Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess on PS5
It is never easy to tell if a game truly resonates with you until some actual time has been spent going through its systems and mechanics, and that is likely going to be the case for Capcom‘s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess for players unsure of what they are stepping into. Having already previewed the game, we came into the review full of expectations, and suffice to say, we have been blown away for the most part.
A hybrid of both action and strategy, with a twist on the usual tower defense elements, players are brought to Mt. Kafuku, where the lands are besieged by waves of defilement and corruption, turning a once peaceful land into one of chaos and darkness. At the centre of it are the priestess Yoshiro and her guardian Soh, who will undertake a journey of great peril in order to cleanse the mountain and hopefully bring forth a period of prosperity to the people.
What unfolds as you progress in Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess reveals unique gameplay that gets more challenging, more intense, and generally more fun. There is plenty of depth for strategy fans to sink their teeth into, complemented by the ability to step into the fray yourself as Soh, which increases the possibilities of gameplay scenarios.
For many of the levels, that means mastering and executing the key strategies required for victory. As a start, players will have to carve a Spirit Path for Yoshiro to reach the designated Torii Gates to purfiy them, but that will require crystals. This important currency can be obtained by using Soh to remove any defilement in the village, as well as rescuing cocooned villagers.
These newfound allies can also be assign specific roles as part of your defensive plans, and a carpenter can be used in later stages to repair barriers, traps, and other useful equipment. Of course, it wouldn’t be that straightforward all the time. Winding paths, different elevation, and environmental obstacles stand in the way, and that’s even before the Seethe come into the picture.
When night falls, the resource gathering and exploration give way to a sustained period of action and tactical manuvering as the demons pour through any number of Torii Gates. While it is possible to just depend on Soh’s dancing sword moves to get past the starting levels, the necessary use of the villagers and the environment is how Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess keeps things fresh as the you get to later levels.
Do you go with a balanced army of Woodcutters and Archers to handle melee and aerial threats? That’s all good until the Seethe big hitters arrive, which is when a tank like the Sumo Wrestler can come into play, or having the Ascetic slow down crowds of enemies to give you more breathing space. With more roles unlocked come more ways to use your villagers as long as you have enough crystals, and when there are multiple lanes in which the Seethe march towards Yoshiro, players are going to have their hands full juggling roles, positioning, and also helping out in combat. Add in powerful Tsuba Guard abilities and buffs provided by Mazo Talismans, and there’s all sorts of ways you can tailor the adventure.
There will likely be some needed trial and error, as you figure out the enemy composition and the intensity of their attacks. Finding the right blend of roles and positions will keep things moving along briskly, although it can take a little too long in between waves as you wait out the night, something veteran players will likely see as an annoyance as they get better at the game. There are also times when the game flips the script, removing Soh completely or adding in environmental dangers, that require a change in approach, further enriching the adventure in Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess.
Succeed in cleansing the level, and you will eventually claim the area as a safe space, allowing the villagers to start rebuilding in peace with the passage of time. Yoshiro also sets up her tent her, which gives players several ways to further finetune their style of play for later levels. You can use the rare Musubi to upgrade the various roles, boosting their health, attack, and unlock more abilities, or do the same for Soh, giving him access to a ranged attack, better tactical commands, and more. All of the Tsuba Guard abilities and Mazo Talismans obtained during the game can also be switched out in Yoshiro’s tent.
The light emphasis on base building for more rewards is perhaps the weakest part of the entire experience, requiring nothing more than Soh running around dictating tasks, and no requirements save for manpower and the occasional lumber found on the floor. It does, however, make it more enticing for players to replay previous levels in order to finish rebuilding, and the various optional objectives and rewards that reveal themselves after completing a level are also great incentives for pushing players to refine their craft.
Then there are also the boss battles, epic encounters that require players to truly know their roles and how to better command your allies. From hulking beasts to gargantuan, slithering monsters, no one boss battle is the same, and unless you heed the lessons of all the levels that came before, you will find it hard to emerge victorious against the leaders of the Seethe. The mix of combat, tactics, and differing mechanics only serve to add even more variety to the game.
And through it all, the incredible flair and the visual stylings stand out both from afar and up close. The details paying homage to Japanese culture should be appreciated, even if you are not remotely familiar with the inspirations and the source material. Bringing traditions like the masks, the Kagura dances, and even the sweet treats to life via the game helps to bring everything together.
There is no denying that Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess offers a niche experience that may not be for everyone, but if it aligns with what you think will be a good time, it more than executes the vision of its creators competently. There is definitely merit in trying out the demo if you are unsure, but for those seeking a great time of both action and strategy, this is one experience that should be high on your list when it launches.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess launches on July 19 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
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Summary
With Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, Capcom attempts to deliver a hybrid action-strategy experience rich in Japanese culture, and the result is an awesomely good time.
