Well, according to my recent hands-on session with the PS5 version of The Callisto Protocol, developer Striking Distance Studio is brimming with insanity. My journey through a level titled Habitat begins a few hours into the game, with intense combat, a chilling atmosphere, and exciting moments.
Read on for a rundown of gameplay highlights from the preview, including details on visceral melee combat, life-saving ranged weapons, tantalizing customization, the terrifying mutated threat of Biophages, and much more. plus.
Immersive visuals
Set the mood – Black Iron Prison is a visually compelling yet appropriately unnerving environment. Steam rises from the pipes and layers of mist float above the ground. The sounds of rattling chains and muffled moans fill the air. The gloomy lights on the floor flicker sporadically, vaguely suggesting a way forward. Every inch of the prison feels considered and is brought to life with stunning visual fidelity.
diabolical details – The camera is placed behind Jacob during the game, which makes for a proper claustrophobic feel and makes for some big scares. One of the benefits of the intimate camera is a good close look at the details of Jacob’s character. Beads of sweat form on his face and catch the light, which then dries. The folds of his overalls are genuinely dirty and wrinkled. Jacob also moves with the heavy, labored movements of a person surviving a ordeal. All of this is fused together in a movie-like level of detail that heightens immersion and tension.
high risk melee
Your enemy, the biophage – Black Iron Prison is filled with grotesque infected humanoid monsters called Biophages. These enemies range from newly converted creatures still wearing guard uniforms to wall-crawling monsters with optical camouflage capabilities. His movements are erratic, disconcerting, and contain surprising lethality. Never let your guard down and be ready to learn some tough lessons.
melee affairs – Unlike the last resort melee weapons in some horror games, Jacob’s electrified staff is a keystone for survival. Landing light hits with R1 and heavy attacks with R2 feels meaty, and is key when setting up…
skill shots – Successful melee combos trigger “skill shots”, a circular reticle that appears on part of the enemy’s body. Quickly tapping the L2 button causes Jacob to automatically target the weak spot for a critical hit that deals high damage. This is key to surviving encounters and saving ammo.
DualSense controller haptics – When Jacob equips his staff, the PS5 controller’s haptics emulate a heavy “thunk” as it rolls along, along with a crackle of electrical energy at his fingertips. The weight of this melee weapon is spread out for a satisfying response during melee fights.
defend and dodge – Enemies are fast and aggressive, but Jacob doesn’t need to take hits like a fool. Moving the left stick down allows Jacob to block attacks, while pressing left or right allows him to dodge in any direction. These defensive options are critical to saving your skin and setting up a new melee combo.
trample them all – No fight feels complete without a cathartic stomp on the fallen Biophage. Not only does this help finish off downed enemies, but it’s also necessary to drop loot, including ammo, health, and credits.
fun with gravity – The GRP gravity gun allows Jacob to pick up enemies and items. The GRP is great for crowd control, throwing enemies to create space, and even finding loot hidden out of reach. Each use of the GRP uses up a battery, so choose carefully.
kills environmental – The scariest and most practical use of GRP involves throwing your enemies into nasty hazards like spinning meat grinders and razor-sharp fan blades. Even when those kinds of hazards weren’t available, I was successful at flinging enemies off ledges and walkways into the darkness below.
counting your bullets
ranged weapons – Melee is great for conserving ammo, but you will inevitably be outnumbered and low on health with your back against the wall. That’s when it’s time to draw one of Jacob’s powerful firearms.
BI-55 Pistol “Hand Cannon” – Jacob’s trusty pistol packs a punch. I’ve found that the slow and powerful pistol is best for blowing off enemies’ legs at a distance, slowing down their chase and giving me time to strategize. It bears repeating that ammo is scarce, so aim is important.
skunk shotgun – Later in Habitat I discovered schematics for a new weapon. The next time I visited a store kiosk, the 3D printer manifested a robust shotgun with incredible power. Starting with a capacity of just two projectiles, the Skunkgun seems best at sweeping through mobs and taking down tough enemies quickly.
team upgrades – Callisto Credits scattered around the prison can be redeemed at shop kiosks for ammo, health, and valuable gear upgrades. During my practice, I invested in a staff upgrade that allowed me to sweep enemies’ legs after blocking. Improvements to the Hand Cannon included stability, damage, ammo capacity, and tempting explosive shells. GRP upgrades include increased reload rate, maximum energy capacity, and launch force.
mutant menace – The tentacles sometimes sprout from the biophage, an evolution of the virus that causes them to transform into bigger and badder enemies. Watching biophage flesh ripple, grow, and change shape in real time is an impressive visual, but you’ll want to nip it in the bud ASAP. Be careful with your ammo or prepare for a sinking feeling when you aim at the sprouting tentacles only for your hand cannon to dry up.
deliberate healing – Injectors are scattered throughout Black Iron Prison, but don’t expect to open medkits and heal yourself in the heat of combat. Jacob must stop, kneel down and slowly inject himself until the meter on the back of his neck fills with green. To survive a particularly intense encounter, I threw an enemy using the GRP, giving me precious seconds to recover. The added tension feels right at home in The Callisto Protocol.
rewarding exploration –The search for resources such as ammunition is important, and Striking Distance rewards the curiosity of the players. In one sequence, he needed to move a large box to access a ventilation shaft. Instead of moving forward, I used the crate to climb onto a platform that contained extra ammo. In another example, Jacob mutters to himself about following a red tube to his target. Instead, I immediately ventured down a separate path and found a supply room with credits and health, then opened a door that led back to the main path.
unforgettable horror stories
hall of doom – At one point, I entered a dark hallway with a brightly lit door at the other end. Foolishly, I started running towards the light thinking it was a beacon of refuge. My optimism was violently dashed by a biophage ambush. While the encounter only required me to work through about three enemies, it felt like a true litmus test of the game’s systems. Eventually, I learned the importance of moving slowly, relying on melee and dodge, and hitting skill shots to save ammo.
in the walls – During another tricky encounter, I tried to evade a chasing enemy by hiding behind a nearby door. I waited, aiming the hand cannon at the door hoping it would open and give the biophage an easy shot. Instead, I heard a quick, rushing sound from above and suddenly the enemy caught me from behind. It was a humble reminder to stay paranoid.
Slide – Striking Distance flexes its water effects muscle in a thrilling sequence where Jacob is thrown into a massive drainpipe. Water laps convincingly against the winding curves of the tube and splashes into the camera as Jacob plummets down a steep incline. When he wasn’t worried about dodging metal obstacles on the slide, I couldn’t help but think “weeeee!”
Mental games – One of the most surprising encounters involved a narrow, dark hallway, flashing lights, and a spider-like biophage rapidly crawling across the walls and ceiling. The strobe effect of the lights offered flashes of the horrible creature as it got closer and closer. I had encountered this enemy several times before, but this intimidating ambush stopped me in my tracks.
Raise and shred – Towards the end of the level, Jacob enters a room with a column of spinning spiked cylinders. Like a giant meat grinder. I loved the opportunity to wield the GRP and throw monster after monster into the big blender. My batteries ran out before I could launch the final enemy, who I shot in the leg with the hand cannon instead. To my surprise and delight, the monster tried to get away from my attack and unknowingly dove headfirst into the pinwheel, instantly disintegrating. The effect was surprising, hilarious and empowering.
These are just a sample of the memorable and tantalizing moments from my few hours with The Callisto Protocol. I walked into the hands-on session with a neutral curiosity about Striking Distance Studios’ visually stunning sci-fi horror project and left with sweaty palms and a new Most Wanted Game of 2022. I’ll prioritize my trip back to Black Iron Prison when arrives on PS5 on December 2.
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