Simon Pulman

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2. This movie is going to print money. It’s equally funny* and dramatic. Topical without being heavy handed or unduly preachy. Surprisingly well plotted and paced. A crowd pleaser and true event for its target audience that should have excellent word of mouth. It may even compete for awards in some categories.

This is a superior sequel. I could not be further from the target audience for this movie**, but I nonetheless enjoyed it - and I think for people who love fashion and the first movie, it’s going to be a huge home run. If that’s you, strong recommend.

I also appreciated that it largely feels cinematic in how it’s shot. Always a plus for me.



* I did not get some of the fashion jokes.

** Partway through I thought “I bet some of these people feel about this movie the way I do about the Street Fighter trailer. Just Versace instead of shoryukens.”

PRAGMATA: PURE UNADULTERATED GAMING. I woke up at 6am this morning* and played a bit of Pragmata. It reminds me, in the best possible way, of an Xbox 360 or PS3 era game. Or, possibly, the highest praise I can give - it feels like something that could be on Dreamcast. Superb gameplay in an appealing and streamlined package. It’s a videogame, in the purest and best possible sense.

The core mechanic is innovative and flawlessly executed. Hacking with your right thumb while dodging and shooting is far more intuitive than it ought to be, and Capcom really got the balance right - encounters feel tense but not frustrating. The player is in control.

I was browsing around the BAFTA site yesterday trying to understand how on earth South of Midnight won Best New IP and I found the criteria for that award:

“For the most original and/or innovative game which is not part of an established series and represents a new intellectual property.”

By that definition, Pragmata would seem a shoo-in for a nomination in that category next year. It’s a truly innovative original gameplay experience, as part of a new IP with real commercial and enduring potential. I’m so pleased for the Capcom team after what was an extremely long development period.

Zooming out, we are living in an embarrassment of riches. Part of why I post about games on LinkedIn is because I want to help people from film and TV navigate the world, and suggest what to play. It’s now near impossible to do that - there are so many great games. I will say that if you are a newer gamer, you will probably love Pragmata on the easier difficulty setting. It guides you through how to play and has an incredibly compelling core relationship. I’m too early to really judge personally, but I know people are raving about the core relationship and its positive and aspirational themes and messaging. Capcom yet again coming up with the goods by walking its own path.

As for me, I love that Pragmata is a tight 8-10 hour experience. It’s incredibly refreshing in juxtaposition with the sprawling epicness of Crimson Desert. I may finish it before Saros comes and dominates my time and thoughts in a few weeks. Then I really want to play Mouse PI. I need to finish Tombwater. And of course I’ll go back to Crimson Desert and keep exploring. What a time for people who love games.

* Though God knows what time my body thinks it is.