“The Last of Us,” “BioShock Infinite,” and “God of War Ragnarok”. What do all of them have in frequent? Their tales focus on a central father determine defending a younger companion, whether or not it’d be a son, daughter, or an vital character they arrive throughout. It’s a preferred trope that works each narratively and gameplay-wise. You play as one character whereas your companion tags together with you, serving to out in some trend.
Capcom’s “Pragmata” is becoming a member of that fold, however with a compelling sci-fi setting, in addition to touching character moments and interesting gameplay that makes it top-of-the-line video games of 2026 to this point.
“Pragmata” follows an astronaut named Hugh and an Android named Diana as they try to flee from a lunar station after catastrophe strikes. Within the meantime, they need to take care of a rogue AI system known as IDUS that’s hellbent on eliminating them. What makes the story work are the interactions between Hugh and Diana. Diana acts like a curious youngster, questioning what life is like again on Earth, whereas the childless Hugh performs the position of an adoptive father, searching for her. Hugh himself is adopted too, so he’s in a position to share his perspective with Diana about forming bonds and households with those that aren’t blood associated.
Exterior of cinematic cutscenes, small interactions between them are brimming with humor and appeal. For instance, she learns about how people devour meals, however thinks that they’re inefficient contemplating they need to eat 2-3 occasions a day. Hugh explains that it’s not simply the method of consuming, however consuming along with household or buddies that additionally nourishes the soul. Moments like these push their father and daughter dynamic ahead, making their bond really feel pure. I additionally love their character designs. Satirically, Hugh is carrying a large swimsuit. Along with his helmet on, he’s the one who seems like a hulking robotic whereas Diana merely simply wears a blue jacket and you’ll continuously see the human-like expressions on her face. It’s a intelligent twist that makes them stand out as characters.
The gameplay additionally shines resulting from equal participation from each Hugh and Diana. In video games just like the “Final of Us,” Joel has nearly all the participant management company whereas Ellie is usually relegated to NPC management. Nevertheless, in “Pragmata,” Diana has the flexibility to hack enemies and expose their weak factors for Hugh to shoot at. Hacking performs like a puzzle sport the place you navigate a puzzle and transfer the cursor to a execution spot on a grid, whereas choosing up bonus nodes alongside the way in which. These elective nodes embody results reminiscent of complicated enemies in order that they assault others, gorgeous them, or simply doing additional harm.
What makes the gameplay charming is that you must do the hacking in real-time whereas dodging assaults. Battles change into suspenseful and chaotic as Hugh waits for Diana to complete hacking with a purpose to deal any significant harm. Development is well-paced and natural. For instance, Hugh can degree up his swimsuit to realize extra HP and protection, whereas Diana can enhance her hacking reminiscent of growing the period enemies are uncovered. You can even beef up Hugh’s repertoire of weapons completely to deal extra harm. It’s a very simple system that’s simple to grasp.
The sport’s dungeon design has a slight Metroidvania side to it, so when Diana unlocks a brand new story skill, she and Hugh can revisit earlier areas to search out new mods and nodes. Exploration is tremendously inspired as you’ll additionally discover pc chips and holograms of things from Earth that may grant Hugh and Diana with new particular abilities. Moreover, there are problem rooms scattered all through and time trials obtainable within the central hub to tackle and earn extra rewards that will help you get by way of the sport.
“Pragmata” will be accomplished in about 10-15 hours, which is shorter than I anticipated, however works within the sport’s favor because it doesn’t overstay its welcome. The gameplay evolves sufficient by introducing new hacking tiles for Diana to toggle by way of and weapons for Hugh to make use of. Mixed with the comparatively brief run-time, these components stop fight from changing into stale by the point the credit roll.
Capcom has had a stellar 2026 to this point, with the releases of the wonderful “Resident Evil Requiem,” “Monster Hunter Tales 3: Twisted Reflection,” and the “Mega Man Star Drive Legacy Assortment.” “Pragmata” continues the streak with its emotional characters and enthralling gameplay. It’s top-of-the-line video games of 2026 to this point, and it’s one which I’ll be occupied with for a very long time.
The writer supplied a overview copy of this title on Xbox Collection X|S. It should even be obtainable on PC, PS5, and Nintendo Swap 2 on Friday, April 17.
