Capcom’s upcoming sci-fi title Pragmata distinguishes itself from the crowded third-person shooter genre by integrating complex hacking mechanics directly into its combat loop, as revealed during recent hands-on previews.
A Fresh Take on Tactical Combat
While the game features a familiar premise—a high-tech protagonist named Hugh protecting an android companion named Diana—the core gameplay loop relies on the synergy between traditional shooting and Diana’s hacking capabilities. To inflict significant damage on AI-controlled robot enemies, players must first “hack” their targets, turning what could be a standard shooter into a strategic, multi-layered experience.
“The mechanics came first,” explains director Cho Yonghee. “We wanted to make a science fiction shooter, but add something new. Combining hacking with third-person shooting was where we started.”
Controller vs. Keyboard: The Hacking Experience
During testing, the hacking mechanic felt highly intuitive on a controller, allowing for fluid transitions between combat and grid-based hacking. On mouse and keyboard, however, the experience proved slightly more finicky. Navigating the hacking grid requires holding a side mouse button, which can occasionally cause camera flicking issues when transitioning back to standard movement.
To hack an enemy, players navigate a grid to reach a specific endpoint. Success grants massive damage bonuses, effectively thinning out waves of robotic foes. While some movement limitations exist when using a mouse, the mechanic remains a satisfying addition rather than a chore.
Finding the “Sweet Spot” in Development
Balancing the frequency of these hacking sequences was a primary challenge for the development team. “We don’t want it to be so optional that you ignore it, but we also don’t want it to feel like a grind,” says Yonghee. The team focused on ensuring that mastering the system provides a tangible sense of progression and player reward.
Customizing Your Combat Style
Producer Naoto Oyama emphasizes that the balance between hacking and shooting is not static. As players upgrade their character and abilities, they can lean into a preferred playstyle. You can choose to prioritize raw firepower or enhance Diana’s hacking efficiency, allowing for a personalized approach to both minor skirmishes and massive boss encounters, such as the formidable tank-like Sector Guards or the climactic Kaiju battle.
Beyond combat, hacking serves as a utility tool for environmental navigation—opening doors, activating beacons, and clearing obstacles—ensuring that Diana remains an essential partner throughout the journey.
Without these mechanical twists, Pragmata might have risked feeling like a standard shooter. However, the integration of hacking creates a compelling hook that elevates the gameplay, making it a title worth watching as it nears its final release.
