Set on the icy moon of Callisto that we were first introduced to in The Callisto Protocol, [REDACTED] delivers a survival experience with brutal mechanics, challenging players to escape Black Iron prison amidst hordes of infected and cutthroat fellow survivors. KRAFTON and Striking Distance Studios have crafted this one as a roguelike where each death isn’t a failure but a chance to learn, adapt, and grow stronger in a relentless push toward the final escape pod. The mix of roguelike and sci-fi horror elements here taps into classics like Hades but with the harsh, atmospheric touch of The Callisto Protocol, creating a visceral experience with a few dark surprises.
The narrative sets a strong stage for [REDACTED]’s tense gameplay. As a prison guard caught in the middle of an outbreak, you’re thrust into a deadly rivalry with other survivors, including twisted characters like a menacing gangster and a disturbed custodian, each just as desperate to escape as you are. The added danger of other survivors vying for the same escape adds a competitive tension, particularly when their sabotage or remote attacks complicate an already nerve-wracking journey through the prison. This hostile atmosphere complements the game’s narrative, making every encounter feel consequential and personal, as players strategize against both infected hordes and rivals who have the same goal you do.
The gameplay in [REDACTED] is where the challenge becomes clear, adopting a looped roguelike structure that demands you to push further with each attempt. The game leans into RPG elements, allowing players to improve their loadouts with new experiments, weapon schematics, and buffs. Death in [REDACTED] is harsh but not without value, as each run is a learning experience and players gain critical upgrades that carry over to the next attempt. These incremental gains encourage a trial-and-error approach, yet the game’s difficulty spikes may prove punishing, sometimes creating moments of frustration when rewards feel inadequate for the obstacles you’re about to face again. Perseverance is key.
On the control side, [REDACTED] aims for a fluid combat experience, giving players options to melee, shoot, and grapple in quick succession. While the responsive controls help in high-pressure situations, occasional issues with targeting and maneuverability disrupt things when you get overwhelmed. The presence of semi-alive foes, which are essentially powered-up versions of your past selves, injects additional depth, though some may find this mechanic daunting due to the difficulty of tackling these formidable enemies with limited resources. It’s a satisfying but sometimes overly challenging experience that may test the patience of even seasoned players.
Visually, [REDACTED] adopts a bold graphic novel style infused with sci-fi elements that accentuate the bleak prison setting on Callisto. The game’s futuristic aesthetic stands out, particularly in its use of stark, contrasting visuals that emphasize the desolate and eerie environment. The stylized art direction complements the dark tone while keeping the game optimized for performance, although some players may miss the gritty realism of The Callisto Protocol. Paired with an adrenaline-pumping, arcade-punk soundtrack, the sound design amplifies the tension and heightens the sense of urgency during intense moments.
While fun to play, [REDACTED] is not without its drawbacks, as the grind-heavy gameplay loop is demanding, especially with its unforgiving death penalties and challenging rival encounters. The do-or-die mode, which lets players risk everything for a shot at ultimate rewards, will thrill those craving hardcore gameplay, but its high-stakes nature could deter more casual players. Still, for fans of roguelike and survival horror, [REDACTED] offers a challenging and atmospheric journey, rewarding those who embrace its relentless difficulty with a tense, cinematic experience that will keep players on edge until the final escape attempt – and it’s nice to see the developer returning to the underrated Callisto Protocol universe as well.
Score: 7.9/10
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