5 Dad Simulator games to play if you like Pragmata

Capcom’s long anticipated sci-fi action-adventure, Pragmata, is out and the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, just ask Steam. The game follows Hugh, a systems auditor(?) left stranded on the moon after his investigative team tragically discovers that the lunar facility has been taken over by rogue AI. He’s accompanied on his journey by a child-like android named Diana as they try to escape back to Earth.  

Why is the android child shaped? Our thinking is that the creative minds over at Capcom believe that audiences have an innate desire to care for and protect their imaginary offspring.  

If you agree with the review aggregate for this virtual parent-power fantasy, here's five more amazing titles to try with father and child tropes that will leave you feeling like a capable and responsible adult, without any of the actual responsibility of being a parent. 

You guessed it: The Last of Us 

This one hits like a gut punch. Joel, an appropriately bitter dad-for-hire, sorry—escort for hire, has been tasked with being a personal bodyguard to Ellie as they travel across hostile territory to help find a cure for the infected in this post-apocalyptic psychological horror game. TLOU is beautiful and tragic as Joel and Ellie form a bond as close as father and daughter, with Joel doing whatever it takes to protect her.  

Death Stranding 

Similar to The Last of Us, Death Stranding is set in a post-apocalyptic world following protagonist, Sam, a courier who’s primary objective is to carry cargo and reconnect isolated cities through a communication network. Sam forms a special connection with his adopted cargo, Bridge Baby, that he nicknames “Lou”. In a game that highlights social connectedness as a tool for rebuilding the world, the bond between Sam and Lou will resonate for virtual parents.  

NieR: Gesalt

Before you come for me in the comments, let’s just clear this up: We’re talking about the 2010 version where the protagonist is a father, but it’s essentially the same game as the remastered version, Replicant. Gesalt explores the challenges and responsibilities of being a parent as Nier tries to get his daughter, Yonah, back in a dangerous dystopia where the stakes are much higher than real life.  

Big Daddy in Bioshock 2 

I don’t think we need to do much convincing with this one… The game is set in a steampunk sci-fi dystopia and you play as an affectionately named Big Daddy tasked with saving and protecting his Little Sister. Enjoy!  

God of War  

Dad of War has long been a fan favourite in the Dad Simulator category as it follows Kratos and his son, Atreus. The burly protagonist’s growing relationship with his son is interwoven into the gameplay as the two fight to survive in the realm of Norse Gods and monsters. This game will leave you wanting to tell your dad he’s done a good job… 

We’d love to know if you’d recommend others over these ones! In any case, if you haven’t already played it—Pragmata is out now and you’re playing as a dad protecting his very cute child. Good luck.