Striking Distance Studios went in a completely different direction from its debut title The Callisto Protocol with [REDACTED], an adrenaline-fueled isometric roguelike with a vibrant comic book aesthetic, a punk soundtrack and an irreverent tone. While atmospheric sci-fi horror games like The Callisto Protocol are all about immersion and emotional evocation, one consideration trumps them all when it comes to roguelikes: gameplay. The most memorable roguelike games all share an undeniably exceptional moment-to-moment gameplay and [REDACTED] he looked to examples outside the genre for ideas on how to do this.
The game that Rant sat down with Striking Distance CEO Steve Papoutsis and Creative Director Ben Walker to discuss how the team built an engaging combat system [REDACTED] heavily inspired by the depth and tightness of combat in fighting games such as Street Fighter. They also talked about how the varied moveset available to players ties into the game's substantial arsenal of potential variations that leverage all of the player's capabilities.
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Why the Callisto Protocol [REDACTED] Not having early access is the right call
Callisto Protocol makes a bold change with [REDACTED]and the roguelike that takes over an early access release is the best.
[REDACTED]Its controls feel like a fighting game
Creative director Ben Walker cited the game's control scheme as a top priority, and traditional fighting games such as Street Fighter have long been a great example of solid controls that allow for a wide range of movement. [REDACTED] players can run, kick, shoot, and swing during combat, but more depth comes from using combinations of these. For example, a hit followed by a dash results in a quick slide, while attacking shortly after a dash results in a single attack. The fluid application of the whole kit can be extremely satisfying and is also the key to survival in the Black Iron prison.
Everything centered around the controls. We're big fans of fighting games and RPGs with builds, so we tried to bring the two together. We looked at a lot of traditional old fighters like
Street Fighter
and
Super Smash Brothers
to figure out what makes melee combat feel really good and we tried to bring some of that. Then we looked at fast-paced, top-down shooters like dual school shooters and thought, “We can put these two things together. ?”
Of course, the arsenal of weapons available to players changes this even more. Slower, heavier melee weapons offer a completely different playstyle than more nimble options, and the player's choice of ranged weapon is just as significant. In this way, the player's starting loadout is no different than choosing a favorite character Mortal Kombat.
[REDACTED]Roguelike's upgrades shake up the gameplay with every run
The depth of the combat system is found [REDACTED]Its RPG-like building variety, which Papoutsis felt was another key component to getting the roguelike right. Known as “experiments,” the roguelike powerups that players can find during a run tend to enhance each of these moves and add new interactions. For example, sliding could leave a trail of fire behind, or lightning attacks could freeze nearby enemies.
Plus, we wanted that instant feel, that great responsiveness on top of these builds. Since roguelikes are shorter and I've enjoyed the shorter games myself, we wanted that chance to rebuild those versions over and over again.
league of legends
I did that a few times back and I think that's what drew me to that game – I could have fun setting things up the way I wanted without a huge time commitment and be able to try again and again. Those were the three big things from the gameplay side that we were looking for.
By tying experiments to set move in this way, each race could require players to focus on a different playstyle. A strong upgrade to the Dash could inspire players to pounce every chance they get, while one that improves the dash can cause them to try to get closer to every engagement. This combination of build variety and playstyle makes [REDACTED] a promising roguelike for fans who want a change of pace with every run.
Black Iron, a state-of-the-art penitentiary located on Jupiter's icy moon Callisto, is overrun by hordes of infected inmates. As a lowly prison guard, your job is simple – get to the last escape hatch and get out alive.
But you're not the only survivor looking to escape. Your rivals—a deranged custodian, a violent gangster, a maniacal lunch lady, and more—can't wait to step over your corpse and save themselves.
Only one of you can get off the moon – make sure it's you!
FIGHT/DIE/ADAPT
Every death is a learning experience. Starting each race fresh, build your gear with powerful experiments, weapon schemes, and perks to fight your way through Black Iron. When you die (and you will), use your hard-earned loot to purchase new weapons, costumes, and permanent abilities. Get stronger, experiment with your strategy and get out!
KNOW YOUR RIVALS
You're not the only person who survived the initial outbreak or wants to use a little violence to get to the final escape hatch. Some prisoners and even your fellow correctional officers are just as eager to escape and will make your escape difficult by attacking you from a distance or challenging you to a one-on-one duel. Face them, attack them back from a distance and fight them to the death to escape in one piece.
Fight your LAST FRAME
When you die, you leave more than a corpse dressed in overalls. Defeat the reanimated corpse of the last guard to succumb to the dangers of the prison to earn a powerful experiment. But beware, it won't be an easy fight. The semi-living guard has the same charge they had when he met an untimely end and a few extra tricks up his sleeve to keep things spicy.
DO OR DIE
You've made the perfect build, fought bosses, run through rivals, killed your corpse, found all the files, and now you're standing in front of the final escape pod. Sure, you could leave it all behind for the sweet taste of freedom… or risk it all in one last hardcore do-or-die dash back through the prison. Fail and you lose all purchased equipment, skills, costumes and weapons. But IF you succeed, you'll unlock powerful new permanent gear.
FUTURE PUNK
An irreverent attitude, unique presentation, vivid graphic novel style and an original 180 bpm arcade-punk soundtrack by Mutato Muzika enhance [REDACTED]sci-fi setting and fast-paced white-knuckle action.