The Truth About Pragmata Unveiled

For months, a swirl of excitement and speculation has surrounded Capcom's latest sci-fi venture, Pragmata. Fans have been buzzing with theories, suggesting it might actually be a secret reboot of the beloved Mega Man franchise. But now, the game’s producer has set the record straight, dismissing these claims with a chuckle.

The Mega Man Connection Explained

Online speculation gained traction partly due to the design of Pragmata’s cybergirl sidekick, Diana. Enthusiasts noted her coat’s striking resemblance to Mega Man's classic palette and her arm's ability to expand like the iconic hero's blaster. Plus, the plot features dystopian robots, further fueling the theory. However, Naoto Oyama, Pragmata’s producer, took a firm stand during a recent interview with VGC, stating, “Pragmata is not a Mega Man game.” His lighthearted demeanor underscored that this project is a fresh creation from Capcom.

A Nod to Mega Man Fans?

Despite the denial, Oyama expressed appreciation for the passion of Mega Man fans, implying that while Pragmata stands alone, there could be nods to familiar elements. Speaking on his experience with the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, he said, “It’s nice to see people are being so positive about it.” This acknowledgment could suggest an intention to capture some of that beloved game's energy.

Will the Speculation Continue?

While Oyama's statement sounds definitive, some skeptics are likely to believe there’s more than meets the eye. After all, Capcom has a history of keeping surprises under wraps until launch day. They famously revealed Pragmata in 2020, initially slated for a 2022 release, only for the debut to be pushed to 2026. Fans might wonder if they’re simply being teased.

Capcom's Strategic Hints

Capcom knows the demand for new Mega Man games is at an all-time high. Should they be developing one, it seems unlikely they'd keep it a secret. Instead, the company is savvy enough to weave references to established franchises into new IPs, as seen with Exoprimal—which led many to mistakenly believe it was a new Dino Crisis game.

What to Expect from Pragmata?

Even if Pragmata diverges from Mega Man’s legacy, the game's concept sounds intriguing, potentially harking back to the linear action gameplay of the 2010s, reminiscent of classics on Xbox 360 and PS3. Kenneth Shepard, our own game reviewer, described Pragmata as feeling "a bit like a game out of time," but praised it for being inventive enough to stand out. Given the unique aesthetic and engaging gameplay, this could turn out to be a promising title to watch in the coming years.