I finished Pragmata

Announced in 2019 during an E3 show, I really had no expectations for Pragmata. I certainly didn't expect a faster paced Resident Evil game with a Yakuza 0 disco mini game style hacking element. Nonetheless, I was thoroughly surprised and happy with how this game turned out. It's been a long time since announcement and we all know how those games can vary wildly in quality. Fortunately this landed as what I anticipate becoming a modern classic. 

I was hesitant on the game when we first saw gameplay. The amount of things on screen with the hacking and shooting, it all looked so cumbersome. I was excited to try the demo though because with Capcom's recent output, I was at least willing to give the game a try. Once I did, it immediately became my most anticipated video game of 2026. 

The way it combines RE style 3rd person shooting and the hacking mini game makes for a wildly unique and engaging flow of gameplay. If I were to offer up only one criticism with the core gameplay, I think it doesn't really change up the general formula enough by the time you hit the 10th hour. It provides different puzzles and additions to the general loop, but I feel like they could've gone a little bit further with the hybrid gameplay. That said, it still manages to remain engaging throughout the entire game. 

Story wise (I will refrain from spoilers), it's a very simple one but very charming. Hugh and Diana make for a really fun father/daughter dynamic. Funnily enough, right before I finished the game, I realized just how heavily the game was inspired by Aliens, almost directly. Diana just looks identical to Newt and her relationship with Ripley is just as fun of a relationship here. 

I have yet to get 100% on all the areas or do Lunatic difficulty but I can definitely see myself coming back. Unfortunately I do think the quest for 100% collectables and upgrades gets boring fairly quickly. Going back through the cleared areas gets tiring, especially if you're looking for one safe box that just gives you currency. In addition, I feel like the Metroid style upgrades that open new walls isn't really that engaging. The real thing that's worth doing after clearing an area are the Red Zones which act like DMC challenge rooms with unique encounters. 

All in all, this is a fantastic game. It's got some shortcomings but very much worth playing. If I were to score it, I'd probably land on an 8/10. I think RE9 just barely edges it out for me. 

With that, it is just wild how well Capcom's output has been for the past near-decade. Every year, they've had at least one highly critically acclaimed Game of the Year contender which just cannot be said for most game companies. They also aren't fully relying on their flagship franchises like RE, Monster Hunter, and Street Fighter. They're finding room to make new IPs like this or Kunitsu-gami, or even to return to dormant IPs like Onimusha. 

I'm really happy with how this game turned out after so long.