealing too much as to still leave you with an essence of uncertainty that’s needed in this type of game. I rarely say this but I actually can’t wait for the DLC to explore more or this fantastic game!… Expand
  3. HoussamMechara
    Jan 27, 2023
    8
    played on Xbox series s , great graphics great story although it needed a 60fps mode , overall its a must play from a new title made by a new studio.
  4. username666872
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    Very atmospheric and solid game we need more games like this I am so tired of open world looting games.
  5. spawners
    Dec 5, 2022
    8
    Solid 8. I wasn't expected it to be 1:1 Dead Space clone and it isn't. Graphics are amazing, gameplay is good, audio is good too. Too bad that for now game is bugged and don't have any rt reflections, we need to wait for the patch. Also it needs NG+. But overall I can recommend it.
  6. HAWKB13
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    One of the best horror experiences of the last decade that isn't a remake of an older game.

    At first it's obvious that the team at Striking Distance Studios is made up of many of the original Dead Space devs. It borrows heavily from it but soon enough it becomes clear that The Callisto Protocol is its own beast with its own strengths and weaknesses. The game has a much bigger focus    One of the best horror experiences of the last decade that isn't a remake of an older game.

    At first it's obvious that the team at Striking Distance Studios is made up of many of the original Dead Space devs. It borrows heavily from it but soon enough it becomes clear that The Callisto Protocol is its own beast with its own strengths and weaknesses.

    The game has a much bigger focus on close up combat with an interesting dodging mechanic. Later one unlocks more and more ranged weapons too though.

    The graphics and sound design are on point and some of the best I have ever seen. Especially the facial animations are unbelievable.
    Talking about graphics, the gore is also extreme and brilliant.

    The story itself is a bit simple at first but the game gets a lot of world building and lore added later into the game. Characters also act pretty realistic compared to other games in the genre.

    Overall I can't say much negative about it except for that I wish it had a bit more enemy variety and more exploration. The horror elements are great but maybe get a bit diluted later on without many new enemy types.

    I give the game a 10/10 for being an amazing experience. It has amazing horror elements and manages to step out of Dead Space's shadow with many new and fresh ideas.    … Expand
  7. L3WDL0AF
    Dec 5, 2022
    8
    A wonderful game that reminds me of dead space the combat is amazing switching from shooting to melee feels so crisp and the lock on shot combo makes it easy to land shots for people that are bad at aiming plus there are a ton of accessibility options for people that need them would have been a 10/10 imo but the game isnt really scary about as scary as playing the last of us
  8. J1991julio
    Dec 4, 2022
    10
    People compare it too much to deadspace. But even if there is no new game+ new content coming and the game is fun. It reminds me of the old days. I'm tired of open world...i like a good game with levels and lots of violence. This a dope ass game
  9. spongehodor
    Dec 4, 2022
    10
    The game more than just Amazing! Graphics - a new level in games. Gameplay is nice and hardcore.
  10. Geheim
    Dec 4, 2022
    10
    Simplesmente incrível!O jogo superou minhas expectativas e espero que haja uma continuação.Pra quem é fan de dead space vai amar o game.
  11. Reed618
    Dec 6, 2022
    5
    This game was one of my most anticipated this year but honestly felt like a massive chore to play through despite only taking around 7 hours. Limited enemy variety, one mid boss that's reused three or four times, cool but long and unskippable death animations, uninteresting level design, very little character development or story and a strong focus on melee combat despite the the meleeThis game was one of my most anticipated this year but honestly felt like a massive chore to play through despite only taking around 7 hours. Limited enemy variety, one mid boss that's reused three or four times, cool but long and unskippable death animations, uninteresting level design, very little character development or story and a strong focus on melee combat despite the the melee system being very basic and uninteresting.

