First Impressions: Pragmata’s Quiet Confidence at Gamescom
When Pragmata appeared at Summer Game Fest, I walked away curious. Capcom’s new sci‑fi IP drew eyes, thanks to its odd mix of hacking and third‑person action. The early demo ended before a big boss, which left room for doubt. A longer look at Gamescom last week changed my take entirely. The extended run includes the climactic boss fight, and it left me more convinced than before.
What the duo brings to the table
Pragmata locks you into the path of Hugh, a spacefarer, and Diana, his small android friend. Their goal is simple: escape a lunar lab and get back to Earth. The setup nods to a striking sci‑fi vibe that could echo Death Stranding in mood, with a warm core relationship at its heart. Watching Hugh try to teach Diana human quirks, like how to give a high five, felt genuinely sweet. That relationship may become a big part of the game as it unfolds.
How play blends action with mind games
In motion, Hugh trudges through in a bulky suit and faces robots seized by a rogue AI. His default weapon is steady, but armor on the bots absorbs a lot of fire. That’s where Diana shines. She can tap into the robots’ neural network and trigger a hacking minigame. The circle is a line you must guide through a grid with a Snake‑like path to reach a target tile, dodging obstacles along the way. The trick is the action never stops; you must keep moving Hugh and dodge hits while the grid puzzle runs. When you finish the hack, the robot drops into an Open state and takes much more damage.
Rhythm, risk, and rewards on the grid
This setup for combat creates a fresh rhythm. You juggle puzzle solving, quick movement, and shooting at once. It’s not a pure puzzle game; it stays an action experience with real stakes. The flow feels natural, not forced, which is key in a title that leans on both brains and brawn.
Extra tools and scavenger rewards
Alongside Hugh’s pistol that recharges slowly, you pick up special weapons to broaden your options. A shotgun brings bigger punch, and a stasis rifle can trap foes for short windows. You’ll also find one‑time buffs that boost hacking in the grid minigame. Grabbing these buffs before a tile is a strategic choice, making a quick detour feel worthwhile. It adds a neat layer to the pacing, encouraging careful planning without stalling the action.
Weighing risk against reward
There’s a clear, almost Resident Evil‑style feel to the pacing. Resources are finite, so you decide when to spend them. The stasis field can slow a crowd, but saving it for a bigger moment can pay off. Timing matters, too. Using Diana’s Overdrive Protocol fills a short window where all enemies are stunned. It’s a strong push that needs good timing and placement just as boss moments arrive.
Boss battles that prove the system’s depth
The boss in the demo is SectorGuard, a tank on legs who looks simple at first glance. The real fun arrives in how you fight it. Certain back panels only unlock after you hack the boss, revealing weak points for big damage. The fight ramps up with missiles and swift body slams, which puts your reflexes to the test. Dodging while keeping hacks going is a tight balance, especially since damage can reset a hacking minigame. It’s a satisfying pattern that tests timing and nerve alike.
How it all comes together
With SectorGuard in the mix, the combat system finally feels in tune. I left the demo impressed by how the pieces click into place. I still want more of the broader story, since we’ve only seen glimpses of it. If Capcom hones the Hugh and Diana bond while tightening gunplay, buffs, and boss variety, Pragmata could stand out in the crowded field of sci‑fi titles.
What to expect on launch
Pragmata is planned for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2026. The gameplay ideas already show promise, with a unique blend of real‑time action and puzzle combat that forces smart play. The visuals and pacing suggest a thoughtful approach to scale, not just flashy set pieces.
Looking ahead with optimism
Capcom seems to be carving a clear path for Pragmata. The demo builds confidence that the game can deliver a memorable bond between Hugh and Diana, a sturdy set of tools, and boss fights that demand strategy. If the full package keeps refining what we’ve seen so far, Pragmata could become a standout addition to this generation’s sci‑fi lineup.
For more on Capcom at Gamescom, you can read hands‑on previews of other titles in development, but Pragmata stands out for its unusual approach to combat and story.
Image credit: Capcom
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