Well, based on my recent hands-on session with the PS5 version of The Callisto Protocol, developer Striking Distance Studio is full of the right kind of craziness. Titled Habitat, the level trek begins hours into the game and is packed with intense combat, chilling atmospheres, and chilling moments.
Keep reading for a rundown of gameplay highlights from the preview, including details on visceral melee combat, life-saving ranged weapons, engaging customization, the menacing threat of biophage mutations, and more.
immersive visuals
Setting the mood – Black Iron Prison is a setting that is both visually appealing and appropriately unsettling. Steam shoots out of fog pipes and blankets and floats above the ground. The clanging of chains and quiet moans fill the air. The dingy floor lights flicker sporadically, dimly suggesting a path forward. Every nook and cranny of the prison has been thought through and hummed to life with stunning visual fidelity.
devilish details – The camera pulls tightly behind Jacob during gameplay, creating the right claustrophobic feeling and setting up big jump scares. It’s something you can observe often. A bead of sweat forms on his face, catching the light and wiping it off. The creases in his coveralls are real dirt and creases. It moves according to the heavy movement. All of this coalesces into a cinematic level of detail that heightens immersion and tension.
high stakes proximity
Your Enemy, the Biophage – The Black Iron Prison is stalked by grotesque infected humanoid monsters called biophages. These enemies range from newly transformed creatures still wearing guard uniforms to wall-climbing freaks with optical camouflage capabilities. Their movements are erratic and uneasy, and they have an alarming lethality. Stay alert and be prepared to learn tough lessons.
proximity problem – Unlike melee weapons of last resort in some horror games, Jacob’s electrified baton is the cornerstone of survival. A light blow with R1 and a heavy attack with R2 gives it a meaty feel, which is the key to setting up…
skill shot – A successful melee combo triggers a “Skill Shot”, a circular reticle that appears on a part of the enemy’s body. A quick tap of the L2 button will cause Jacob to automatically target a weak spot and unleash his critical hits, dealing massive damage. This is the key to surviving encounters and conserving ammo.
DualSense Controller Haptics – When Jacob equips his baton, the PS5 controller haptics emulate a heavy “thunk” as he deploys, along with the crackle of power at his fingertips. The weight of this melee weapon extends to satisfying feedback during melee combat.
defend and fend off – Enemies are fast and aggressive, but Jacob doesn’t need to hit like a champ. Moving the left stick down will allow Jacob to block attacks, and pressing left or right will allow him to dodge in either direction. These defense options are important for saving skins and setting up new melee combos.
trample it all – No battle is complete without a cathartic stomp on a fallen biophage. This is necessary not only to help you kill fallen enemies, but also to drop loot such as ammo, health, and credits.
enjoy gravity – GRP gravity weapons allow Jacob to pick up enemies and objects. GRP is great for controlling crowds, flinging enemies to create space, and even finding loot hidden out of reach. Every time you use GRP, it drains your battery, so choose wisely.
environmental killing – The most terrifyingly useful use of GRP is to throw your enemies into nasty hazards like spinning meat grinders and razor-sharp fan blades. Even when that kind of danger is unavailable, I’ve managed to drive enemies off ledges and passages into the darkness below.
count bullets
ranged weapons – Melee is great for conserving ammo, but your back to the wall will inevitably put you outnumbered and hurting your health. It’s time to unholster one of Jacob’s powerful firearms. rice field.
BI-55 pistol “Hand Cannon” – Jacob’s trusty pistol packs a punch. I’ve found that a slow, powerful pistol is best for blowing enemies off their legs at a distance, slowing pursuit, and giving them time to strategize. Shooting technique is important.
skunk gun shotgun – Later, I found blueprints for a new weapon in the habitat. On your next visit to the concession stand, the 3D printer has created a sturdy shotgun with incredible power. The Skunk Gun starts with a capacity of only 2 shells, perfect for clearing crowds and taking down tough enemies quickly.
gear upgrade – Callisto Credits scattered throughout the prison can be exchanged for ammo, health and valuable gear upgrades at the shop kiosks. During our hands-on, we invested in baton upgrades that can sweep enemies off their feet after blocking. Hand Cannon enhancements included stability, damage, ammo capacity, and attractive explosive projectiles. GRP upgrades include increased recharge rate, maximum energy capacity, and projectile strength.
threat of mutation – Tentacles can erupt from biophages, the evolution of viruses, mutating them into bigger and worse foes. is an impressive visual effect, but the buds should be plucked as soon as possible. When you aim at sprouted tentacles just for the Hand Cannon to click dry, watch out for the feeling of sinking ammo and gear…
intentional healing – Injectors are scattered around the Black Iron Prison, but don’t expect to be healed by popping a med kit in the middle of combat. You have to inject slowly until it’s full. To survive a particularly intense encounter, I used his GRP to repel enemies and gain precious seconds to heal. The Callisto Protocol feels good with the added tension.
challenging exploration – Scavenge for resources such as ammo is important and Striking Distance will spark your curiosity. One sequence required moving a large box to access the vents. Instead of moving on, I used the box to climb onto a platform containing extra ammo. In another example, Jacob tweets about following the red pipe towards his goal. Instead, I quickly ventured down a different path, found a credit and health supply room, and unlocked the door back to the main path.
unforgettable horror story
hallway of fate – At some point I entered a dark corridor with a brightly lit door on the other side. Foolishly I thought it was an evacuation beacon and started running towards the light.My optimism The doctrine was violently shattered by a biophage ambush. I only had to deal with about three enemies in this encounter, but it felt like a true litmus test for the game’s system. Eventually, I learned the importance of moving slowly, relying on melee and dodging, and performing skill his shots to conserve ammo.
inside the wall – During another tricky encounter, I tried to hide behind a nearby door to evade the pursuing enemy. A trained hand cannon on the door. It was a humble reminder to remain paranoid.
water slide – Striking Distance flexes your water effect muscles in a thrilling sequence in which Jacob is flushed down a giant drain. As Jacob swoops down from a steep drop, the water splatters convincingly against the winding bends of the tube and splashes into the camera. When I didn’t care about dodging metal obstacles on the slide, I involuntarily thought “Weeee! ”
mind game – One of the most surprising encounters was dark narrow corridors, flashing lights and spider-like biophages crawling swiftly along walls and ceilings. The strobe effect of the lights made the terrifying creatures come closer and closer and looked like a flashbulb. I had encountered this foe several times before, but this intimidating ambush stopped me.
get up and grind – Towards the end of the level, Jacob enters a room with a rotating spiked cylinder pillar. Like a giant meat grinder. I reveled in the opportunity to swing his GRP around and toss monster after monster into the big blender. My battery died before I could toss the last enemy, so I blew up his leg with a hand cannon instead. To my surprise, the monster staggered away from my attack and unwittingly plunged headlong into the grinder, instantly collapsing. The effect was amazing, hilarious and empowering.
These are just a few of the memorable and captivating moments from our hours at The Callisto Protocol. I went into a hands-on session with a neutral curiosity about Striking Distance Studios’ visually striking sci-fi horror project, and got a sweaty palm and his Most Wanted Game of 2022. I was. Prioritize returning to Black Iron Prison. When it hits PS5 on December 2nd.