    Honestly makes me way more excited for dead space remake because the callisto protocol doesn't even come close to that series.    … Expand
  12. Ashura12
    Dec 4, 2022
    10
    Game is insane i want more more i want already calisto protocol sequel
  13. Kc01713
    Dec 3, 2022
    4
    XBox cant be so powerful yet perform so weak,this is buyer's remorse. As for the gameplay,is was repetitive and became boring after an hour of playing.
  14. el_ramon
    Dec 4, 2022
    9
    Not sure why some players and reviewers are giving a bad critic to this game. It‘s exactly what i expected, a splatter effect overloaded action game. Feels like Dead Space on Steroids. With the already announced free DLC i think 60 -70 bugs are very fair!
  15. Arturos
    Dec 3, 2022
    9
    Callisto protocol it's a masterpiece, for those who cry because we can't see our reflection in a mirror, seriously guys it's a survival game and not a beauty salon it's useless because there's more important to do than stand in front of a mirror, the combat mechanics are good and simple, I have a disability in my hands and I have no difficulty I even play with a normal controller I had theCallisto protocol it's a masterpiece, for those who cry because we can't see our reflection in a mirror, seriously guys it's a survival game and not a beauty salon it's useless because there's more important to do than stand in front of a mirror, the combat mechanics are good and simple, I have a disability in my hands and I have no difficulty I even play with a normal controller I had the choice of playing it on Playstation 5 but as I played for the first deadspace on Xbox 360 so I took the serie x version and I don't regret it, I recommend Callisto protocol only to the true fan of deadspace and survival games… Expand
  16. JimboBaggins
    Dec 3, 2022
    10
    Just going to get the first thing out of the way. This game is not Dead Space, while there are some mechanics that are similar this is a completely different game. With that said I highly recommend you go into this game with that in mind.

    I also played this game on an Xbox Series X via performance mode and through my play through it was almost flawless performance wise. It stuttered    Just going to get the first thing out of the way. This game is not Dead Space, while there are some mechanics that are similar this is a completely different game. With that said I highly recommend you go into this game with that in mind.

    I also played this game on an Xbox Series X via performance mode and through my play through it was almost flawless performance wise. It stuttered occasionally, but not often at all. Through my play through it only crashed once, but this game boots up and loads so fast that it did not bother me that bad. Also going through a modern AAA title at launch with it only crashing once seems like a great thing these days.

    I do understand that some platforms may have performance issues and you may want to wait until they are patched, but I highly recommend Xbox Series X on performance mode.

    With all of that out of the way, I am happy to say that I absolutely love this game! Yes it is hard on both normal and hard modes, but this is a survival horror game so you being fragile to the monsters in this game is something that I like.

    I have also seen people complain about the combat in this game since it is more melee based than shooting based. To me this is a lot of fun, and once you get through the learning curve of the melee based combat it becomes less frustrating and more exciting. Ammo in this game is also a rare resource, so it is not something you can just find and expect there to be plenty of. The level design, environment, lighting, and graphics are 100% where this game shines. It is absolutely both beautiful and disturbing (in a good way). One thing I kept recognizing throughout my play through was the cosmic horror designs of both the levels and the monsters. Everything about this game feels it was directly inspired by H.P. Lovecraft and I absolutely love it!

    I am not going to talk about any of the story as I enjoyed my blind play through and this is how I recommend playing this game. But I was absolutely hooked and interested on what was going on.

    In the end I give this game a 10/10, it is completely fantastic from start to finish and for everyone who loves survival horror I 100% recommend this game!    … Expand
  17. Buel
    Dec 6, 2022
    0
    Waste of money and faith, I played every Dead Space game back during their release even enjoyed Dead Space 3 even though others didn't, this games doesn't even come close to Dead Space, its actually infuriating that this is what they give back after all these years, still gonna buy Dead Space remake, but Callisto Protocol will get zero praise from me.
  18. richpena17
    Dec 5, 2022
    9
    Really enjoyed the game.

    Great atmosphere, graphics and sound design, possibly best I've seen in a long time. I do think it has survival horror elements but it is also action heavy. I don't get the hate towards combat, it feels heavy and intentional. Even with multiple enemies it feels strategic. Hit an enemy with melee, push another with telekinesis, shoot another one. Not every game    Really enjoyed the game.

    Great atmosphere, graphics and sound design, possibly best I've seen in a long time. I do think it has survival horror elements but it is also action heavy.
    I don't get the hate towards combat, it feels heavy and intentional. Even with multiple enemies it feels strategic. Hit an enemy with melee, push another with telekinesis, shoot another one. Not every game has to be Soulslike or God of War, regarding combat.

    The game is 10 to 12 hours long which I think is great for this type of game. Once again, not every title should be 30 - 50 hours long. I miss the times in which not all games had to have a gigantic scope.

    The only thing lacking at the moment is replayability. The game should have shipped with a New Game +. Feeling like a badass through a survival horror game by upgrading through various gameplays is something I really enjoy. The New Game + mode is shipping in February but should have been here Day One.

    Can't wait for a Playthrough in hardest difficulty and hope the Story DLC is interesting enough to warrant a buy.

    I really hope that this studio gets a chance to bring us a sequel of this game or other original IPs. I would hate if they don't get a chance to deliver a sequel which I'm sure would be much better taking in account all of the feedback and criticism.

