The Callisto Protocol builds on the organic scares of Alien Isolation

techradar.com:

The Callisto Protocol will take a leaf out of Alien Isolation’s horror playbook, and use  intelligent mutant monsters to deliver non-scripted scares.

Speaking to TechRadar Gaming at Gamescom 2022, chief technical officer Mark James says The Callisto Protocol will feature a “variable environment” that will change independently of the player. He describes the game as a “simulated world” that’s constantly running, but will be gradually altered through the behavior of its enemies.

“If I have an enemy that walked through the world ahead of me, I can show what that enemy did to the world,” says James. “I can put attacks in the world – like if they killed something here, I can show the remains of that kill.”

The idea is that the game’s enemies will wander the corridors of the Black Iron prison alongside the player. As they do, they’ll interact with the environment around them and leave clues of their presence for players to discover later. It’s supposed to be suggestive, indicating to the player that something’s lurking in the vicinity – waiting to pounce. 

“[If an] an enemy is behind you, he can work out a route to you through the vent system,” says James. “If he goes behind you, he's entered a vent, which means he's knocked that vent plate off. The first time I walked through that corridor there wasn't a vent plate on the floor, but now there is, so I know something's used that corridor. It's really creepy the first time you see it. "

James reckons this variable environment will underpin The Callisto Protocol’s horror atmosphere. Just as the xenomorph in Alien Isolation kept you on your toes by scurrying about in response to your actions, it’s hoped the enemies in this game, too, will make it feel dynamic.

“One of [the things we