Review: ‘Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess’ blends genres and Japanese folkore

'Kunitsu-Gami' is a fascinating title that mixes the strategy of tower defence games with the visceral combat of an action title such as Devil May Cry. Thrown in the mix is a dabble of Pikmin for good measure. — Photos: Capcom

Thirty years ago, a game like Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess may never have made it to American shores. Publishers would have judged it too foreign, with characters influenced by Japanese folklore and fighting moves inspired by an ancient form of dance called the kagura.

Capcom’s latest title, an action-strategy game, would have been hard to explain to US audiences in the past, but the pop culture landscape has changed, with anime becoming more mainstream and gamers more interested in Japanese culture. In that environment, a project such as Kunitsu-Gami can carve a niche for itself based not just on the gameplay but also the subject matter as well.