Capcom has a long history of delivering bold new ideas alongside its established franchises, and Pragmata looks to be one of the most intriguing yet. First revealed a few years back as a mysterious sci-fi project, it’s finally taking shape as a narrative-driven action adventure with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and experimentation. Our hands-on session at Gamescom gave us a clearer picture of what the studio is building, and it feels like the kind of project that could stand proudly alongside Capcom’s more famous series while also charting a very different course.
What we know
Set in the near future, Pragmata follows Hugh, a human protagonist, and Diana, his android companion, as they attempt to survive and uncover secrets within a lunar research station. The game blends action-adventure gameplay with a hacking system that gives it a distinctive edge, combining combat and problem-solving with risk-versus-reward decisions. While Capcom is being careful not to give too much of the story away, the pairing of a human and android partner sets the stage for both narrative depth and cooperative mechanics that shape how players approach each scenario. Pragmata is in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a release date still to be announced.
What we saw
During Gamescom, we went hands-on with a 25-minute demo of Pragmata. This slice of the game introduced us to Hugh and Diana, showed off their relationship dynamic, and gave us an opportunity to experiment with the hacking system and combat mechanics while exploring the eerie corridors and open spaces of the lunar base.
What we thought
Our immediate takeaway from the demo was just how striking Pragmata looks. The lunar environments feel both beautiful and desolate, combining high-fidelity visuals with a sharp sense of atmosphere. From the sterile research corridors to the stark expanses of the lunar surface, Capcom’s visual design makes the setting feel alive and immersive, which is key for a game that relies so much on tension and mystery.
Gameplay-wise, the hacking mechanic stood out as the feature that could make Pragmata more than just another sci-fi action game. In practice, it allows you to manipulate systems, enemies, and even the environment, but it comes with risk: hacking takes time, leaves you vulnerable, and forces you to decide whether the payoff is worth it. This creates a constant push and pull between direct action and more strategic approaches, making each encounter feel dynamic and varied.
The partnership between Hugh and Diana adds another compelling layer. Diana’s android nature gives her unique abilities that complement Hugh’s human perspective, and the interplay between the two feels like it could develop into both meaningful storytelling and creative gameplay. Our demo only hinted at their evolving bond, but the seeds are clearly there for a narrative hook that keeps you invested in more than just the action.
If there’s a question mark around Pragmata, it’s whether its genre-blending approach – part action game, part puzzler, part narrative-driven mystery – can maintain balance across a full-length adventure. The potential is undeniable, though, and based on our time with the demo, the game already feels like one of Capcom’s boldest and most promising experiments in years. With its gorgeous presentation, clever mechanics, and intriguing premise, Pragmata is shaping up to be a sci-fi experience worth keeping an eye on.
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