Dead Space Remake vs. Callisto Protocol: Which to Buy?

The Callisto Protocol drew some stark comparisons to EA’s Dead Space upon release, but with the latter getting a remake later this month, what should you buy?

It’s arguable that you can never have too many sci-fi survival horror games, so two popping up just months apart should be good news. But Dead Space and the Callisto Protocol have a lot in common. You see a tough, male protagonist trapped on an alien planet and confined to a spaceship now overrun by nightmarish monsters. The other sees a rough, male protagonist trapped on a moon and imprisoned in a space prison now overrun by nightmarish monsters.

Plot, atmosphere, and mechanics tie these otherwise standalone titles together. So if you’ve thought about narrowing down to just one, or maybe you’re wondering which game you’ll have a better time with, we’ve put together a comparison.

dead space

developer: Motif Studio
publisher:EA
release date: January 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. Set in a sci-fi setting, Dead Space follows the story of Isaac Clarke, an engineer who is searching for his girlfriend, Nicole Brennan, who is in charge medical officer of the Ishimura, goes to the USG Ishimura. He quickly finds out that the entire crew has been killed or turned into monstrous Necromorphs.

The remake will retain the same storyline as the original, but will be developed on EA’s Frostbite engine, previously used to develop Star Wars: Squadrons and the Star Wars Battlefront II single-player campaign. It will feature new and redesigned assets, character models and environments, all taking advantage of modern console systems. Isaac Clarke is also fully voiced in the remake, having been mostly mute in the original.

From the number of teasers and gameplay clips Motive has released since the game was announced, it’s clear that the title is shaping up to be an impressive remake.

Dead Space will be included with EA Play Pro subscriptions at release, meaning subscribers will not have to pay an additional cost to play the game. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players can purchase the Standard Edition of the game for $69.99. PC and Epic Games Store players can pick it up at a slightly reduced price of $59.99. The price tag for a remake is steep, but Motive has not only committed to drastic graphical improvements, but also story and character improvements.

The Callisto Protocol

developer: Striking Distance Studios
publisher: Krafton
release date: December 2, 2022
platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows

Callisto Protocol is the first game from Striking Distance Studios under PUBG Corporation (now PUBG Studios). From the start, 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 places players in the story of Jacob Lee, a contract carrier working for the United Jupiter Company. After ferrying shipments of unmarked cargo between Europa and the UJC-run Black Iron Prison on Callisto, his ship is boarded by the Outer Way – a terrorist group. The ship is forced to crash on Callisto. Lee is rescued by Black Iron Prison’s security chief, Captain Leon Ferris, and committed to Black Iron Prison without charge. Jacob soon finds himself and the prison in the midst of a deluge of inmates infected by “biophages”.

Others involved with the Dead Space series made contributions to The Callisto Protocol, including Steve Papoutsis, who helped develop the Dead Space series after Schofield’s departure.

Unlike Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol can be played on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, making the decision for players of previous generation consoles a no-brainer. However, across all platforms, players had a mixed reaction to the game’s combat system due to its unique mechanics compared to other survival horror games. It’s tough and leaves a lot of work to the player.

Since The Callisto Protocol has already been released, not only can players jump right into the title, but they can also buy it for about $10 cheaper than Dead Space. The Callisto Protocol is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC for $59.99.

The decision depends on several factors. If you own a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, The Callisto Protocol is your choice. It’s the only title of the two to be released on previous generation consoles.

If you are looking for the cheaper of the two options then the Callisto protocol is again the choice. Striking Distance’s entry is $10 cheaper than Dead Space’s unless you buy on PC.

But Dead Space is an iconic game in survival horror and undeniably influences a large part of the Callisto protocol. As Dead Space gets a remake for modern consoles, players will be able to experience the same effective gameplay in a more polished and improved way. For a more user-friendly game, Dead Space will likely come out on top.

Players can also consider release dates. Dead Space is slated for release towards the end of January, while The Callisto Protocol launched back in December 2022. If you’re looking to scratch that survival horror itch sooner rather than later, The Callisto Protocol might be your first stop.