Pragmata

If there's one thing I'm a sucker for, it's an action-adventure game in a sci-fi setting. With that admitted, it was no surprise I took interest when Pragmata was initially revealed. I heard the positive buzz around it's release and was even more enticed to get my hands on it, but having just finished Saros around the same time, I figured I would hold off for a bit to avoid sci-fi action-adventure fatigue. With this brief August lull before a storm of September releases, I figured I would take the opportunity to see Pragmata through and I'm definitely glad that I did. The promotional material made two things clear - you have a small android companion, and she allows you to hack enemies whilst you aim your weapon. Surrounding this is a meaningful narrative that touches on some contemporary issues such as AI autonomy, corporate involvement in science, and (of course) what it means to be a human. Outside of the core hacking mechanic - which is a ton of fun, I might add - the gameplay is somewhat standard for a third-person action-adventure. You traverse a number of different environments while fighting enemies, grabbing collectibles, and upgrading your abilities. You can even use your thrusters as a "dodge" ability, not unlike the standard Soulslike roll-dodge - something I always enjoy, even if it's become ubiquitous. This is not necessarily a knock, either. I've loved that general formula as far back as the original Ratchet and Clank, and I find it's almost always a pleasant experience. The accoutrements are what make Pragmata memorable, though. The hacking mechanic - in which you solve a brief maze while aiming at an enemy - is a blast from beginning to end. At first I overlooked it, instead opting to build damage the old-fashioned way, with bullets. By the end, however, I was going all in on hacking. The different build options make it so you can experiment with how you want to play - whether you want to be a tank, a long range sharpshooter, or an all purpose hacker, there is a way to tailor your weapons and mods for success. On top of that, there is a steady stream of upgrades and abilities that keep you curious along the ride. Aside from the combat, the narrative is another differentiator. While I was rolling my eyes at the forced relationship between our protagonists in the beginning, I found myself won over by the time the credits rolled. The most interesting aspects of the story are told through holotapes and journals which you can find throughout your journey. There are a couple unique twists that make the story worth it, but I'll do my best to avoid spoiling anything here. Do yourself a favor and give Pragmata a shot - it's a short playthrough, and I can't see it disappointing. If you're like me and you love a good sci-fi setting, I can almost guarantee you'll enjoy it.

Play it for the:

• Inventive and engaging hacking mechanic
• Awe-inspiring lunar landscapes
• Commentary on AI and humanity

Reviewed on 2026-08-24

The environmental design is a major highlight, and somewhat reminiscent of Dead Space.