All we know about new 2022 space horror The Callisto Protocol

William Davis Published 07/06/2022

The Callisto Protocol is one of the most anticipated horror titles of this console generation after a surprise gameplay reveal at State of Play.

The Callisto Protocol stole that show at the latest PlayStation State of Play with a brief but fascinating trailer. The game went from unannounced to a highly-anticipated horror game for all major gaming platforms. If the game lives up to expectation, it could be the start of a new killer horror IP on all platforms. Here’s everything we know about the intergalactic thriller.

What kind of game is The Callisto Protocol?

Based on early trailers and promotional material, Callisto Protocol is a survival horror game with a third-person perspective. The player character will use melee weapons and firearms to navigate through a prison on one of Jupiter’s moons. The game puts special emphasis on monster design with several monstrous enemies that may well be zombies shown in the trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGQTa16PqjE

In Callisto Protocol, the player controls Jacob Lee, a prisoner at an off-world jail called the Black Iron. The prison is then attacked by a mysterious alien force that seems to corrupt people into horrible monsters. The player will work together with other survivors to find a way off Jupiter’s dead moon. The trailer shows a ton of gore and grotesque monster designs, so it’s safe to say that Callisto Protocol will carry an M rating from the ESRB.

The Callisto Protocol release date and platforms

The intended release date for Callisto Protocol is December 2, 2022. That puts it right at the start of the holiday season, but unfortunately after Halloween. The release date was revealed in the State of Play trailer that gave fans a first look at finished gameplay.

As for release platforms, Callisto Protocol will be available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Below is a full list of platforms.

PC
PlayStation 4
PlayStation 5
Xbox One
Xbox Series S
Xbox Series X

Developer Striking Distance has stated its intent to continue releasing content for the game after launch through a battle pass. It’s not clear how such a system will work with a single-player survival horror game but fans can expect further announcements closer to the December 2 Callisto Protocol release date.

Is Callisto Protocol a sequel to Dead Space?

Between the in-game user interface and the terrifying space setting, horror fans were quick to draw connections between the upcoming title and Dead Space. The now-defunct franchise practically redefined the horror genre in gaming with its highly atmospheric debut and action-packed sequels. While The Callisto Protocol shares a lot of similarities and even many developers, it is not directly connected to Dead Space in any way.

The game is being directed by Glen Schofield, who co-created the Dead Space franchise alongside Michael Condrey. Both games feature a dreadful atmosphere, corrupted human enemies, and tons of explicit violence. The Dead Space series may not be getting a new sequel, but fans can still enjoy a spiritual sequel in The Callisto Protocol.

It’s easy to draw connections between Dead Space and Callisto Protocol, but the game was originally intended to tie into the Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds universe. Striking Distance Studios is a sub-developer of the PUBG Corporation which was originally intended to make spinoff games. However, the studio’s ambitions quickly outpaced its original goal.

While originally related to PUBG, The Callisto Protocol takes place in its own unique setting with no connections to the battle royale. This fact was confirmed in May 2022 by none other than Striking Distance CEO Glen Schofield. But it’s possible that the final game could contain some nods to its godfather IP.

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