The Callisto Protocol didn’t get the warmest reception when it launched late last year, but developer Striking Distance has been improving the game with patches and today the first major chunk of DLC for the game, the Contagion Bundle, has launched. The DLC pack offers the particularly-challenging Contagion Mode, which includes very limited resources, tougher enemies, and no mid-level saves (although not full-on permadeath).
The bundle also includes 14 new death animations for protagonist Jacob, which was a bit of a touchy subject when The Callisto Protocol’s post-launch roadmap was announced. Some accused Striking Distance of arbitrarily holding back content that should be in the core game, but the studio’s founder Glen Schofield insisted that wasn’t the case. Nevertheless, you can sneak a gruesome peek at some of new death animations in the trailer, below.
Need to know more? Here’s an official description of The Contagion Bundle…
“Death is only the beginning in Contagion Mode, The Callisto Protocol’s ultimate survival horror experience. Fight tactically and use your ammunition wisely – Contagion Mode’s difficulty is custom balanced with stronger enemies, limited resources, no manual saves and your progress is reset to the beginning of the chapter if you die.
The Contagion Bundle also includes 14 all-new ways for Jacob to die at the at the hands of the Biophage, and the Watchtower Skin Collection, a UJC themed pack of player and weapon skins for all your gear.”
The Contagion Bundle launches alongside The Callisto Protocol ver. 1.14, which includes some additional bug fixes (Striking Distance hasn’t specified what exactly is being fixed). The Contagion Bundle is part of The Callisto Protocol’s $30 Season Pass. It will also include the Riot Bundle, which will introduce a wave-based survival mode and new enemy death animations, and a full-on story expansion.
Missed out on The Callisto Protocol? At launch, Wccftech’s Kai Powell found it to be visually impressive and scary, but ultimately somewhat shallow…
“While an incredible looker, The Callisto Protocol suffers from a lack of intriguing content that makes the twelve-plus hour journey through Black Iron Prison feel worthwhile. The horror elements stand out as reason alone to play Striking Distance’s debut horror game, but you might want to find yourself getting thrown back into Black Iron Prison rather than see the journey through to the end.”
The Callisto Protocol can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and PS5.
