The Callisto Protocol's Final Transmission DLC: A Terrifying Spiritual Successor to Dead Space 3 Awakened

WARNING: The following contains major spoilers for The Callisto Protocol and its DLC, The Callisto Protocol Final Transmission. Proceed at your own risk.

The narrative twist in The Callisto Protocol Final Transmission DLC and Dead Space 3 Awakened is quite underwhelming. Despite the promise of being the conclusive chapter after the base game's cliffhanger ending, the DLC's sudden twist leaves the protagonist, Jacob, in a tragic predicament.

The Callisto Protocol concluded in a manner reminiscent of EA's Dead Space 3. Both games feature the main characters wrapping up their stories against seemingly insurmountable odds. As the credits roll, players are led to believe that these characters have made the ultimate sacrifice. In The Callisto Protocol, Jacob ensures the safety of the Outer Way leader Dani by sending her off in an escape pod as the Black Iron Prison self-destructs. In the base game of Dead Space 3, Isaac and Carver similarly save Ellie while sacrificing themselves. However, the Dead Space 3 Awakened DLC adds an additional layer of complexity by ending on a suspenseful cliffhanger.

The Callisto Protocol Final Transmission and Dead Space 3 Awakened’s Endings

The ending of The Callisto Protocol Final Transmission discloses that the DLC's storyline unfolds entirely within the fading consciousness of Jacob, who is on the brink of death. During the closing moments of the DLC, players are confronted with the sight of a severely injured Jacob, hooked up to life support, as Dr. Mahler transmits data from his implanted device. This conclusion not only raises doubts concerning the players' perception but also leaves uncertain the future of The Callisto Protocol franchise.

Regrettably, the DLC remains a fading fantasy. Players who embarked on Dead Space 3 Awakened encountered a similar turn of events, as Isaac and Carver grappled with intense hallucinations throughout the game. These illusions cast doubt on the ultimate conversation between the protagonists and the moons. This conclusion could be interpreted as either foreshadowing the events of Dead Space 4 or simply another instance of shared delusion.

The conclusion of The Callisto Protocol Final Transmission also presents the potential for a sequel featuring a different main character. The Callisto Protocol left behind unresolved mysteries and narrative gaps that beg to be explored. There is still much to unravel regarding Dr. Mahler and Dani's stories. Dr. Mahler, in particular, holds valuable data extracted from Jacob's implant, while Dani's potential infection could have significant consequences for The Callisto Protocol's world. Striking Distance Studios has the opportunity to expand upon the established lore and world they have crafted. The Callisto Protocol could serve as a solid foundation for a fresh horror franchise, yet it could also mark the final appearance of these characters, their world, and this franchise for players.

Dead Space 3 Awakened left players in a similar predicament before the franchise's lengthy hiatus. The subsequent installment of Dead Space 3 never saw the light of day. Although the success of this year's Dead Space Remake makes remakes of the sequels plausible, there is no guarantee that a Dead Space 3 remake would maintain the same narrative or gameplay elements as the original.

Perhaps, in around a decade, The Callisto Protocol will amass a dedicated following substantial enough to warrant a remake, remaster, or reimagining. Until recently, Dead Space was considered a dormant horror franchise desperately in need of revival. However, the series has been revitalized through a well-received remake and a new scripted audio podcast. For Dead Space fans, it is an exhilarating time. And who knows, one day it may be an equally thrilling time for fans of The Callisto Protocol.

The Callisto Protocol is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.