Dead Space Remake vs. Callisto Protocol

In 2023, video game remakes are king. Some of the biggest titles in recent times, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Resident Evil 4, are rehashings of a tried-and-true formula. Specifically, they are revamped versions brought into the modern graphical landscape that fixed the few blemishes these timeless titles may have.

In the survival horror genre, Dead Space stood tall two console generations ago. Recently, we received a full-on remake of the initial title, and some members of that team went on to help craft The Callisto Protocol, a clear-cut spiritual successor. How do these two stack up to each other, now that we’ve had some time to think about them?

It will be compelling to compare a remake of a 2008 Xbox 360 game, alongside a super-similar new IP helmed by some of that game’s creators. Dead Space has long been dormant as a franchise, with a 10-year gap in new entries after Visceral Games received the dreaded Electronic Arts axe. What’s more interesting is the timing of each game’s development being so closely linked. Dead Space Remake had a 3-year development cycle, whereas Callisto Protocol likely got its start around the same time and edged out Dead Space‘s early 2023 release with its December 2nd release date.

The big hook within Dead Space Remake and The Callisto Protocol is that at any given second, some horrific monster will barrel towards you and any wrong move could be life or death. While similar in scope, the combat between each game is quite different. Where Dead Space relies on ammo conservation and is mostly ranged, Callisto Protocol can be powered through with protagonist Jacob Lee’s trusty Stun Baton.

In The Callisto Protocol, You can dodge or block enemy swipes while you wait for an opening, while in Dead Space, you have to remain more alert and conscientious of how much ammo you’re using. Obviously, you’re sure to fail if you run out.

Immersion is what makes both Dead Space Remake and The Callisto Protocol so harrowing. Jumpscares get a bad rap in film, but they’re done well in these titles. In a walk-don’t-run approach to movement, you’ll be aiming for the limbs in Dead Space. Alternately, in Callisto, you’re going to have to be patient and dodge two or three times in a row before you can inflict any damage.

The foggier rooms spattered with blood in Dead Space meshed with the voices in Isaac’s head. At the same time, Jacob’s sense of making things right drives him to survive with hopeless odds in Callisto. With such few characters in the story to focus on, too, these are tight-knit tales wrought with deception, religious hysteria, and psychological horror.

Dead Space Remake floored The Callisto Protocol in the review department. It has a Metacritic score of 89 vs. 70 for The Callisto Protocol. However, there’s a lot of merit to give Callisto Protocol, as I found that it captured what made Dead Space great with enough deviation from the source material to craft some seriously-intense combat sequences.

That happens to be my highest priority for this style of game. In the end, there’s a clear-cut winner in Dead Space Remake. However, don’t write off The Callisto Protocol, as I found my enjoyment worth the now-sale price of $20-30.