Review | PRAGMATA

Releasing a new IP in this day and age is no small feat. We’ve seen the closure of many studios over the last couple of years for daring to push new ideas. Capcom is no stranger to the publishing world, and they have a ton of classic IPs behind them, but even for them, it’s a risk.

Originally announced in 2020, Pragmata has gone through several changes over the years before finally arriving at our door. Gone are the decrepit hallways of the Spencer Mansion, and the ghastly zombies, and in their place, a space station filled with androids, and a rogue AI that threatens to destroy Earth using dead filament.

Pragmata is very much an action game at its core, with a unique style of gameplay and mechanics, but what really shines is the dynamic between the two protagonists, which you control at the same time.

Things I liked!

• Visually Stunning | Pragmata is an incredibly impressive game visually, powered by Capcom’s RE Engine. The lunar setting is brought to life with detailed environments, dynamic lighting, and a strong contrast between the cold emptiness of space and the artificial interiors of the station. Small environmental details and effects like debris, reflections, and lighting shifts add to the immersion and make exploration feel rewarding.

• Fantastic Story | The narrative is one of the game’s strongest elements. It slowly unfolds through exploration and character interaction, keeping you engaged without overwhelming you with exposition. The mystery surrounding the station, the rogue AI, and Diana herself builds consistently, making you want to push forward to uncover more. I don’t want to give too much away, but the game’s climax is very emotionally moving, and will move even the toughest person to tears.
  
  
• Dual Protagonist Control | The dual-character system is where the gameplay really stands out. Controlling Hugh in combat while simultaneously utilising Diana for hacking creates a layered experience that feels fresh. It forces you to multitask and think strategically, especially in high-pressure situations, making encounters far more engaging than standard run-and-gun gameplay. Not only do you need to focus on shooting and hacking, but you will also need to focus on dodging using Hugh’s thrusters on his spacesuit.
  
  
• Weapon Variety | There’s a solid range of weapons available, each feeling distinct and useful depending on the situation. Rather than having a single “best” option, the game encourages you to experiment and adapt based on enemy types and encounters, which keeps combat from becoming repetitive. It reminded me a little of the Resident Evil 4 Remake weapon system, where guns are accessed using the D-pad, and you can switch between weapons quickly to help dispatch large quantities of enemies. My favourite weapon by far had to be the defensive drones, which pummel enemies for you while you also attack them, which really piles on the pressure.
  
  
• Hacking Abilities | Diana’s hacking mechanics are more than just a gimmick; they’re essential to progression and combat. Whether you’re disabling enemies, solving puzzles, or opening new paths, hacking adds an extra layer of interaction that constantly keeps you engaged and thinking ahead. In most cases, enemies are usually handled through normal hacking, but as the game progresses, you will need to take advantage of mods, which will allow you to boost your hacking and add status effects to the enemies, such as freeze, heat, armour down, confusion, and expose. Chaining multiple of these together will see you deal massive damage very quickly.
  
  
• Upgrades & Loadouts | Pragmata has roguelike elements to it, in that before each run, you get to choose a loadout, and also upgrade your character from the currency collected in game. The upgrade system allows you to tailor your playstyle over time. Whether you focus on improving combat efficiency, hacking capabilities, or survivability, the game gives you meaningful choices that impact how you approach each encounter. Loadouts feel flexible without being overwhelming. All weapons, defensive items, and mods can be upgraded so they are more powerful as you reach the endgame.
  
  
• Accessibility | Pragmata does a good job of making its systems approachable despite their complexity. While there is a learning curve, the game introduces mechanics at a steady pace, allowing players to adapt naturally. Controls feel responsive, and the design ensures that players can grow into its systems rather than feel locked out. Not only that, players can toggle certain features on and off, and also adjust settings for certain eye issues.
  
  
• Music & Sound | The soundtrack fits the tone of the game perfectly, blending atmospheric sci-fi sounds with more intense tracks during combat sequences. Sound design is equally strong, with weapons, environmental effects, and hacking feedback all feeling impactful and clear. Combined with solid voice acting, the audio helps sell both the tension and emotional weight of the experience. Hugh and Diana’s dynamic is expertly captured with Hugh sounding genuinely concerned for Diana’s welfare. Its underlying tone shows how someone without children can be protective and caring for someone they think of as their own. It is genuinely heart-warming.

Mixed & disliked!

• Nothing | Pragmata is perfect, and I won’t be told otherwise.
  

How long did I play the review before publishing? 13 hours
How long to beat the story? 13 hours
How long to Complete the game 100%? 20 hours (12 hours story, 8 hours side content)
How many Achievements did I earn before publishing? 21/35
You’ll love this game if you like these | Bionic Commando, Resident Evil 5

CONCLUSION

Score: 100/100

Pragmata is a rare kind of experience that feels fresh, ambitious, and fully realised from start to finish. As a brand new IP from Capcom, it takes risks that many modern games avoid, and that boldness truly pays off. It constantly challenged me to think, adapt, and engage with its unique systems in a meaningful way. Others will love it for that same originality, depth, and the way it stands out from the crowd. In a time dominated by sequels and safe bets, this feels like a complete and confident experience that absolutely delivers.