Because of how closely and unabashedlyThe Callisto ProtocolresemblesDead Space, fans would not be wrong for believing that the former would also rely solely on its original mutant creatures for enemy types. Of course, one of the many benefits of having a mutant enemy that can evolve and adapt in several ways from the origins of human tissue is that many designs can be engineered out of that concept.
Enemy diversity is rarely ever a make-or-break for most games, but becauseThe Callisto Protocolis somewhat riding on the coattails of its spiritual predecessor, it likely feels some sort of obligation to at least match that ofDead Space. Fans already know that there will be many biophage enemies throughout the game, such asthe Blind biophageThe Callisto Protocolrecently revealed. More secrets may be in store for players when the game releases, but one enemy type that has already been shown demonstrates that the game’s enemy diversity will be great.
RELATED:The Callisto Protocol Shares New Look at Security Robot Enemy
Dead Spacefeatures enemy diversity within the necromorph mutationsthat spawn and adapt from human corpses, and that diversity extends even further in its sequels. Necromorphs have taken on all manner of shape and scale with sharp implements that players could tear off and use as projectiles or explosive appendages that could be hurled at an incoming mob of other necromorphs.
Necromorphs also provide many instances of dread in dark corridors where they may suddenly appear from a ceiling or ventilation duct. The player’s inherent lack of omnipotence makes navigating these corridors horrifying, though they are well-equipped even if they only wield a plasma cutter. However,after three installments ofDead Space, the necromorph enemy seems exhausted, and it may have been refreshing to see another enemy type besides them, so long as they still felt like they belonged to the game’s unique science-fiction atmosphere.
To be fair,Dead Space 3didintroduce human enemies in its subtle transition toward being more of an action game than a survival-horror game. This transition is far less exciting in such an established franchise of science-fiction and body horror, where human enemies simply fail to live up to how tense and engaging it is to encounter any necromorph in comparison.
The game’s tone completely shifts when players are suddenly being fired at from waist-high cover, and those sequences are hardly as memorable as any other necromorph encounter. TheDead Spacefranchise arguably never needed human enemies for players to contend with, andThe Callisto Protocolingeniously demonstrates that there are other fascinating means in science-fiction to explore for enemies.
RELATED:The Callisto Protocol Shows Off New Gameplay Footage
The Callisto Protocol Having Enemies Besides Biophages is a Smart Play
The Callisto Protocolwill likely feature its own plethora of distinct biophage enemies that may rival the amount of necromorphs that the originalDead Spaceintroduced. But inThe Callisto Protocol’s decided-upon locale of a prison in space, it is wonderful to see Striking Distance Studios approaching its unique penitentiary environment with an enemy type that can be authentic to it.
That is why hulking robots with the word “security” painted on their chests and armed with advanced armaments are excellent additions toThe Callisto Protocol. Security robots remain appropriate to the atmosphere ofThe Callisto Protocol’s science-fiction dystopia. Further, asBlack Iron Prison is devastated and overrun during the events ofThe Callisto Protocol, security robots are seemingly left as a final defensive threat preventing inmates from fleeing.
This could be even more terrifying than mutant creatures since these robots will kill inmates indiscriminately. Likewise, security robots are not limited by the flesh and tissue of biophages that Jacob Lee can carve and cut away at, which may mean that players need better firearms to take down these mechanical husks.
This is only one other new enemy type shown besides its primary biophages, but it still does wonders for the game’s atmosphere in a penitentiary.The Callisto Protocolcould have easily chosen to have human guards, but it is infinitely more exciting that robots were selected instead. It will be interesting to see what other biophage designs are included inThe Callisto Protocol, and if other surprises besides security robots are introduced as enemy types when the game releases in December.
The Callisto Protocollaunches December 2 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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