‘Pragmata’ and ‘Resident Evil Requiem’ Are Huge Wins For Capcom

Why Pragmata and Resident Evil Requiem are big hits for 2026, plus Pokémon Pokopia, Kena: Bridge of Spirits on Switch 2 and more. 

Pragmata is a game of surprises. Announced six years ago, the first surprise is that the game is actually in our hands. Even more shocking though is that once you do boot it up, this is a creative, highly enjoyable action game that once again proves that Capcom is at the top of its game right now.

Where Pragmata truly sets itself apart is its combat. That’s because instead of presenting simple point and shoot mechanics, the game smartly introduces a new hacking mechanic that you must solve before each foe becomes susceptible to weapon fire. Presented in the form of a grid, you can pass through certain nodes to increase firepower, but it often becomes a delicate dance as you choose which path to take before your opponent is able to land a deadly blow. It’s smart, original and consistently engaging.

Combat also makes up for a story that tries it’s best, but never really breaks new ground. You play as blank slate Hugh after he and his team is sent on a mission to discover why an important research station has mysteriously gone offline. Things, as is often the way, don’t go according to plan, leaving Hugh to quickly discover Diana – a highly capable android who happens to look and speak like a young girl. This mismatched duo occasionally leads to some interesting scenarios, as does the odd commentary on AI or 3D printing, but it’s unlikely to stick with you once the credits roll.

That’s far from a deal-breaker though because Pragmata is otherwise an enjoyable, visually appealing action game that hits far more than it misses. Capcom is onto another winner with this one and is perfect if youre keen to sink your teeth in an action game with a refreshing twist.

Pragmata is out now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 and PC.

Love Film & TV?

Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.

Also out now…

Resident Evil Requiem (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC)

Capcom has been on an absolute tear with Resident Evil over the last decade. From the new generation of the franchise to exceptional remakes, the studio just hasn’t missed; but with the tale of Ethan Winter now concluded, it opens the door for Resident Evil Requiem to break new ground, while still creeping through some old turf in the process. The result: its scary good.

Requiem is a game split into two halves. On the one side is the horror-focused chapters of Grace Ashcroft – an FBI agent still recovering from the loss of her mother dragged back to the scene of the traumatic crime before being put through the absolute ringer. The other half returns to fan-favourite Leon Kennedy investing a shady character that ultimately sees him cross paths with Grace pretty quickly.

But by breaking up the gameplay between Grace and Leon respectively it smartly allows Capcom to play with pace and tension. Grace’s first-person gameplay is classic Resident evil fodder, with much slower, more methodical gameplay that ramps up the scares. You’re never sure what is around the next corner and you never feel well stocked enough to handle things if they go awry.

But just when you feel like you might hit your limit, you’ll quickly pivot to Leon’s sections that often feel truly outlandish. You’ll be blasting through foes with reckless abandon. There’s many instances where you will even return to the same environment and it’s always fun to see these through a slightly different lens.

No matter which character you lead with, Requiem’s atmosphere and sound design is top notch. You’ll never feel truly at ease, even once you think you’re safe enough to take a breather.

It’s also worth noting that the Switch 2 port of this title is truly outstanding. Outside of some strange hair physics, Requiem looks and plays buttery smooth and for some might be the preferred method of play thanks to its portability.

No matter which option you choose rest assured this is a game of the year contender.

Pokémon Pokopia (Switch 2)

If you’re looking for a new video game addiction in your life then look no further than Pokémon Pokopia.

It’s certainly not a conventional Pokemon tale – throwing you into the shoes of a Ditto who awakes to find the world devoid of both people and pokemon. It’s borderline post apocalyptic, so it’s your job to rebuild the world and lure all the Pokemon back. You’ll be able to do this by utilising Ditto’s mimicry (already taking a human form) by utilising various Pokemon skills to complete challenging tasks like cutting trees or even gliding around the environment.

So begins the addictive loop to discover new Pokemon, learn their skills, improve your locale. You’ll also work to meet the whims of many of your Poke-guests and keeping everybody happy can be quite the challenging task indeed.

Truthfully, the number of systems, resources and Pokemon to keep track of at any given time can actually get a little overwhelming, especially with the real-time element Pokopia leans into. But sink info the Animal Crossing-inspired addiction, and you’ll likely be too distracted to care.

Pokémon Pokopia is a fun new take on the Pokemon formula that nails it’s cosy vibes and is a surprisingly perfect addition to your Switch 2 library.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits (Switch 2)

With news of its impending sequel, there’s no better time to jump into the beautiful Kena Bridge of Spirits, and this Switch 2 port is an exceptional effort indeed.

Following the plights of a spirit guide trying to cleanse her world of darkness, Kena is a game that feels incredibly reminiscent of a PS2 classic in all the best ways. From the string of light platforming sections to combat arenas that lock down until every foe is dispatched, there’s plenty of old-school inspiration at play.

