Last June, during the Xbox Games Showcase, Capcom took the opportunity to unveil a new project not from an already established license. Baptized Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, it was intriguing with its use of Japanese folklore and its captivating artistic direction. We only knew then that we would play a guide protecting a spiritual guardian responsible for carrying out purification rites to overcome the Ikoku and send them back to the spirit realm. It’s this Wednesday during Xbox Partner Preview that the mystery surrounding him has thinned out a little.
It is only with this video that we learn that Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess will be a real-time strategy game, or RTS for the close friends, which will no doubt scold more than one person. The gameplay trailer indicates thatit will be released this year on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Windows and Steam), as well as in the Game Pass in day one. It also introduces cyclical game phases which will alternate between day and night, with villagers lending us a hand using mask powers and who will constitute our troops against the spirits.
Moreover, Xbox Wire shared an article (of which we have arranged the translation) which reveals a little more about the scenario and clearly presents the phases of gameplay. Visuals can also be found on the next page.
A new tale of the Kami awaits you
The story begins when the legendary Mount Kafuku is covered in an evil taint and the 12 masks, along with their special powers, are stolen. Our protagonist, Soh, must work with Yoshiro, the young girl with divine powers, to purge and cleanse the villages of defilement.
The masks worn by Soh and the villagers each possess a different divine power, and these powers are the key to Yoshiro’s protection. As you cleanse other villages of their evil taints, you will collect more masks and work with the different villagers that each mask unlocks to restore Mount Kafuku to its original beauty.
- Strategic actions with dancing swords and commands
The game combines the exhilarating action of “dancing swords” with the strategic element of deciding which villagers will join you on your journey to purify each village. The process of combat preparation during the day and of protection of the girl and the village against evil mountain spirits (“Ikoku”) during the night is essential to Soh’s success. Let’s take a look at day and night gameplay.
During the day, explore the village, purge the taints and rescue the villagers to join you in battle. Repair items that will give you an advantage against the Ikoku’s night attacks.
The rescued villagers will fight alongside Soh, but it’s up to you to decide how much power to grant each of them. Different masks grant different powers that allow some villagers to excel at close range attacks, while others can heal your party. Think strategically about which villagers you enlist and where you place them before battle. For example, place those with superior melee abilities in the front line and those with ranged attack abilities in the back. Use the terrain to your advantage, prepare your positions and prepare for an epic battle as soon as the moon begins to appear.
Each village features recognizable Torii gates, and ultimate success depends on whether Yoshiro, the divine maiden, can pass through these gates before being defeated by the Ikoku. But beware ! Each Torii gate is connected to an evil universe, providing entrance to the Ikoku. Guide Yoshiro to the Torii Gates to purge the taint and save the village.
It is essential to use the time wisely before sunset. In addition to time management, you will need to strategize for the night battle. Your strategies as well as your resource and time management skills are put to the test.
Nightfall offers a unique blend of intense action and real-time strategy. Protect the virgin from the looming threat of the Ikoku by commanding your enlisted villagers while battling the Ikoku with Soh’s unique, dancing sword attacks.
Need to change strategy on the fly? Each villager can be assigned new roles and repositioned in the village at any time of the night. Protect Yoshiro by making crucial decisions in this ever-changing environment.
- The Ikoku: evil spirits invoked by defilement
Ikoku take many different demonic forms, with varying attacks and abilities. Each enemy is inspired by various Japanese yokai – a term for all manner of ghosts, shapeshifters, demons, monsters and the like – and historical folklore. The Ikoku, carefully designed by the director, offer a glimpse into the dark aesthetic that permeates Soh and the villagers throughout each night’s battle.
And if the Ikoku aren’t enough, the latest gameplay trailer revealed the existence of an even more powerful “Festering Ikoku.” Witness this intense battle against the Festering Ikoku!
- A word from director Shuichi Kawata
“I hope you enjoyed the new trailer for Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess! The title was announced last year, but I hope the new gameplay you just saw was worth the wait. After releasing Shinsekai: Into the Depths four years ago, we are ready to open a new chapter for gamers everywhere to enjoy.
This game offers a very unique mix of action and strategy games and draws heavily on various elements of Japanese culture. That’s why we’re excited (and maybe a little nervous… in a good way!) to introduce this game to everyone.
We are currently in the final stages of development and the team is working passionately to provide you with the best possible experience. »
As a reminder, we have an appointment on the night of Thursday to Friday for a presentation Capcom Highlights which will once again highlight Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. We should therefore see a little more if the publisher is not content, as following its announcement, to rebroadcast the same thing…
If you like atypical video game experiences from Capcom, Ōkami HD is sold for €16.99 on PC at the house of Gamesplanet.
| Alexandre SAMSON (Omega Law) Responsible Proofreader – Editor | ||
| Addicted to Assassin’s Creed and Destiny, big fan of RPGs and passionate about video game experiences in general. Reader of comics (DC) and various mangas (One Piece!). Chemist by training and Whovian at heart. | ||
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