[REDACTED] Should open the floodgates to the Callisto Protocol universe

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The Callisto Protocolunfortunately, wasn't the amazing AAA survival horror game that many hoped it would be. While it certainly has its strengths, The Callisto Protocol ultimately failed to live up to its lofty expectations, overshadowed by the well-crafted Dead Space remake that launched around the same time. Fortunately, Striking Distance Studios has not backed down, but is moving forward [REDACTED]a new roguelike set in the same universe.




Crucial, [REDACTED] is not a direct sequel to The Callisto Protocolbut a spin-off that takes on a completely different genre, aesthetic and narrative. However, it serves as another way for fans of Callistos lore to engage with the world and concepts established in the game. This roundabout approach to franchise building seems to be working for Striking Distance Studios so far, as [REDACTED] has met with a warm reception — a surprising contrast to The Callisto Protocols reviews, which ranged from lukewarm to shamelessly derisive. With Striking Distance possibly gaining a bit more traction with the gaming public through this rather unexpected release, perhaps that could mean good things for the future of The Callisto Protocol universe.

At the time of writing,
[REDACTED]

has a score of 77 on Metacritic, compared to
The Callisto Protocol
is 69.


one (12)

Family

[REDACTED] Sharing the Callisto Protocol's biggest NPC mistakes could make or break it

[REDACTED] aims to be everything that the Callisto Protocol wasn't and to do that it needs to ensure that its rival NPCs don't share too much in common.

[REDACTED] Shouldn't be the last players to see the Callisto Protocol world

More spin-offs could make up for the Callisto protocol's disappointing launch

The decent performance of [REDACTED] may not necessarily redeem Striking Distance Studios in the eyes of the mainstream gaming population, but it is indicative of two promising internal development factors. First, it proves that Striking Distance doesn't plan to completely abandon the world it spent years creating for The Callisto Protocoland secondly, it suggests that the studio is willing to experiment with different genres to make the best possible game. [REDACTED] may not be a masterpiece in its own right, but it may be the precursor to one.


The world of The Callisto Protocol is compelling, to the point that many players were sold on the game based on its early commercials alone. It was clearly inspired by the aesthetic and tone of Dead Spacebut [REDACTED] proving that there's room in this fictional landscape for a more punk rock, high-octane presentation, which could lead to any number of potential projects. Additionally, it indicates that the IP is flexible enough to support multiple distinct stories and premises, which is a strength that could be leveraged for more, better games.

Where Striking Distance Studios can follow [REDACTED]

It seems that Striking Distance Studios learned from their mistakes with The Callisto Protocoland with any luck the developer will continue to adapt based on their experience with [REDACTED]. Perhaps a traditional third-person shooter, RPG or strategy game can be born from the ashes The Callisto Protocolwith Striking Distance adapting the best parts of both Callisto and [REDACTED] while leaving behind what does not work.


The Callisto Protocol wasn't perfect, but it also had the misfortune of being released during something of a modern survival horror boom: games that Dead Space remake, Alan Wake 2, Resident Evil 4s remake, and most recently, Silent Hill 2s remake, has given fans of the genre a lot to chew on in recent years, and a merely serviceable horror film that Callisto just didn't feel like it. But perhaps the IP can live on in other genres, if Striking Distance is willing to stay loose and experimental. Perhaps, given enough time, such spin-offs could even pave the way for a true sequel or reboot of the original game.

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