EA Motive’s Dead Space remake injected new life into a long-dormant survival-horror IP, reigniting discussions about the franchise's future. While the release of a new Dead Space game remains uncertain, the potential for EA Motive to remake all three original games has sparked considerable anticipation. Despite numerous attempts to tread similar paths, The Callisto Protocol struggled to differentiate itself from Dead Space, bearing the weight of unflattering comparisons.

The Callisto Protocol presented a distinctive narrative within the science-fiction survival-horror genre, yet its mechanics and gameplay failed to captivate, often feeling rigid and uninspired, especially when compared to the unique elements that defined Dead Space. However, a significant issue lies in the portrayal of its protagonist. While Isaac Clarke may not possess the larger-than-life persona of other survival-horror icons, his pivotal role in the storyline made him an intriguing character, setting him apart from The Callisto Protocol’s Jacob Lee.

Unveiling the Stark Contrast Between Dead Space’s Isaac and Callisto Protocol’s Jacob

The Callisto Protocol’s Jacob Lee: Competent Yet Forgettable

Despite being portrayed by actor Josh Duhamel, Jacob fails to leave a lasting impression, lacking defining characteristics. In combat scenarios, Jacob appears inexplicably composed, effortlessly fending off assailants in a QTE-style tutorial, presenting himself as a seasoned fighter, a stark contrast to Dead Space’s Isaac.

While Jacob’s profession as a cargo ship pilot could have drawn parallels to Isaac's mundane occupation as an engineer, this similarity remains largely irrelevant beyond a late-game twist.

Dead Space’s Isaac Clarke: The Mild-Mannered Engineer

Isaac, although proficient in combat, is portrayed as a humble engineer whose fighting prowess stems from his engineering skills rather than flashy close-quarters combat abilities. This depiction immerses players, as they wouldn't naturally expect an engineer to excel in combat, a notion reinforced by the game.

Isaac's sheer terror and unwavering determination sustain him, with his combat repertoire predominantly featuring Dead Space’s iconic stomps and wild, unrefined attacks. Unlike Jacob, he doesn't evade enemy assaults, relying instead on unconventional contraptions and engineering tools, reflected in the weaponry he wields.

While Isaac's use of the Plasma Cutter as an offensive weapon might overshadow its original purpose as a mining tool, Dead Space’s diverse weapon options exude character and ingenuity. In contrast, The Callisto Protocol equips Jacob with mundane and unremarkable weapons, further diminishing his impact within the game.