Pragmata: A Sci-Fi Shooter Like No Other
For five years, the fate of Capcom's Pragmata hung in the balance. Once touted as a PS4 and Xbox One exclusive, it has been stuck in development limbo since its mysterious reveal trailer at the 2020 PS5 Showcase. But now, ahead of Gamescom 2025, we finally got our hands on this enigmatic space game.
Pragmata is an odd beast to describe, but we'll try to do it justice. With elements from 'Dead Space,' 'Resident Evil,' and even the stealthy moves of 'Snake,' this sci-fi shooter promises to be a wild ride. You play as Hugh Williams, a spaceman who finds himself stranded on a malfunctioning space station with only his wits and a newfound ally – an Android named Diana.
Diana is created using Lunafillament, a resource that can replicate anything or anyone with its DNA. Together, Hugh and Diana join forces to investigate the space station's downfall, navigating environmental puzzles, dodging androids, and confronting mysterious foes. The setup might not be entirely new, but there's something refreshing about the relationship between these two characters.
Our demo began in the early game, where we saw hints of a partnership forming between Hugh and Diana. As they work together, their interactions feel more like a collaboration than a begrudging alliance – making their characters seem refreshingly endearing. The gameplay is addictive, with a unique "simultaneous shooting and hacking" mechanic that requires you to balance both aspects in real-time.
Hacking, or rather, the 'stun-bar' mechanic, is where Pragmata truly shines. Starting a hack on an enemy, using Diana's android powers to navigate a 5x5 grid, and reaching a goal can significantly weaken foes, allowing Hugh to deal massive damage with his guns.
This innovative mechanic creates a captivating combat flow that requires focus on both the enemy movements and the hacking puzzle. At first, it might feel overwhelming, but as you progress, your brain adjusts, and you find yourself memorizing face button presses while juggling these two halves of the combat.
The reward cycle is incredible – completing hacks or solving puzzles feels like landing mini-victories in every fight. This mechanic adds depth to the game's backbone, setting it up for success. There are still many questions surrounding Pragmata, but its potential is undeniable.
Capcom has once again demonstrated its prowess by rethinking old genres and redefining classic franchises. Pragmata is a testament to their innovative spirit – a game that could be considered 'risky' but is instead setting itself up to be one of the most fascinating sci-fi games in years.
Scheduled Release Date: 2026
Pragmata will hit PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC next year. Stay tuned for updates, and join our Space Forums to discuss all things space-related!