As usual, the next PlayStation Plus Essential free games lineup has leaked early. Specifically, two of the three freebies for October 2023 have leaked ahead of PlayStation's official reveal (expected tomorrow, September 27). Survival horror game The Callisto Protocol looks to be the marquee offer for subscribers. The second leaked freebie, Farming Simulator 22, couldn't be more different, so it will be interesting to learn the identity of the third and final PS Plus free game for October.

With Halloween around the corner, it's a great time to check out the debut game from Dead Space creator Glen Schofield's Striking Distance Studios. Released to lofty expectations in December of last year, The Callisto Protocol fell short of matching Dead Space, which, to be fair, was a very difficult bar to reach. It also missed its sales goals, which led to layoffs of more than 30 developers at Striking Distance in August. Schofield, Striking Distance's CEO and co-founder, voluntarily resigned this month.

The Callisto Protocol is a perfect match for PlayStation Plus. Underwhelming reviews likely stopped some Dead Space fans from buying the game at launch, but now PS Plus members can give The Callisto Protocol a try without needing to buy it. Our 5/10 Callisto Protocol review emphasized the strength of the art and sound, but clunky and uneven combat hampered what could have been a standout survival horror experience. Nevertheless, horror fans should check it out to see if it clicks with them.