The gameplay for The Callisto Protocol from Striking Distance Studios has already drawn many comparisons to the game Dead Space from EA, but arguably, Callisto Protocol already is shaping up to be a better return to form than EA's anticipated remake. Being developed by some of the original creators of Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol has a similar atmosphere and looks to have a similar style of gameplay to the revered space horror classic. Originally part of the PUBG universe, Callisto Protocol is now its own game, free to follow its horror roots.
The Callisto Protocol follows protagonist Jacob Lee, who is a prisoner in a futuristic prison located on Jupiter's "dead moon", Callisto. Not much is known about the plot save that the prison is soon attacked by a mysterious alien force that Jacob must fight his way through, a similar premise to the original Dead Space. There have also been comparisons made between The Callisto Protocol's gameplay and Dead Space's. Indeed, the showcased gameplay in the PlayStation State of Play trailer looks very reminiscent of Dead Space, even down to the diegetic health bar collar the protagonist wears. The overall tone and themes from Callisto Protocol also look similar as well with Jacob navigating dimly lit metal corridors complete with plenty of well-placed lights that showcase terrors to come.
Headed by co-creator of Dead Space Glen Schofield, The Callisto Protocol could be the evolution of Dead Space fans have been yearning for. However, The Callisto Protocol is its own game, with new ideas and concepts that it can bring to life instead of completely reviving Dead Space. While that may be bittersweet for some, it does allow for The Callisto Protocol, improved by the PS5's DualSense and other current-gen console features, to take the Dead Space-style atmosphere it has made and go in unique and exciting directions. It is in this respect that The Callisto Protocol could do the Dead Space formula better than EA.
Callisto Protocol Can Avoid The Mistakes Dead Space Made Under EA
The original Dead Space series was terminated after its third game, which was met with a mixed reception from longtime fans who cited its overall shift towards action and its dwindling focus on horror. EA liquidated Visceral Games and the Dead Space franchise came to a close just after the release of DLC that set up the plot of a presumed Dead Space 4, leaving the franchise narratively incomplete. While there were many factors in its closing, many blamed EA for the shift away from horror as the reason behind Dead Space 3 killing the franchise, with action-oriented gameplay and co-op two big gaming trends at the time of its release.
As an independent game, The Callisto Protocol is not necessarily beholden to market trends that may influence how it plays, meaning it may have greater freedom to return to the original Dead Space formula instead of something more action-oriented. While there are still doubts surrounding the Dead Space remake, The Callisto Protocol has the added benefit of being developed by figures instrumental to the original games' success. With that in mind, The Callisto Protocol may develop the core ethos of Dead Space better than Visceral was able to under the parameters set by EA.
While it is still too early to say much about the project, gameplay trailers for The Callisto Protocol are already generating plenty of hype with many seeing it as the return of Dead Space. With a similar atmosphere and shared love for visceral combat, it's certainly shaping up that way. Players will get to see just how similar the two games are when The Callisto Protocol releases on December 2, 2022.