«If we reboot one more lim regulator the tree will disappear!»
«Man, I hope the other regulator is easier to find. Why’d they have to shove it in the middle of nowhere…»
«It’s more fun that way?»
«You call that fun? Running around looking for those things?»
«Yeah, it’s the best! We’ve seen all kinds of nature!»
«Well, maybe it ain’t all bad…»
Diana and Hugh in «Pragmata»
The computer game «Pragmata» recently made a splash on social media, and for good reason. The developers did an incredible job in character design and turned a fairly simple story (Hugh, the male player character, is trying to leave a lunar station controlled by an AI with the help of Diana, a child-android) into a heartwarming tale (very strong fatherly protective instincts).
Great animation and use of child-like expression scheme that elicits protective emotions.
«Diana! Hey!»
«Yeah, what?»
«See this spot? You think we can get here in one piece? Ah. I guess you wouldn’t know that, would you?»
«Nope, but i have an idea!»
«R-Really?»
«Yeah! We’ll go, and if you don’t get hurt, that means it’s safe! Let’s go!»
«Sounds like a plan.»
Hugh and Diana in «Pragmata»
«Why do people build sand castles anyway? They always crumble! Wouldn’t it be better to make them out of something stronger?»
«That’s the fun part – you build it quick as you can and it falls apart just as fast.»
«What’s fun about that?»
«It’s not about WHAT you make – it’s the act of making that’s fun.»
«Hmm… But aren’t you sad when it falls apart?»
«Not everything needs to be forever, sometimes it’s enough to just enjoy the moment.»
Diana and Hugh in «Pragmata»
«… my parents supported me the whole way. Told me to do what I wanted to do. So I did. And you learn, it’s not enough to hear or read about a thing. Sometimes, you gotta live it.»
Hugh in «Pragmata»
«Look, Diana… I was a lot like you. A thirst for life and all its mysteries, and boy, I had a few bumps along the way. But I had someone. Someone lookin’ out for me. And now it’s your turn. A whole new life – if you’re ready.»
«OK, then let’s go-together!»
Hugh and Diana in «Pragmata»
If you want to get an impression, there are good walkthrough online, e.g.:
- MKIceAndFire: PRAGMATA Gameplay Walkthrough FULL GAME [4K 60FPS PS5 PRO] – No Commentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1alpJxkD90g
- Shirrako: PRAGMATA Gameplay Walkthrough FULL GAME (4K 60FPS) No Commentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avdhm36_Zus
- Gamer’s Little Playground: PRAGMATA Full Gameplay Walkthrough / No Commentary FULL GAME 4K 60FPS Ultra HD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2wxfqy9EBg
Though the social media reactions are gold:
Though unreflected, a «Guys, I want to be a dad», is likely as bad as wanting to get a dog after watching a dog movie. Animal shelters are full of these «wants».
Still, beautifully done, including the images at the end …
Overall, an impressive example of showing what computer games can do — and which positive emotions they can elicit.
Very well done.