Multitasking at Its Finest
Multitasking can often feel like an uphill battle. Imagine trying to solve a crossword puzzle while immersed in a Call of Duty match, or attempting to bake a cake with one hand while simultaneously engaged in a League of Legends game. Yet, in the realm of Pragmata, multitasking is not just a challenge; it is woven into the very fabric of the gameplay experience, and it does so with remarkable finesse.
At its core, Capcom’s latest intellectual property presents a familiar linear action game structure. Players step into the shoes of Hugh, navigating a futuristic space station while battling against an aggressive AI threat embodied by relentless robots. However, the presence of an AI companion named Diana transforms the combat dynamics into something far more intricate and exhilarating.
As players engage in combat, they must juggle two primary tasks. First, they aim and fire at enemies using their equipped weaponry. Concurrently, a hacking puzzle tile materializes on the right side of the screen, inviting players to dive into a mini-game. Utilizing the face buttons on the controller, players traverse a maze of hacking challenges, strategically passing through points to amplify damage multipliers and ultimately complete the hack. Successfully executing this hacking maneuver allows Hugh to unleash significantly more damage upon his adversaries.
This innovative addition to conventional shooting mechanics is not only smart but also enhances the real-time combat experience. Players find their gaze darting back and forth, akin to watching a thrilling tennis match, as they strive to hack swiftly while positioning themselves to capitalize on weakened foes. The dual control of both Hugh and Diana fosters a sense of coordination, elevating Diana from merely a supportive presence to a fully realized character with her own role in the fray.
Pragmata does not linger in slow-paced encounters; players are seldom faced with a solitary target. The tactical nature of combat demands careful management of hacking timing, ensuring players remain vigilant and protected during these critical moments. This intensity shines through particularly chaotic encounters, injecting a level of adrenaline into what might otherwise be standard third-person shooting action.
Variety in gameplay is further enriched by the diverse arsenal at Hugh’s disposal and the engaging quality of boss battles. While the assault rifle serves as the primary weapon, players can also wield electrified guns, shotguns, and even decoy-creating weapons to divert enemy attention. Rather than hoarding these weapons for the duration of the game, players can pick them up throughout their journey, utilizing the limited ammunition before moving on to new options. This design choice encourages experimentation and ensures that reliance on a single weapon does not lead to an effortless progression.
During a couple of hours of gameplay, glimpses into the evolution of the hacking mechanics became apparent. Players can unlock skills that introduce killswitch tiles into the hacking mini-game, while certain enemies reveal weak points that unlock additional paths within the hack. The complexity of the hacking challenge scales with the strength of the enemies faced, and as Diana’s hacking abilities are frequently employed, there is a palpable excitement surrounding how these mechanics will evolve as players advance through the game. Maintaining a steady pace of change will be crucial to prevent combat from becoming monotonous.
Fortunately, the game maintains a brisk tempo throughout. Combat sequences and set-pieces unfold rapidly, with swift movement and the regular unlocking of genuinely useful upgrades. This fast-paced environment, combined with the frantic need to hack various elements, makes it challenging to pause and fully appreciate the stunning visual style and environmental storytelling that Pragmata has to offer.
Yet, the world and narrative remain somewhat elusive at this stage. Hints of an emotional connection between Hugh and Diana are evident, suggesting a deeper storyline that may unfold as the game progresses. However, the strange and intriguing world has yet to fully reveal itself. An introduction to the characters will likely be essential; while Hugh may appear generic on the surface, and Diana can come across as overly naive, the overarching narrative could reshape these perceptions.
Despite the absence of a fully fleshed-out story, the gameplay experience in Pragmata left a lasting impression. In an era where tightly designed linear triple-A action games are becoming increasingly rare, Capcom’s latest offering stands out as a unique and exhilarating experience that promises to redefine the genre.
