Pragmata PS5 Preview. My first thought when nabbing the controller throughout my hands-on with Pragmata was, “blimey, I’m truly enjoying this factor?” In spite of everything, Capcom’s sci-fi romp was introduced method again in 2020, and has gone darkish on various events, seeing a number of delays within the course of. Having lastly resurfaced with a obscure 2026 window, I used to be capable of play almost half-hour of Pragmata on PS5, and it’s positively one thing you’ll wish to hold in your radar. Sure, there’s loads of the same old sci-fi trappings to be discovered, from its clear, crystal white hallways to futuristic technical gubbins that at one level jogged my memory of Useless House, however its fight loop is uniquely sensible.
The demo opens with mech-suited hero, Hugh Williams, waking up with to a hearty slap from Diana, an android designed to appear to be a younger lady who simply occurs to be a dab hand at hacking and matches snugly in your again. Your pint-sized companion and Hugh are rapidly attacked by a mechanised baddie, and it’s right here that we’re launched to the meat-and-potatoes of fight. You maintain L2 to purpose at your foe, at which level Diana hacks your goal and a fast mini sport opens; right here, you should use the face buttons to maneuver the cursor to the inexperienced node, thus rendering your foes weak to assault.
From right here, you should use your commonplace weapons by squeezing R2 to fireplace at your enemy’s weak level, permitting you to inflict main harm. Attempt capping your foes with out Diana’s hacking experience, and also you’re in for a tough experience, as your assaults barely scratch them. Whereas this might sound gimmicky on the floor, Pragmata’s bread-and-butter fight is each intuitive and satisfying. The motion doesn’t pause whilst you hack; you should assume on the fly, navigating the grid whereas keeping track of your enemy always.
As such, encounters are intense, pulse-pounding scraps that ooze an actual sense of urgency as you try and hit that very important inexperienced node. The gratification of ploughing by way of a hacking section after which leaving your adversary a smoking heap of junk on the ground is palpable to say the least.
Capcom has added additional wrinkles to fight by together with particular bonuses within the hacking grid that may give you an edge in fight. These are fully non-compulsory, however add a pleasant layer of technique to hacking because it takes extra time and dexterity to navigate the grid to gather these additional nodes, all of the whereas making an attempt to keep away from assaults.
Hugh is fortunately fairly agile regardless of his hulking look. R1 is used to dodge and X lets you leap, which may get you out of sticky conditions and is paramount when surrounded by a number of foes. Nevertheless, doing so will scale back your thruster gauge, so you need to monitor it rigorously.
Pragmata additionally applies it hacking mechanic to environmental conundrums, as you utilize varied panels to govern components of the surroundings, comparable to shutting off laser traps or elevating platforms. It’s fundamental stuff, however permits the sport to delight in its extra interesting mechanics that little bit extra.
The RE Engine flexes its visible prowess as soon as extra right here, and it’s honest to say Pragmata is a stunning-looking providing because of this. Particle results like explosions and electrical energy pop with vibrancy, environments look clear and complex, whereas enemies are available all styles and sizes and are filled with intricate little particulars. Oh, and Diana is a little bit star; it’s clear the connection between her and Hugh goes to be a significant focus of the narrative, and I’m desperate to see the way it develops.
Fairly how the fight will pan out in the long term and evolve is anybody’s guess proper now, however from my hands-on, I’m getting nothing however constructive vibes from Pragmata and might’t wait to play extra of it come launch.
Pragmata is due out on PS5, PC, and Xbox Collection X/S in 2026. Because of Capcom for the chance to go hands-on with the sport.
