Dead Space Remake vs The Callisto Protocol: Which to Buy?
The Callisto Protocol drew some strong comparisons to EA's Dead Space on release but, with the latter getting a remake later this month, which should you buy?
It's arguable that you can never have too many sci-fi survival horror games, so two showing up just a few months apart from each other should be good news. But Dead Space and The Callisto Protocol have a lot in common. One sees a rough, male protagonist trapped on an alien planet and confined to a spaceship, now overrun with nightmarish monsters. The other sees a rough, male protagonist trapped on a moon and confined to a space-prison, now overrun with nightmarish monsters.
Plot, atmosphere and mechanics tie these otherwise independent titles together. So, if you were thinking of limiting yourself to just one, or perhaps you're wondering which game you'll have a better time with, we've put together a comparison.
Dead Space Remake vs The Callisto Protocol: Which to Buy?
Dead Space
Developer: Motive Studio
Publisher: EA
Release Date: Jan. 27, 2023
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
Dead Space is a remake of EA's 2008 survival horror game of the same name. With a sci-fi setting, Dead Space follows the story of Isaac Clarke, an engineer who heads to the USG Ishimura in search of his girlfriend Nicole Brennan, the Ishimura's senior medical officer. He quickly finds that the entire crew has been killed or turned into monstrous Necromorphs.
The remake will retain the same plot as the original, but is being developed on EA's Frostbite engine, previously used to develop Star Wars: Squadrons and the single-player campaign of Star Wars Battlefront II. It will feature new and redesigned assets, character models and environments, all to take advantage of modern console systems. Isaac Clarke will also be fully voiced in the remake, having been mostly silent in the original.
Through the number of teasers and gameplay clips Motive have released since the game's announcement, its clear the title is shaping up to be an impressive remake.
Dead Space will be included in EA Play Pro subscriptions on release, meaning subscribers won't have to pay any additional costs to play the game. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players will be able to purchase the standard edition of the game for $69.99. PC and Epic Games Store players can purchase it slightly reduced, at $59.99. The price is steep for a remake, but Motive have committed not only to drastic graphical improvements but to enhancements of the story and characters.
The Callisto Protocol
Developer: Striking Distance Studios
Publisher: Krafton
Release Date: Dec. 2, 2022
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
The Callisto Protocol is the first game from Striking Distance Studios under PUBG Corporation (now PUBG Studios). From the get-go, the game drew comparisons to 2008's Dead Space, as game director Glen Schofield was one of Dead Space's co-creators.
The Callisto Protocol drops players into the story of Jacob Lee, a contract freight transporter working for the United Jupiter Company. After ferrying shipments of unlabeled cargo between Europa and the UJC-operated Black Iron Prison on Callisto, his ship is boarded by the Outer Way — a terrorist group. The ship is forced to crash onto Callisto. Lee is recovered by Black Iron Prison security head Captain Leon Ferris and committed to Black Iron Prison without charges. Jacob soon finds himself, and the prison, in the midst of being overrun by inmates infected by "biophages."
Others involved in the Dead Space series made contributions to The Callisto Protocol, including Steve Papoutsis who co-developed the Dead Space series following Schofield's departure.
Unlike Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol is available to play on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, making the decision a no-brainer for players on the previous generation consoles. However, across all platforms, players had mixed responses to the game's combat system, given to its unique mechanics compared to other survival horror games. It's tough, and leaves a lot up to the player to work out.
With The Callisto Protocol having already been released, players can not only jump straight into the title but can purchase it for roughly $10 cheaper than Dead Space. Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC, The Callisto Protocol can be purchased for $59.99.
Should I Buy Dead Space Remake or The Callisto Protocol?
The decision comes down to a number of factors. If you're a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One owner, then your choice is The Callisto Protocol. It is the only title of the two to release on previous generation consoles.
If you're after the cheaper of the two options, then The Callisto Protocol is the choice again. Striking Distance's entry sits $10 cheaper than Dead Space, unless you're buying on PC.
But, Dead Space is an iconic game in survival horror and undeniably influences a huge part of The Callisto Protocol. With Dead Space getting a remake for modern consoles, players will be able to experience the same effective game in a more polished, and enhanced, manner. For a more user-friendly game, Dead Space will likely come out on top.
Players can also consider release dates. Dead Space is set to release towards the end of January, whereas The Callisto Protocol already launched back in December 2022. If you're looking to scratch that survival horror itch sooner rather than later, then The Callisto Protocol might be your first port of call.