Experienced exploration of Capcom's Pragmata reveals an unexpectedly different experience
Straight from the Horse's Mouth at Summer Game Fest 🐴
Back in 2020, Capcom sent the gaming world into a frenzy with the announcement of their brand-new masterpiece, Pragmata. After a long hiatus, this radical sci-fi action-adventure game once again caught the limelight during the Summer Game Fest 2025, with a mesmerizing trailer dropped during PlayStation's June State of Play.
Before diving into the heart of the action, I found myself face-to-face with the representatives from Capcom at the Summer Game Fest, where I snagged a chance to get my grubby little hands on this long-awaited gem. I was briefed that I was part of one of the select few to play Pragmata outside the company. A bit nervy, I had no idea what to expect.
But as they say, expectations are the root of all heartache... or delight, in this case! The slice I played was unlike any concoction cooked up in my wildest dreams. While my exploration lasted only 20 spine-tingling minutes, I can't help feeling curious about what the future may unfold.
The adventure started in an abandoned lunar research station, where our hapless hero Hugh lies injured, and our mysterious sidekick, Diana, an android with the appearance of a young girl, helps patch him up. The poor guy's still a bit confused about the bizarre scenario, but time's ain't exactly on his side, as the duo gets ambushed by lesser androids.
Now, you'd think this would be the part where Hugh grabs a gun and starts shooting. But this boi's gotta get a little help from his friends (or his android friends, at least). Enter the hack-and-slash minigame, where Diana hacks enemy androids in real-time with the help of the controller's face buttons. And let me tell you, folks – it's a blast! It's a chaos symphony of dodging, firing, and hacking that's surprisingly intuitive, even for this doddering old gamer.
Exploring the station reveals a few more eccentricities of the gameplay. Alongside his ever-reloading pistol, Hugh stumbles upon some heavy artillery, which he can unleash on the mechanical menaces. These guns pack a serious punch, with one weapon creating a paralyzing field that immobilizes anything within its reach. But the catch is, these powerful weapons can't hold a charge for long, and I was always on the lookout for more ammo.
Also, there's a bit of parkour action thrown into the mix, as you'll have to navigate platforms, dodge lasers, and mantle up to new levels. The game runs smoothly on a PlayStation 5 Pro, offering top-notch visuals with the RE Engine. However, the frame rate did seem to waver every now and then when particle effects kicked into overdrive.
Overall, I was genuinely impressed by the smooth flow of combat after just a few minutes. While I have a few niggling questions, such as whether the hacking minigame will become increasingly complicated as the game progresses, and how the story will unfold, I can't help but eagerly anticipate a game I wasn't so sure would ever see the light of day just a few months back.
Mark your calendars, folks! Pragmata is set to launch in 2026, exclusively for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (Steam), and PlayStation 5. Get ready to strap in for an intergalactic adventure that won't disappoint!
For more updates on this lunar marvel, be sure to follow Pragmata on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Here's to a wild ride awaiting us all! 🚀🚀🚀👽👽👽
- The upcoming game, Pragmata, will be available on not just PlayStation 5, but also on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC (Steam).
- During the hack-and-slash minigame in Pragmata, the player utilizes the controller's face buttons to aid Diana in hacking enemy androids.
- Despite the minor frame rate wavier at times, the game runs smoothly on a PlayStation 5 Pro, offering impressive visuals with the RE Engine.
- The release date for Pragmata has been set for 2026, and fans can stay updated on its development through social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