Mixing things up are the Rot – cute cuddly creatures with an unfortunate name that help Kena throughout her journey. Whether you utilise the Rot in fights, ask them to carry heavy gear or more, they always bring a healthy amount of charm to this indie gem.
Kena’s Pixar-like visuals have also been impressively carried across to this Switch 2 port and plays surprisingly capably when compared to its PS5 counterpart. The frame rate is limited to 30fps instead of the PS5’s 60, and you shouldn’t expect the same level of overall environmental detail, but it’s still a truly impressive effort across the board.
Ultimately, if you’ve yet to play Kena: Bridge of Spirits, or even want an easier way to replay the adventure before its follow-up, this is a wonderful way to play.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup in Bellabel Park (Switch 2)

With Mario and friends dominating the silver screen once again there’s no better time to jump into the moustached plumber’s most recent outing with this fresh coat of paint.

The most noticeable upgrade to Wonder is the game’s new upgraded visuals – Meetup in Bellabel Park now presented in a crisp 4k resolution. That said, the core game was already a stunner thanks to its vibrant colours, so don’t expect ground-breaking changes here. More welcome is the addition of seven new Koopaling boss battles, which do well to counteract the underwhelming efforts in the base game. With each foe being granted a new Wonder Power, it allows for some creative new battles that consistently impressed – they’re just over faster than you’d probably like.

Once you knock those over, the Toad Brigade Training Camp offers up a healthy serving of bite-sized challenges that can be tackled solo or in a group, and they’re clever enough to reuse existing levels while offering up new challenges (like collecting a number of coins within a time limit).

The rest of Meetup in Bellabel Park is strictly a multiplayer affair – offering up a large serve of quick minigames that use Mario’s core platforming mechanics as its foundation. Credit has to be given for the creativity at play – like utilising the Switch 2 mouse mode to have one player build a stage while another tries to make their way through it, they’re just over incredibly quickly – there’s no additional meaty levels to work through.

Hardcore Mario Wonder fans are bound to sink their teeth into this one, as will newcomers, but Meetup in Bellabel Park does feel like a harder sell for returnees unless you have a few friends handy.

Screamer (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

Screamer feels like a rare treat in today’s racing landscape. Not only is it an arcade-focused ride, but it valiantly tries to buck traditions by taking some brave choices. Much of that stems from Screamer’s unique control method which sees you utilising both analogue sticks simultaneously.

It sounds funky, because in the game’s early hours, it definitely feels it. You’ll use the left stick for all your regular steering needs while the right allows for a bevy of drifting options, meaning only a considered use of both will help strategically steer you around corners and towards victory. Pair that with a boost and a strike meter – to propel you forward and become a destructive force respectively – and you have a control scheme that is trying to do a hell of a lot. But once you manage to get past the initial shock and awkwardness you’re bound to find the joy in Screamer’s secret sauce.

There’s a pretty substantial story in Screamer as well, dubbed The Tournament. It follows a few groups of racers all vying for a top prize, and if you can get behind the inherently campy nature and visual novel style cutscenes it’s actually a lot of fun. Don’t be surprised if it sinks its hooks into you.

And in essence, that’s screamer in a nutshell. Fast, frantic and fun. It’s the most original arcade racer in years and perfect for lead heads looking for something different.

Planet of Lana II (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC)

Set two years after the original, Planet of Lana II doesn’t try to dramatically reinvent itself. That means the core exploration of humanity’s relationship with technology continues here, albeit with a slightly updated lens.

The backbone of the tale focuses on Lana’s quest to save her sister, and its a great motivator to keep you moving from one location to the next. Unsurprisingly then, much of the game plays like its predecessor, although you will have a new wall jump mechanic to spice things up and make Lana more nimble.

It makes navigating the world a treat, with plenty of platforming that is both right and treacherous. There are also some great puzzles that require some careful strategy and the return of your cat-like companion Mui.

Overall Planet of Lana II might not be as ground-breaking original as its predecessor, but it’s a strong, often stunning follow up that bodes well for future titles

Blue Prince (Switch 2)

Blue Prince was one of the surprise gems of 2025, so in case you missed it the first time round, this Switch 2 iteration is the perfect excuse to jump back in. for those catching up, the game is a rougelite puzzler – throwing you into the shoes of Simon, who has just been gifted a 45-room estate by his eccentric baron… provided you’re able to find the mysterious 46th room first.

So begins the quest to work through door after door as you sift through a mountain of clues and puzzles in order to build the required knowledge to get to that final room. Prepare to be scribbling as each in-game day is limited by the number of ‘steps’ you can make, meaning you’ll need to start all over again with the order of rooms completely randomised. It sounds daunting, and it can be, but it’s also a pure delight thanks to the creativity and variety of the puzzles offered.

It also runs wonderfully well on Switch 2, even with a 30fps cap, which isn’t a huge deal considering the slow pace of Blue Prince’s gameplay. It’s a shame that existing saves can’t be carried across from the PC version like Hades II, but that truly feels like nit-picking in what is otherwise a truly exceptional experience. Add this one to your wish list.