PRAGMATA Review

After years of anticipation, Capcom‘s new sci-fi action-adventure title PRAGMATA is finally landing this month.

See whether players should join Hugh and Diana at this remote lunar research facility with our review…

PRAGMATA Review

PRAGMATA follows the story of space pilot Hugh Williams, who has been sent to check out a mining base on the moon that’s gone dark.

With not even the base AI responding, it’s time for the humans to take care of business up there.

PRAGMATA’s moon pays host to Lunafilament, a valuable material that can replicate almost anything. In fact, one of the first points of interest in the title is a giant tower made by a printer and Lunafilament.

This place is a cash cow – and it can’t be lost.

However, things quickly take a wrong turn after a moonquake strikes, having Hugh fall deeper into the base.

Right before one’s sudden death, a robot girl named Diana provides salvation, agreeing to join you. Diana is a handy one – she can hack most electronics, and can also weaken bots sent to stop you.

Once you meet Diana and find out what’s happening on the moon, it’s time to escape with Diana and get back home before the base kills you both – expect 10-12 hours of play time on one’s initial playthrough.

While technically a third-person shooter, combat in PRAGMATA keeps things fresh with its hacking mini-game.

Before engaging with enemy bots in PRAGMATA, they first need to be hacked. Once the hack begins, a larger square pops up with a green endpoint. From there, players will need to get their line to the end point – assuming you don’t get it or have it cancelled.

While simple, Diana gains new tools that help with hacking to make it more fun – we’re talking defecting bots, stunning bots, dishing out more damage, and applying a wealth of debuffs.

After said bots are hacked in PRAGMATA, Hugh and his many guns come into play.

Startting with a pistol, players will find more equipment as they go.

Lunafilament can replicate anything – including a lock-on missile launcher. Why not use it?

Combat in PRAGMATA is enjoyable once figured out, but there is a learning curve with some quirks…

For instance, side weapons can’t be reloaded; once out of ammo, it’s time to head back to The Cradle safe room to get a new one or potentially discover one in the base.

That being said, this system becomes second nature before too long, and it incentivizes players to try new strategies and upgrade new gear.

PRAGMATA’s core game loop has players clear a few waves of enemies, explore the space station, find loot, and take a ladder back to The Cradle.

While here, players can upgrade Hugh’s suit and damage output, along with Diana’s hacking power. On e can also upgrade all side weapons and hacks as well.

The best part of going back to The Cradle is bringing back Earth memories: little holograms that will show up at the base and make a scene for you.

Diana loves them, and players can earn Cabin Coins for turning them in.

Cabin Coins are also used in the game’s chief mini-game: Bingo.

Unlike real bingo, players will be able to just pick which spot you mark. However, those that fill out an entire bingo card can net themselves a huge reward – healing canisters, completely new weapons, new outfits for both characters, and even new hacks.

Not only does this provide an excellent reason to explore the base, it is also a great reason to take on PRAGMATA’s Training Simulations.

Allowing players to train in various situations, PRAGMATA’s training scenarios require players to kill enemies with select weapons, race to the finish, collect a set number of objects, or even take on a platforming puzzle.

Each one features multiple rewards – and all worth going after. Those that do are rewarded with more Cabin Coins and upgrade parts for the main characters, along with extra guns and hacks.

Best of all, PRAGMATA’s Training Simulations are very well-balanced.

Note that while PRAGMATA does feature puzzles, they are all a bit on the simple side. Rotating through three or four different hacking minigames to solve them, players will typically see a locked door, followed by a path that needs following, and switches that need hacking.

Platforming puzzles do show up on occasion, but Hugh handles well and can air dash – piece of cake.

Despite this mobility, a melee attack would really help in PRAGMATA. While a finishing move is available, sometimes a bot just needs bashing.

PRAGMATA also features a shotgun-like Shockwave gun with immense power. While it was the first upgrade focus, other side guns could also benefit from a buff.

A moonshot six years in the making, Capcom’s bold new IP PRAGMATA sends Hugh and Diana to new heights with a successful landing.

The post PRAGMATA Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.