    Once again, I really enjoyed my time with the game and can't wait to play some more.    … Expand
  19. mace8704
    Dec 4, 2022
    8
    Loved it, but left wanting more. Much more. It’s was a 12 hour experience for me, and I went out if my way to explore. No new game +. No ability to replay specific chapters. Just start over and do it again. Review below. The gameplay: People are exaggerating the dodge mechanic difficulty. It’s different but not bad or clunky. The enemies have very similar attack patterns which areLoved it, but left wanting more. Much more. It’s was a 12 hour experience for me, and I went out if my way to explore. No new game +. No ability to replay specific chapters. Just start over and do it again. Review below. The gameplay: People are exaggerating the dodge mechanic difficulty. It’s different but not bad or clunky. The enemies have very similar attack patterns which are relatively easy to predict with their animations. You will be required to dodge if you don’t this game will be extremely difficult. Pro tip: upgrade the baton to be able to break an enemies arm if they block. The guns hit hard but lack variety. 2 pistols, 2 shotguns, and a burst fire rifle. It’s a step back from the creativity seen in dead space. The gravity defying glove makes a return. No different than what you saw in dead space, but there is comical amount of spikes and gears to throw your enemies into. Overall, the gameplay was very intense, but will be a turn off for those who wanted a shooting centric game. You must quickly transition from melee, to guns, to gravity glove. You cannot only choose one. Narrative: Nothing memorable here. The final twist people kept hyping up felt predictable to me. Performance: 1 crash with the occasional frame rate drop in performance mode even in cinematics even on Series X. I’m assuming it’s worse on lower consoles. Performance mode is found in the options menu.

    Visuals: Unreal 5 and it’s stunning. Atmospheric and gorgeous. One of the looking games ever. Sound: Phenomenal. Overall, I’d recommend it, but you’ve got to be in a place financially where you can afford to pay $70 for a great 12 hour experience with very little to offer after completion. I’m in the place. Are you?    … Expand
  20. merohong
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    Great visual, sound and impact.
    The immersion was good and it was a long-awaited style of game.
  21. FJLC
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    Go buy this game!

    Being a longtime fan of the dead space series, I can surely compare the previous entries with TCP. It becomes apparent that the Devs were the same and that´s all good. It's like reuniting with an old friend in a different setup. And I mean different in all sorts of good ways. The scenarios are astounding. It clearly shows that a lot of TLC was put into this tittle.    Go buy this game!

    Being a longtime fan of the dead space series, I can surely compare the previous entries with TCP. It becomes apparent that the Devs were the same and that´s all good. It's like reuniting with an old friend in a different setup. And I mean different in all sorts of good ways. The scenarios are astounding. It clearly shows that a lot of TLC was put into this tittle. Really can´t understand all the hate from professional critics. For all of you out there that are tired of chores in endless open worlds or heavy text based indie tittles go grab this one, you won´t regret it! Take it in short bursts and absorb the complexity and realistic visuals; it´s a treat. I´m playing on XBOX Series X, performance mode with no issues. Good gaming and happy Christmas for all of you!    … Expand
  22. Valtanus
    Dec 6, 2022
    8
    I saw a lot of review lately and i think they are really unfair, yes the game is not perfect but i really enjoy playing it, if have to find the negative is that is not scary enough....lot of tension and some jumpscare but nothing special, the graphics on pc is good, really good, the stutte problem where fixed whit the day 2 patch other then that maybe a boss battle in particular wasI saw a lot of review lately and i think they are really unfair, yes the game is not perfect but i really enjoy playing it, if have to find the negative is that is not scary enough....lot of tension and some jumpscare but nothing special, the graphics on pc is good, really good, the stutte problem where fixed whit the day 2 patch other then that maybe a boss battle in particular was underwelming but i really enjoy playing it and i hope some problem will be fixed in the new story part in the summer and i hope in a sequel!!… Expand
  23. spartacus215
    Dec 8, 2022
    10
    I love this game. People crying bc they suck at melee combat while not realizing that you’re supposed to utilize your environment and be strategic in combat. TCP has Massive potential for being a new IP. I just beat it after 15hrs on my Series X and it’s my GOTY pick! Amazing graphics. Atmosphere and Ambiance are unsettling AF. Sound and Lighting are superb! Solid combat mechanics once youI love this game. People crying bc they suck at melee combat while not realizing that you’re supposed to utilize your environment and be strategic in combat. TCP has Massive potential for being a new IP. I just beat it after 15hrs on my Series X and it’s my GOTY pick! Amazing graphics. Atmosphere and Ambiance are unsettling AF. Sound and Lighting are superb! Solid combat mechanics once you master it. Decent story that sets up the core foundation. Cool weapons; especially the 3D printing aspect. I’d be ecstatic to see a more city setting in the sequel; similar to Dead Space 2, but with your own spin bc the prison setting was flawless! I’ll preface that the things I’d fix for the sequel though are more enemy variety. Different bosses. A few more melee weapons & a faster health injector. Incredible debut title. I can overlook the gripes and see the potential and know that I thoroughly enjoyed this game! Nobody who truly loves the Dead Space franchise can hate this game IMHO.… Expand
  24. aussiedude98
    Dec 11, 2022
    9
    Really - it's a fantastic game, and an amazing achievement from this studio.
    It's a shame they released the broken PC version before it was ready - which soured a lot of the discourse around the game.
    Graphics and atmosphere - fantastic. Gameplay and control scheme - fantastic - honestly I like it. It's good to see something different - not just the usual "rolling around on the floor    Really - it's a fantastic game, and an amazing achievement from this studio.
    It's a shame they released the broken PC version before it was ready - which soured a lot of the discourse around the game.
    Graphics and atmosphere - fantastic.
    Gameplay and control scheme - fantastic - honestly I like it. It's good to see something different - not just the usual "rolling around on the floor like a prick" as Worth a Buy would say.
    You have to use a different strategy to other games - which I think is a good thing.

