TheDead Space-inspired survival horror gameThe Callisto Protocolis receiving a new mode for gore-loving players to experience as part of the game’s newest 5.01 update.The Callisto Protocolis the first game from Striking Distance Studios, headed up by formerDead Spaceco-creator Glen Schofield who also directed the title.The Callisto Protocollaunched in December 2022 to mediocre reception just over a month before EA’s highly-regardedDead Spaceremake released to stellar acclaim and stole the survival horror conversation. Since the originalDead Spaceserved as a major inspiration forThe Callisto Protocol,players were pleased to see gameplay features like the diegetic UI, GRP and Jacob Lee’s stomp among others harken back to Isaac Clarke’s time on the USG Ishimura back in 2008. Despite the less-than favorable reception, Striking Distance is continuing to provide post-launch support to itsDead Spacespiritual successor, having recently added the Contagion Mode DLCwith plans for story DLC forThe Callisto Protocolin the future.RELATED:The Callisto Protocol Contagion Mode Ramps Up The DifficultyWith a short trailer on TwitterThe Callisto Protocolrevealed Dismemberment Mode, a new mode being added to the game as part of Update 5.01.Dynamic dismemberment was a major part of what madeDead Spacespecial and iconic, so it’s not surprising to seeThe CallistoProtocoldouble down on it with this new mode. It seems like Dismemberment Mode will let players instantly dismember the limbs of Biophages via melee or ranged weapons. While the base game features dismemberment, players needed to hack or shoot an enemy multiple times to get limbs to pop off. It looks like this fun new mode is party-like in nature, letting players dismember Biophage limbs in just a single swipe or shot.
It’s currently unclear whether Dismemberment Mode is accessed separately from the base game in the main menu or something that can be toggled in the settings. Whatever the case,players will not be able to unlock Achievements or Trophies while playing the mode, likely because instant dismemberment will make enemies much easier and quicker to deal with. Additionally, Update 5.01 adds the ability for players to skip cutscenes, a feature some players have been calling for since launch. Since cinematic story cutscenes are such a big part ofThe Callisto Protocol, being able to skip them will be a major boon to speedrunners.
It’s good to see Striking Distance Studios continuing to supportThe Callisto Protocoldespite the game’s lukewarm launch and thehigh praise theDead Spaceremake has receivedinstead. With these new modes and story DLC on the way, perhapsThe Callisto Protocolcould redeem itself in the eyes of survival horror fans.
The Callisto Protocolis out now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
MORE:Dead Space Remake Vs The Callisto Protocol: Which Game Is Better?
