Pragmata: the final preview of family-friendly Dead Space

Pragmata has all the makings of another excellent title in the three year long streak that Capcom is on. For those unfamiliar with the game, it has a structure and gameplay similar to Dead Space, but without the horror elements and a familiar feel, along with a father/daughter theme.

Hugh, the protagonist, wakes up on a space station on the Moon where there are no more humans and the robots have begun to go mad and mutate. Helping him on his mission is Diana, an android resembling a child who can hack the rogue bots to reveal their weak points, which the player can then shoot with a varied arsenal of weapons.

Its most distinctive gameplay element is the puzzle that appears when aiming weapons to weaken targets. It's an ingenious, customizable addition (with unlockable abilities and effects), which tested my reaction time and tactical ingenuity.

The graphics and environments (very linear) are stunning, the gunplay is razor-sharp, and the story could have the depth needed to make the game a new sci-fi classic. The structure is very reminiscent of Dead Space's Ishimura or BioShock's Rapture because from a central hub, via a subway, you can visit the large levels, each divided into sections (which act as checkpoints) to explore and complete in sequence.

The atmosphere is tense, yes, but the environments are well-lit, and the narrative tone is that of a family adventure that, once the dangers confronting the protagonists are overcome, can only have a happy ending. This approach takes away some of the sense of danger from the combat, but in return, it provides an adventure that can only be described as intrinsically relaxing.

Even the new boss I tried (which closes the second major level) isn't a stressful experience at all. It has its own mechanics, tied to the new weapons and abilities introduced in the level, and it knocked me out a couple of times. After learning routines and weaknesses, the third attempt went smoothly and filled me with satisfaction.

The environments that comprise the level are a visual delight and have a technically high standard of quality with beautifully rendered graphics that eliminate that annoying sense of déjà vu typical of the recent flood of Unreal Engine 5 games.

Pragmata is an experience that doesn't shy away from complications: its visual design is incredibly clear, and the game clearly tells you when something is optional and why it's worth a little more of your time. I had a lot of fun trying out the new level Capcom made available during the preview, and I can't wait to try the full game to see what other narrative twists and refined environments the developers have designed.