At Gamescom 2025, we went hands-on with PRAGMATA, the first brand-new IP by Capcom in years. We spent around 25 minutes with the PlayStation 5 demo, and it quickly became clear that this is not just another action title.

With its tactical combat, layered mechanics, and a mysterious sci-fi setting, PRAGMATA is shaping up to be something very different from Capcom’s usual franchises.

The Story So Far

The demo opens with a mysterious setup. You play as Hugh Williams, a member of a team investigating the Cradle after all communications suddenly go silent. Not long after landing, disaster strikes: a massive quake rips the facility apart.

In the chaos, Hugh is saved by Diana, an android girl with an enigmatic presence. She becomes your partner in both story and gameplay. Together, you’ll need to fight through hostile machines and uncover the truth while finding a way back to Earth.

Combat and Hacking Mechanics

What stood out most was the combat system. Rather than just relying on gunfire, fights include a “hacking” mechanic. Mid-battle, you solve node puzzles by passing through blue nodes until you reach the green ones. Doing so triggers big bursts of damage on top of your regular attacks.

Later in the demo, a new type of node called decode was introduced. This applies a defense debuff, making your weapons hit harder. Each successful hack fills up a Hacking Gauge, and once full, you can unleash Overdrive Protocol, a powerful ability that stuns and exposes all nearby enemies.

The system keeps you on edge, constantly forcing you to decide whether to attack, dodge, or prioritize hacking for greater rewards. Diana isn’t just a side character either; her involvement ties directly into combat and puzzle-solving, adding depth beyond her role in the story.

Weapons and Resource Management

The weapon system adds another layer of challenge. Your default Grip Gun recharges ammo over time. However, secondary weapons like the Shockwave Gun or Stasis Net come with extremely limited ammo, often only five shots. Once depleted, these weapons disappear from your wheel until you pick them up again in the field.

This mechanic makes resource management vital. Boss fights, for example, are filled with extra weapons, ammo drops, and hacking nodes. This setup ensures battles feel dynamic and tactical, rewarding players who adapt quickly.

Gameplay Feel

Controls felt smooth and responsive during the demo. The difficulty didn’t come from clunky inputs but from the mechanics themselves. That constant demand for attention, tracking enemy distance, dodging at the right time, and hacking while under pressure, made combat feel tense and satisfying.

Every moment kept us focused, creating an action RPG that balances intensity with smart decision-making.

First Impressions

After 25 minutes of playing it at Gamescom, PRAGMATA left us with a strong impression. The combat is fresh, layered, and mentally engaging. Diana feels essential to the gameplay loop, and the weapon system ensures you can’t just coast through encounters.

As Capcom’s latest IP, PRAGMATA is a bold move away from the safety of their established series. From what we’ve seen so far, it has the potential to stand out as one of the most unique action titles in their lineup.

PRAGMATA is scheduled to launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. With its mysterious world, tactical hacking combat, and strong companion dynamics, it looks like a promising new step for Capcom.

Keep up with the latest updates on the PRAGMATA official website and see what else Capcom has planned for this intriguing new IP.

Here’s our preview video if you’d like to take a look: