PRAGMATA REVIEW - 9/10 (THANKS CAPCOM FOR THE GAME) (PC Ver.)
What's up guys, Drew here! We always complain that the gaming industry lacks originality these days, right? It's always remakes or safe sequels. Well, Capcom's new IP Pragmata is exactly the breath of fresh air we've been waiting for! 🌕✨
I highly recommend checking out the demo to get a feel for it yourself, but here are my full thoughts after rolling credits on the review copy Capcom sent over.
📖 The Story
First off, no, it's not a secret Mega Man spin-off. It's a brand-new universe! You play as Hugh, who arrives at a remote lunar research station and ends up teaming up with an android he names Diana. Together, you're trying to survive a rogue AI, figure out the mysteries behind a new 3D-printing ore, and get back to Earth. The story actually surprised me and sets up this new universe perfectly!
🎮 The Gameplay
This is where Pragmata really shines and gets weird. It blends traditional shooting with a very unique hacking system. While Hugh aims, Diana hacks enemies via an on-screen mini-game to expose their weak points. You have to hack enemies to defeat them. As you progress, the hacking gets deeper with power-ups that buff your damage or paralyze foes. Hugh's arsenal is solid too, featuring a cooldown pistol, heavy pick-ups like shotguns and lasers, and utility gear to create clones or shields.
The only downside? The hacking can get a bit repetitive by the end of the game since you're constantly doing the same mini-game loop for every kill.
🗺️ World & Exploration
Think of it as a "fake Metroidvania." You have a main safe hub called The Shelter where you upgrade your gear, apply mods, and interact with Diana. From there, you explore linear lunar regions, fight bosses, and hunt for collectibles (the "Cabin" collectibles totally give me Mr. Raccoon vibes from Resident Evil 🦝). The campaign took me about 10-12 hours, but there are tons of VR simulator challenges and awesome post-game content to keep you busy!
⚙️ Graphics & Sound
Running on the RE Engine, it looks absolutely gorgeous, especially in the open areas. I played on PS5 Performance Mode (1440p) and it was buttery smooth with zero bugs. The 3D audio is top-tier—just like in RE, you can pinpoint exactly where enemies are just by listening. The soundtrack is solid too, giving off some major Stellar Blade vibes at times!
🏆 VERDICT: 9/10 🔥
Pragmata is another massive win for Capcom. It has a great story, gorgeous visuals, and highly functional, eccentric gameplay. Aside from the combat getting slightly repetitive once you fully master the hacking, it's an incredible experience.
(Available on PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC!)
Are you guys planning to pick this one up or have you tried the demo yet? Let me know down in the comments! 👇
Review written and game played by Andrew Louis.
Follow Andrew Louis: https://heydrew.link