Dead Space creator Glen Schofield’s The Callisto Protocol is finally here. But the great horror hope turns out to be quite controversial among the testers. While some celebrate it as a masterpiece, other publications are quite disappointed and give very low ratings. Here we summarize what was praised and criticized in the international tests.
If you are also interested in our opinion on Callisto Protocol, then read our test:
The Callisto Protocol im Test
An almost perfect atmosphere does not make a horror hit
Masterpiece or just atmospheric façade?
On Metacritic, the PS5 version of Callisto Protocol currently has 76 out of 100 points, made up of 37 ratings. The horror game scores 75 points on both PC and Xbox Series X/S, but there are far fewer reviews available so far. The ratings go from 100 to 50 points and fill the entire spectrum relatively evenly.
Like forgive Dexerto a score of 100 and celebrates Callisto Protocol as a stroke of genius:
The gripping story only adds to the constant fear and terror evoked by the phenomenal visual and audio design. Hopefully The Callisto Protocol is the start of an exciting new franchise and another sign that survival horror is far from dead.
at IGN one assigns a 75 and formulates the enthusiasm somewhat more cautiously and with restrictions:
The Callisto Protocol is a highly atmospheric and action-packed tour of a spectacular slaughterhouse in distant space. […] But it also betrays its survival-horror roots as it regularly tips the balance of power in the player’s favour. While it’s hilariously fun to mash mutants into giant mechanisms, such cheap thrills come at the expense of the excitement and terror that the outstanding art and audio design work so hard to evoke.
Away from the intense melee combat, there’s a feeling that there’s not much here that hasn’t already been done. Also, there is disappointingly little to do after the campaign.
Screen Rant is at the lowest end of the scale with 50 points. Here one is quite disappointed with the wasted potential of the game:
It may well be one of the most detailed sci-fi horror environments we’ve ever seen in a game. Its rooms and hallways remain an empty – if gruesome – backdrop that rarely offers environmental storytelling, opportunities for interaction, or an engaging walkthrough. Killing mutants feels exactly the same in the first hour as it did in the last hour, and the three levels of difficulty only seem to affect mutant health pools.
Perhaps Callisto Protocol’s upcoming DLC will breathe new life into its world, but Black Iron Prison remains just a shadow of USG Ishimura’s dynamic decks.
But what is the most praised and criticized by the testers? Three points keep coming up.
Dense horror atmosphere and great fights
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2 minutes with The Callisto Protocol: This space trip is going to be pure horror
Even critical tests usually admit: The dense atmosphere of Callisto Protocol, which is mainly determined by the great art and audio design, is unparalleled. The difficult and brutal close-up system also fits well into the oppressive mood and is praised by some critics as a successful innovation of the dead space principle.
Gamespot notes that enemy design and combat mechanics are most enjoyable when fighting only a few monsters. On the other hand, it is criticized that you are often locked in rooms full of enemies and frustrating boss fights. In addition, some publications also criticize that the fights feel quite monotonous after a few hours.
The story divides the mind
On the one hand, reviews call the story of Callisto Protocol exciting and engaging, while others call it rather uninspired and cliche. God is a Geek
horror is lost
Another common criticism is that Callisto Protocol relies too much on gory action and offers little real horror. at Gamespot it is formulated as follows:
Some real horror might have enhanced the experience of this survival action game. But The Callisto Protocol instead leans too far into absurd, explosive spectacles, weakening the tension and distorting the narrative core of the experience.
Massive technical problems on the PC
What was hardly noticeable in the tests is now clearly noticeable in the first players. Apparently, there are often major technical problems and frame rate drops on the PC. Currently coming Callisto Protocol on Steam therefore on mostly negative ratings and only about a third of the reviews give a thumbs up.
International ratings at a glance
Finally, we have a selection of ratings from across the spectrum in our table:
Are you disappointed after Callisto Protocol’s international ratings? Then there is still hope for the Dead Space Remake, which will be released in January 2023. Our preview tells you what expectations and hopes we have so far.
Despite the mixed reviews, will you give Callisto Protocol a chance? Were you mainly looking forward to bloody fights anyway? Or have you now become cautious and wait for the first user reviews? Write your opinion in the comments!
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