The Callisto Protocol: A Survival Horror Game Heavily Influenced by the Legacy of Dead Space Falls Short of Expectations
Faced with huge expectations, The Callisto Protocol, a spiritual successor to Dead Space, quickly fades into obscurity. However, if you can overlook its initial shortcomings, this still stands as a game worth experiencing—especially as it is currently available at its lowest price to date, only around 105,000 VND.
Released in 2022 by Striking Distance Studios, The Callisto Protocol is not the masterpiece that many expected. While it does have its share of gameplay flaws and poorly executed mechanics, when viewed in its entirety, the game still holds several redeeming qualities worth noting.
From its atmospheric environments to its immersive sound design, all elements contribute to the overall tone of this game. The strongest points of the game lie within the first 3-4 hours. Here, players find themselves in the shoes of Jacob Lee, who is trapped in Black Iron Prison—defenseless, carrying only a metal pipe. Unlike stealth-based horror games like Amnesia, The Callisto Protocol requires players to face horrifying foes head-on. The combat sequences during this period are particularly intense, evoking feelings of urgency and pressure as if you are trapped in a claustrophobic nightmare.
Yet, as the main character begins to acquire weapons and engage in combat, the game shows signs of struggling. The action sequences that follow are more spectacular but lack the atmospheric tension of the initial segments. In any case, the game’s conclusion is still deemed satisfactory in relation to a visually stunning boss fight and a rich narrative. Rather than being a “complete failure,” as some reviews suggest, The Callisto Protocol actually offers a rather thrilling horror experience—if you can overlook a few scattered weaknesses. The game provides a suffocating atmosphere, a genuine sense of survival, and many creative moments seldom seen in modern action horror games.
From now until June 26, the game is being sold at a price of 105,000 VND—its lowest price ever. This is a great opportunity for players to rediscover a game that has received low ratings but still holds enough intrigue to not take up too much of your time and may even leave you with some tense moments.
