My Most Anticipated Capcom Game of 2026 is Not for Everyone (& No, It’s Not Resident Evil Requiem)

by

Capcom is kicking off the year with Resident Evil: Requiem, and while I’m a big fan of both horror games and Capcom’s work, I surprisingly find myself more excited about another upcoming title. Resident Evil: Requiem looks fantastic – revisiting Leon Kennedy and meeting the new character Grace Ashcroft are definite highlights, and it seems like a good balance of scary survival horror and intense action. However, Capcom’s Pragmata, releasing a few months later, has really captured my attention.

As a long-time Capcom fan, I’ve seen them create some incredible games over the years, and I’m really intrigued by Pragmata. It feels like a fresh start for them – a totally new game idea, which is something we haven’t seen in a while. Honestly, I was a little surprised by how much debate there’s been around it. They’re really trying something different with the controls, and the story looks like it’s going to be both emotional and action-packed. I get that some people are hesitant after the rocky launch of Monster Hunter Wilds, but I don’t think that means Pragmata is doomed to fail. In fact, the unique combat is a big part of why I’m so hyped! Now that I’ve played the demo, my excitement has just gone through the roof.

Pragmata’s Combat Mechanics Won’t Be For Everyone, But They’re Definitely For Me

Like many gamers, I enjoy action games with simple shooting and melee combat, but they can get old fast. For me, the best combat systems aren’t just fun – they feel connected to the game’s world. Recent examples that really stand out are Returnal, The Last of Us Part II, God of War, Sekiro, Control, and Alan Wake 2. Some might be surprised to see Alan Wake 2 on that list, but I love how the flashlight adds a unique element to the gameplay and strengthens the series’ identity. I’m always looking for innovative combat, and with Pragmata and the PlayStation 5 exclusive Saros both coming out in April, it’s going to be a packed month for gaming!

Pragmata’s Hacking System Promises a Multi-Tasking Challenge

In Pragmata, enemies have armored robots that can only be defeated by hacking and disabling their protection. When an enemy gets close, you’ll need to quickly complete a hacking mini-game before you can actually damage them. This might frustrate players who just want to jump into action, but I think it adds a great layer of strategy to the combat. It’s a fun challenge to use both quick reflexes and smart thinking, and it could make Pragmata‘s combat system one of the most interesting of the year. The game forces you to pause and think during fights, and it also cleverly explores the idea of powerful AI – which is a really cool combination.

People were initially unsure if the game’s central idea would actually work, but the demo Capcom released for Pragmata last month has created a lot more positive feelings. It’s a risky move for a brand new game, but it’s important for making the game world feel truly realistic.

Pragmata launches on April 24.

I Feel Like Pragmata’s Story is Setting Me Up For an Emotional Roller Coaster

The game features two main characters: Hugh Williams, an astronaut, and Diana, an android who appears as a young girl. Even from the trailer, their relationship seems heartwarming. They must team up to defeat dangerous robots inside a research facility on the moon. The story strongly suggests a father-daughter connection between Hugh and Diana, but it also hints at a potentially sad turn of events.

Image via Capcom

The trailers for Pragmata hint at a deeply emotional story, particularly around the characters of Diana and Hugh, and I’m already bracing for it! The game reminds me a bit of Death Stranding, but the relationship between a father and daughter feels similar to The Last of Us. I’m a big fan of those kinds of emotional connections, like the ones between Joel and Ellie or Sam and Lou, and I’m hoping Pragmata delivers a similar impact.

Pragmata Could Be One of 2026’s Biggest Surprises

2026 is looking like an incredible year for video games! We’ve already got highly anticipated titles like RE Requiem, Saros, Pragmata, Marvel’s Wolverine, Fable, Control Resonant, 007 First Light, and the much-awaited GTA 6 on the horizon. Following a fantastic 2023, 2026 promises to be just as impressive, and there’s a chance we’ll hear about even more games soon. While Pragmata faces tough competition, I’m really hoping it lives up to the hype – its world, characters, and gameplay all look fantastic and visually stunning.

For Pragmata to be successful, nearly every aspect of the game needs to work perfectly together. The combat, story, and all other features must blend seamlessly, otherwise it risks feeling strange rather than original. Despite the many delays and long wait, I’m hopeful that the development team has had enough time to polish everything. The recent demo is promising, but it’s hard to judge an entire game based on a short preview. Still, I’m excited to see what Pragmata ultimately delivers.

Read More

2026-01-25 22:06