Not since 2009’s Brütal Legend (which starred Jack Black and is well worth checking out if you haven’t played it) have I seen a third-person action game as weird and wonderful as Capcom’s latest offering. Called Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, the game revolves around cleansing villages of demons called the Seethe and recruiting villagers that you transform into warrior allies with the orbs you collect. If it all sounds complex, well, it is, but thankfully, the game does a great job of introducing its satisfying and unique blend of action and strategy to players and makes it much less confounding than the written word.
Most levels are split into a day-night cycle. You’ll begin prepping for the incoming Seethe while there is still daylight. There’s a lot to do here, from freeing trapped villagers to repairing traps. You’ll also set a path for the maiden to travel, as only she can cleanse the gate that marks the end of a level. This preparation is all key as once nightfall hits, the Seethe will begin spawning from the aforementioned gate.
Nighttime is really when the action begins. You’ll place your villagers, who you’ve given a class to — such as a hard-hitting sumo wrestler or a ranged archer — along the path in order to defend the maiden. However, you can also get your own hands dirty as Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is also an action game, so you’ll be able to use a sword to slice demons up and launch into elegant combo attacks. Combat feels really good, as you can dodge out of the way of attacks and use special abilities to help turn the tide of battle.
While the initial levels will only last a single cycle, later stages will last for several days. Positioning becomes key, as you’ll want to set up blockades and get the maiden to stop at a location that is easily defended, all the while being thorough during the day in your multiple duties. It becomes a real juggling act and one that tests your strategies in and outside of fights.
You’ll also come across many boss fights, which are their own levels and are intense combat encounters. This is where the battle system really shines, as you’ll go up against some giant enemies that wind up being quite fearsome. Picking your support classes can be extremely important here, as that, along with your own equipped items (which gives you and your team various buffs and abilities), can be the key factor in whether you’re successful or not.
Credit also has to be given to Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess for its wide range of variety. New mechanics are regularly introduced, although at a pace that guarantees it never gets overwhelming. From different level types to gimmicks that help a stage feel unique, such as needing to light torches in a cave, it never gets repetitive as the gameplay always provides a stellar mix of challenge and fun.
Another impressive aspect of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is just how replayable the game is. Each level has multiple side objectives to complete (such as not allowing the maiden to take damage or breaking specific objects) that you’ll want to go back and do to earn more upgrade points. There’s also a whole base-building element of the game that has you restoring villages to unlock bonuses as well. Oh, and if that’s not enough, a new game plus mode is unlocked once you beat the game that has exclusive rewards. There’s certainly no shortage of meaningful reasons to keep going back into the game.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review: Final verdict
A wonderfully fresh combination of genres that probably shouldn’t mesh as well as it ultimately does, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a unique and thrilling game that shows just how creative Capcom can still be. Whether you’re drawn in by the strategy elements or the prospect of taking down some incredible-looking demons, you’ll find a thrilling time to be had. It’s rare for an idea, or a blend of ideas in this case, to be this unique without being unpolished, yet this gorgeous action-strategy game is wonderfully balanced and refined by director Shuichi Kawata and his team.
SCORE: 9/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 9 equates to “Excellent.” Entertainment that reaches this level is at the top of its type. The gold standard that every creator aims to reach.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a PS5 code for our Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess review. Reviewed on version 1.000.000.