    Lack of puzzles is also a good thing for me. Tedious simplistic puzzles like in God of War are just a waste of time.    … Expand
  25. Talion87
    Dec 20, 2022
    8
    Great game if you are a Dead Space fan..
    Just don't expect the same quality on the story and Gameplay elements.
    Graphics are great .. Sound and acting very good.
    Clearly a high budget AA game..
    Hope there is a sequel.
  26. macmakai
    Dec 15, 2022
    10
    If you want to experience an atmosphere of terror, this is the game for you! It fulfills all the roles and makes you have a bad time. A game that from my opinion I loved and reminds me a lot of Dead Space. I recommend it 100%
  27. GarethC
    Dec 22, 2022
    8
    Solid game. It's being review bombed because it's not a Dead Space clone, even though a full remake of dead space comes out within two months of The Callisto Protocol. Obviously it wasn't going to be a dead space clone. Don't hate the game because you don't know the difference between the terms "spiritual successor" and "clone".

    My only real complaint is the fighting mechanics are a bit    Solid game. It's being review bombed because it's not a Dead Space clone, even though a full remake of dead space comes out within two months of The Callisto Protocol. Obviously it wasn't going to be a dead space clone. Don't hate the game because you don't know the difference between the terms "spiritual successor" and "clone".

    My only real complaint is the fighting mechanics are a bit glitchy and they're counter-intuitive to every other melee combat game. You can't dodge, you can only bob and weave like a boxer, which is hard as hell when you're being attacked by multiple enemies from multiple angles.

    And the save points happen when you enter a safe area, not leave it. So you have to re-do your upgrades, and re-sell/buy items if you die, and you will die, a lot.

    Dying so much takes away from the horror aspect of the game, since you don't fear death when you die over and over and over. After a while you come to expect it.

    The sound effects are great. The graphics are amazing. It's definitely worth a play imo.

    Some say there's no story. I don't think the people saying that finished the game.

    7.5 / 10    … Expand
  28. JackMcloed
    Dec 6, 2022
    10
    This game is a masterfully crafted gaming experience. I guess everyone just likes mindless wandering time waster micro transaction games now.

    This game is a spiritual successor to something that already exists and STILL 2x as creative and innovative as 90% of games. Makes me sick how bandwagon people are being. Probably because they didn't figure out the mechanics and need a game to    This game is a masterfully crafted gaming experience. I guess everyone just likes mindless wandering time waster micro transaction games now.

    This game is a spiritual successor to something that already exists and STILL 2x as creative and innovative as 90% of games.

    Makes me sick how bandwagon people are being. Probably because they didn't figure out the mechanics and need a game to hold their hand and reassure them that they're a champ.
    This game makes you feel a certain kind of way and it's incredible at it.
    Don't sleep on this one just because journalists ran a coordinated smear campaign. They did so they could shill for the big 3 and further degenerate gaming into nothing but factory filth. Guess they have to make sure real games don't get made anymore.

