Since its 2020 announcement during the PlayStation 5 reveal event, Pragmata has been one of the most enigmatic projects on the horizon. The mysterious game has been delayed multiple times, leading some to worry Capcom had another Deep Down on its hands. Thankfully, that’s not the case: Pragmata is indeed real, and after playing 30 minutes of it during Summer Game Fest Play Days in Los Angeles, I’m itching to learn more about this sci-fi adventure.
Pragmata: Sci-Fi Survival on the Moon! Astronaut Hugh Williams investigates a silent lunar research station, only to be caught in a devastating quake. Rescued by Diana, a child-like android, he must now fight deadly robots and a hostile AI to escape the overrun space station and return to Earth. Experience thrilling third-person shooter gameplay with a unique twist: Diana's hacking abilities are key to overcoming heavily armored enemies
Pragmata: Sci-Fi Action Adventure with Unique Dual-Character Gameplay. Experience thrilling third-person shooter combat as astronaut Hugh Williams, aided by his AI companion Diana. Diana's unique hacking mini-game allows you to overcome heavily armored robots. Navigate a grid-based interface using the controller's face buttons to maximize blue square hits before reaching the green target, temporarily disabling enemies for devastating attacks. Explore a hostile lunar research station in this captivating sci-fi adventure
Experience fast-paced, real-time hacking in Pragmata! This unique sci-fi shooter features a thrilling mini-game where you navigate a grid interface, reminiscent of a large phone keypad, to hack enemies. Quickly trace an optimal path to the green target square, avoiding blocked squares, while dodging enemy attacks. Strategic use of special nodes, like those lowering enemy defense, enhances your hacking abilities and provides a tactical edge. Master the frantic combat and unlock the secrets of Pragmata's intense gameplay!
As Hugh, I wielded a standard pistol called a Grip Gun, the shotgun-like Shockwave Gun, and the Statis Net, which traps enemies in an energy field, providing a window to hack them unimpeded. Gunplay feels good, and the machines explode in a satisfying shower of parts. It takes getting used to, but the rhythm of hacking and then shooting gels well while adding a reflex-based strategy to traditional gunplay.
Exploring the relatively linear slice of the Cradle is aided by a scanner pointing toward the objective that also highlights collectibles. These include repair cartridges to regain health (of which you can only carry limited amounts), diary entries, and hologram messages from the Cradle’s crew. Gaining access to locked areas or solving puzzles requires different forms of hacking games, such as hitting a correct sequence of face buttons within a few seconds. Between the action, I enjoy Hugh and Diana’s banter. Diana’s innocent, playful demeanor is cute, and Hugh, who I expected to offer a gruff contrast, seems rather genial and even amused by Diana’s presence.
This small slice of Pragmata I played alleviates some fears about the game’s status, and I’m digging its blend of hacking and gunplay. We’ll have to wait until 2026 to see how Hugh and Diana make it back to Earth, but I’m willing to let Capcom cook after a positive first showing.
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