In a stunning revelation, Striking Distance Studios unveiled their latest creation, a roguelike dungeon crawler titled “[REDACTED]” at Gamescom 2024. Set in the same universe as their previous hit, The Callisto Protocol, this new game follows a security guard attempting to flee the infamous Black Iron Prison. Scheduled for release on October 31, “[REDACTED]” promises an exhilarating experience for players on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The protagonist must navigate a treacherous path to freedom, facing mutated inmates, alien monstrosities, and even other desperate individuals vying for the last escape pod. Adding a unique twist, players will also have to confront their own reanimated corpses, complete with all their accrued gear. This unexpected challenge adds an intriguing layer to the traditional roguelike gameplay mechanics.
Diverging from the somber tone of The Callisto Protocol, “[REDACTED]” presents a vibrant and dynamic visual style, characterized by bold outlines and a comic book-inspired aesthetic. The fast-paced gameplay and colorful world stand in stark contrast to the grim atmosphere of its predecessor, showcasing the versatility and creativity of Striking Distance Studios. Led by industry veteran Glen Schofield, the team behind this ambitious project is determined to build on the success of their previous endeavor while exploring new narrative and gameplay possibilities.
The Callisto Protocol, the inaugural release from Striking Distance Studios, was envisioned as a spiritual successor to Schofield’s acclaimed work on Dead Space. Despite its December 2022 launch, recent comments from Schofield suggest that the game may have benefitted from additional development time. Departing from the studio following the release, Schofield left behind a team dedicated to the ongoing development of a top-tier AAA title, alongside their work on “Redacted.” This departure marks a new chapter for Striking Distance Studios, as they continue to push the boundaries of gaming innovation and storytelling.
