Horror fans, let's face it. Horror science fiction is dead and it takes great talent and bold creativity to stand out from the crowd. So creating a new AAA sci-fi horror game in 2022 seems crazy and I hope it makes an impact, right?
Based on my recent experiences with the PS5 version of Callisto Protocol, developer Striking Distance Studio is full of madness. My journey through Habitat covers several hours of gameplay, intense combat, great atmosphere and fun moments.
Visceral melee battles, life-saving weapons, exciting environments, the terrifying threat of biophage mutations and more. Read on for preview highlights, including details
Immersive visual effects
To set the mood - Black Metal Dungeon is a visually appealing, but suitably frustrating environment. Steam rises from the pipe and blankets of gum float above the ground. The clanking of chains and the sound of muffled screams filled the air. The dim floor tiles are lit up, clearly showing the way. Every inch of the dungeon comes to life with meticulous and stunning visual fidelity.
Devil's Details : During the game, the camera zooms in on Jacob, creating a sense of claustrophobia and intense jump scares. One advantage of the close-up camera is the fine details of Jacob's character. Sweat drips down his face and catches the light, then he wipes it off. The folds of the suit are really dirty and wrinkled. And Jacob moves with a strong and heavy movement of a man who has come out of a terrible trial. It's all brought together with a cinematic level of detail to add immersion and tension.
Close combat at high stakes
Your Enemy, the Biophages - A dungeon of black metal is filled with terrifying, disease-ridden human monsters called biophages. These enemies range from newly mutated creatures still wearing guard uniforms to wall-climbing enthusiasts with optical camera capabilities. Their actions are characterized by a chaotic, chaotic and surprisingly lethal. Never let your guard down and be ready to learn some hard lessons.
Racial Matters - Unlike the ultimate survival tool in some horror games, Jacob's electric staff is a cornerstone of survival. Light with R1 and heavy attacks with R2 are rich and decisive when set up.
Skill Arrows: Successful melee combos activate "Skill Arrows", a round grass that appears on the enemy's body. A quick press of L2 causes Jacob to automatically spot a weak spot, a critical hit that deals massive damage. This is the key to surviving a firefight and saving ammo.
DualSense Controller Haptic Cues - When Jacob picks up the stick, the PS5 controller's haptic cues simulate a loud "squeal" as it unlocks along with an electric sizzle at your fingertips. The weight of this lightweight weapon extends to a satisfying response during close combat.
Defend and Run: Enemies are fast and aggressive, but Jacob doesn't need to swing like a stick. By moving the left stick down, Jacob can dodge attacks and dodge in any direction by pressing left and right. These protective options are important to save your skin and create a new mild combination.
Destroy Them All : No battle is complete without delivering cathartic blows to the fallen biophage. This is important not only for destroying dead enemies, but also for dropping exploits including ammo, health and credits.
Gravity Relaxation - GP's gravity gun allows Jacob to lift enemies and objects. GRP is great for crowd control, knocking down enemies to create space, and even finding invisible loot. Every use of GIP uses battery, so choose carefully.
Environmental Assassins - GRP's most gruesome and convenient use is throwing your enemies into dangerous situations like spinning meat machines and blade fans. Even when there were no such threats, I was able to drop enemies through curtains and walkways into the darkness below.
Count your shots
Organized Weapons - Handy ammo is great to have, but you'll inevitably lose and lose health with your back to the wall. It's time to unleash one of Jacob's powerful guns.
BI-55 Hand Cannon - Jacob's trusty gun is powerful. A slow and powerful weapon gives me time to hit enemies from a distance, delay their pursuit and strategize. It's worth repeating that ammo costs money, so shooting is important.
Skunkgun Fire - I later found the design for the new gun at Habitat. The next time I visited the shop, the 3D printer proved to be a powerful tool with incredible power. Starting with two shots, the Skunkgun seems well-suited for mass destruction and taking down tough enemies quickly.
Equipment Upgrades - Scattered throughout the dungeon, Calliston's credits can be exchanged for ammo, health, and expensive gear in shops. During training, I invested in a wand upgrade that allowed me to knock enemies off their feet after being blocked. Hand cannon upgrades include stability, damage, ammo capacity, and attractive explosive shells. GP improvements include increased reload speed, higher energy capacity, and casting power.
The threat of mutation - tentacles sometimes emerge from the bio-phage, the evolution of the virus makes them bigger and more evil enemies. Watching the biophage flesh shrink, grow, and transform in real time is an amazing sight, but you need to tap the bud as soon as possible. Watch your ammo or prepare to be suffocated trying to pitch a tent only to dry up a hand cannon.
Intentional Healing - Needles are scattered throughout the Black Metal Dungeon, but don't expect to stock up on a medicine kit and heal yourself in the heat of battle. Jacob must stop, kneel, and stab slowly until the meter on his neck turns green. It gave me precious seconds to send and heal an enemy with GRP to get through a particularly tough encounter. The added tension in Callisto's protocol is felt at home.
Great Exploration - Searching for resources like ammo is essential and the amazing range rewards players' curiosity. In sequence, I had to move a large box to get to the vent. Instead of pushing forward, I used the chest to grab the extra weapon and climb onto the platform. In another example, Jacob muttered to himself that he was walking toward his goal with his red pipe. Instead I quickly took a different route and found a supply room with credits and health and opened the door to the main road.
Unforgettable horror stories
Corridor of Doom - At one point I entered a dark corridor with a lighted door on the other side. I foolishly ran towards the light, mistaking it for a shelter light. My optimism was brutally dashed by a biophage ambush. While this encounter only required me to take on three enemies, it felt like a true litmus test of the game's system. Finally, I learned the importance of slow movement, hand-to-hand combat and evasion, and the ability to shoot to protect a shot.
Inside the Wall - Another difficult situation where I tried to avoid an enemy chasing me by hiding from a nearby door. I waited, pointing my palm at the door, expecting it to open and the biophage to shoot easily. Instead, I heard rapid fire from above and suddenly the enemy grabbed me from behind. It was a shameful reminder to live in fear.
WATER SLIDE - AMAZING DISTANCE Jacob is washed down a large sewer and flexes his water-effect muscles in a hilarious sequence. Water sprays persuasively into the winding coils of the tube and splashes into the camera as Jacob descends the steep slope. " Wow !"
Smart Games : One of the most unexpected experiences is a dark and narrow corridor, flashing lights and spider-like bio-phage crawling along the walls and ceiling. The flickering effect of the lights illuminates as the terrifying creature approaches. I had faced this enemy many times before, but this horrible fight stopped me in my tracks.
Rise and Grind - Towards the end of the stairs Jacob enters a room with a column of spinning pin cylinders. Like a giant meat grinder. I really enjoyed hitting the GPP and throwing one of the samples in the big mixer. I ran out of battery before I took down the last enemy whose leg I blasted with the hand cannon. To my surprise and delight, the wolf tried to avoid my attack and unknowingly threw his head into the meat grinder and was immediately disintegrated. The result was surprising, exciting and inspiring.
This is just a taste of the few hours of memorable and fun times I've had on the Callisto Protocol. I started the meeting with remote enthusiasm for a visually stunning sci-fi horror project and left with sweaty hands and the best game of 2022. I'd rather go back to the black metal prison. When it comes out on PS5 on December 2nd.
