Preview: I Think Pragmata Could Be PS5’s Best Shooter Yet

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I’ve had the chance to play Pragmata several times before its release, and each time I’m more impressed. Capcom’s new shooter just keeps improving with every preview.

This was the most extended play session so far – I spent two whole hours with the characters Hugh and Diana. I genuinely believe this could be one of the best shooting games available on the PS5.

You’ve probably gotten the hang of controlling Diana when hacking enemies, but here’s a reminder: when you aim at an enemy using the L2 button, a hacking panel will pop up, letting you play as Diana.

Use the face buttons to draw a line through the panel, aiming to hit as many colored blocks as you can. Clearing more blocks makes the hack more powerful and extends how long its effects last.

I’m really enjoying this unique gameplay idea! It’s a great mix of Resident Evil 4 and the puzzle-solving of games like Pipe Mania, creating something truly different.

I always wondered if that was all there was to it, you know? But after playing the latest demo, I’m convinced Capcom still has a few surprises for us!

This event happens a bit later in the game, within the New York-like city we saw in the recent State of Play presentation.

From the very beginning, the game looks incredible. Played on a PS5 Pro with the newest version of PSSR technology, it’s one of the most visually stunning and beautifully crafted games I’ve seen recently – comparable to last month’s Resident Evil Requiem.

The story takes place on a space station far from Earth, so everything you see – buildings, cars, and all the other details – has a distinctly artificial, 3D-printed appearance.

The game world has some visual issues, like surfaces unexpectedly showing the structures behind them before correcting themselves. Also, a few cars are stuck underground due to errors in their creation.

Honestly, the amount of stuff happening on screen is mind-blowing. It’s like, everywhere you look, there are tons of ads – for everything from burgers to Broadway shows – plastered all over the buildings in bright, flashing neon. It’s a total sensory overload!

I also noticed some amusing hidden details, including a nod to a new video game called Resident Devil and a film from Wesker Productions.

This section wasn’t very difficult. You basically move quickly through a 3D-printed version of Broadway, hacking six different points to unlock the way forward.

But I was a big fan of how the combat slowly evolved during this time.

The basic gameplay is still the same as described, but there are these huge, doll-like enemies – very similar to those from Resident Evil – that create red shields, stopping you from hacking them.

Use Hugh’s weapons to destroy the targets and uncover the hidden hacking panel. Once revealed, Diana can identify and exploit their weaknesses. It’s effective, even though the glowing areas are easy to anticipate.

Throughout the game, Hugh and Diana will share observations about their surroundings, which will help them connect and develop their relationship.

While the plot feels somewhat predictable – Hugh will likely grow to love Diana like a daughter, and she’ll probably make a selfless sacrifice – the story is genuinely funny and enjoyable to read in the moment.

Diana, a robot who looks like a child and doesn’t wear shoes, finds the world fascinating. In one conversation, she and another character discuss dinnertime and how people connect by sharing thoughts and ideas while eating.

“Talking is a type of nutrition?” she wryly reflects.

The connection between the main characters grows at the Shelter, a central location you can revisit throughout the game.

You’ll gather 3D-printed toys modeled after everyday objects, such as a globe and a TV, for Diana to enjoy.

I really enjoyed watching her play with things and listening to her thoughts. She’s fascinated by the television, but she also questions if it’s a good use of her time.

You can also upgrade your abilities at the Shelter and edit your loadout.

Players can also collect coins to buy bingo cards. These cards unlock story elements, character customization options, and helpful bonuses, which then enhance the overall game experience.

This probably won’t be the longest PS5 game ever made, but it should offer plenty of content to keep players engaged throughout the story.

Now, let’s talk about the weapons. They fall into a few main types – some focus on dealing damage, others provide support, and some are more tactical in nature.

I’d already tested weapons like a shotgun and the stasis net, which can slow enemies down. But I especially liked the decoy gun – it projects a holographic copy of myself, drawing the attention of any enemies nearby.

Okay, so there was this amazing part in the demo where you can activate a whole line of really powerful lasers. What I did was use a decoy to get everyone’s attention, then quickly hacked those lasers and just… blew everything up! It was so satisfying.

The game seems to run incredibly smoothly at 60 frames per second on the PS5 Pro, and the visual effects are stunning.

I wasn’t ready for the last boss – a massive robot that took up almost the whole arena, which looked like Times Square.

I didn’t need to drastically alter how I played, but his wide-range attacks were a new kind of difficulty compared to fighting smaller enemies. I even had to take advantage of the environment and attack from different heights to exploit his vulnerabilities.

One of the most rewarding features is the ability to redirect incoming missiles back at their launchers. While not a groundbreaking idea, it fits seamlessly with the rest of the game’s mechanics.

To wrap things up, I really love how this game plays. The controls are perfect, and Hugh moves surprisingly quickly and smoothly for his size. Honestly, it feels even more responsive than playing as Leon in Resident Evil Requiem.

Overall, I think this game is going to be really good. While some parts – like the story and the basic gameplay of shooting at targets – aren’t groundbreaking, it has enough unique features and charm to make it stand out.

And it looks and feels great. I’ll be all over this come 17th April.

Is Pragmata looking promising, or are you holding off on making a decision until you see the final reviews? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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2026-03-17 23:38