    The biggest complaint I keep hearing is that you lock on to the enemy that's attacking you, so it doesn't work for multiple enemies or... something. I gotta tell you that this game gives you all the tools you need. If a second character gets too close, you will still dodge it because it instantly locks to the enemy attacking. What you need to do is use the telekinesis glove to throw extra enemies out of the way if you get overwhelmed. SIMPLE AS THAT. Just pay attention to the environment and use everything you can to dominate enemies, that's what hazards and explosion tanks are there for. Just use them. Figuring out how to not get overwhelmed and managing enemies is THE WHOLE POINT, while being as ruthless and efficient as possible. This game is basically perfect at everything it attempts. I can't believe all this bad press it's getting from people who PLAY VIDEO GAMES FOR A LIVING, so you would think they wouldn't suck.

    Another thing is "it's just linear OMG I can't endlessly explore idiot areas aimlessly wahhh" Go play Ubisoft you morons. Get some micro trans checklists you're such a glutton for. Because that's exactly what you'll get when you only give excellent scores to cookie cutter games. You get what you deserve you fools. This game is a series of expertly crafted and paced GAUNTLETS, it always is throwing a new challenge at you each and every time and highlights the actual depth and game design prowess on clear display.

    Oh and too many vents... Well would you prefer broke asses with old systems and hardware couldn't play it? You need that to hide loading screens, besides this is how the previous games were and part of the DNA. They paced it out extremely well and I'd argue you wouldn't get near the same "Dead Space feeling" without them. It's all about vibe. What's funny is that this is a cross platform game and STILL has the best graphics I've ever seen in a game. Try and tell me it doesn't look like a literal movie from start to finish!

    I guess quality experiences aren't everyone's bag.    … Expand
  29. NiBbLers
    Jan 2, 2023
    8
    The storyline and graphics were all there. Everything was super polished graphically and the story kept you engaged through till the end. But it fell flat with the last boss fight. The combat mechanics is where I believe it really fell short. Jacob's movement over obstacles feel clunky and unresponsive. It almost feels like turn based combat. Enemy does three moves you do two. Wash, rinse,The storyline and graphics were all there. Everything was super polished graphically and the story kept you engaged through till the end. But it fell flat with the last boss fight. The combat mechanics is where I believe it really fell short. Jacob's movement over obstacles feel clunky and unresponsive. It almost feels like turn based combat. Enemy does three moves you do two. Wash, rinse, repeat. It gets very repetitive very quick. BUT the sound design and lighting in this game are top notch! It's not worth 70$ but I do recommend a play through if you like these types of games!… Expand
  30. Marlonbm
    Dec 4, 2022
    10
    O jogo é fantástico! Super divertido cheio de ação, efeitos legais e uma história linda. O estúdio se destacou em oferecer uma experiência de tirar o fôlego com uma boa variedade de jogabilidade
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Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Best Xbox Series X Game of 2022
12
#12 Most Discussed Xbox Series X Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Gamers' Temple
    Jan 6, 2023
    80
    Overall, Callisto is a really good survival horror experience. If you like Dead Space, you need to try this game. The main campaign has a lot of passion put into it and I had a bunch of fun with it. The game definitely has some problems here and there, but I think true horror fans will admire it for its fantastic campaign. I really feel that this series will have just as interesting of a world as Dead Space if the series continues beyond this first installment. The story is overall good and the ending begs for DLC or a sequel. Be sure to try this game if you’re in the mood for a cinematic horror experience with a lot of intensity.
    Read full review
  2. Movies Games and Tech
    Dec 21, 2022
    80
    The Callisto Protocol is an exceptional horror adventure title. It will be hard for Dead Space fans to ignore the similarities, but it should be enjoyed on its merits. With slick combat, amazing aesthetics, and an incredible plot, this needs to be played.
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  3. ZTGD
    Dec 19, 2022
    70
    This game wants to be Dead Space really, REALLY, bad, but what’s interesting about that is I haven’t even finished the first Dead Space game and I can see it. Is this a bad thing? No, it’s really not as Callisto Protocol isn’t a trash game at all, they tried some new things with the controls and stuff some of it worked but for me a lot more of it didn’t. The game’s depiction of excessive violence is fun but even it wears on to the point of feeling overboard, especially when you think why they have giant grinding machines in the open like this in the middle of a prison. The story, while predictable, was an enjoyable adventure, but as far as graphics this game looks incredible. But as most of us know by now, looks aren’t everything and so it is with Callisto Protocol.
    Read full review
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