Platform reviewed: PlayStation 5 Available on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC Release date: July 19, 2024 Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess might just be the most innovative game that I’ve played this year. Developer Capcom bills its latest title as a “Kagura action strategy”, Kagura being a type of ceremonial dance used in Shinto rituals, which should tell you right off the bat that you’re in for something unusual. It follows Yoshiro, a maiden from a shrine atop the fictionalized Mount Kafuku, and her sword-wielding spirit guardian Soh as they attempt to defeat a malevolent force called the Seethe.
The Seethe has taken over the mountain, trapping its villagers in cocoons, corrupting the local wildlife, and covering the natural landscape with a sinister ooze. It’s a simple premise that is all conveyed through a short introductory cutscene complete with soothing narration and beautiful woodblock-style illustrations. There’s almost no dialogue outside of this introduction and the relationship between Yoshiro and Soh is instead conveyed through wordless interactions and wonderfully choreographed dance.
It's a real testament to the strength of Yoshiro’s presentation that she is still a fantastically realized character in spite of this, with her every polite bow and calm nod oozing humility and gentleness. Supported by a wealth of brilliant little details, like the friendly deer that sometimes come and sit with her at moments.
