Capcom's new action strategy game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, launched July 19th, and the company celebrated with a unique twist: a traditional Japanese Bunraku puppet theater performance. This theatrical production, a prequel to the game's storyline, showcases the deep cultural inspiration behind Kunitsu-Gami.
The performance, by the Osaka-based National Bunraku Theater, featured specially crafted puppets representing the game's protagonists, Soh and the Maiden. Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake brought these characters to life in a new play, "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny," a captivating blend of traditional Bunraku artistry and modern CG backdrops depicting the game's world. This innovative approach, described as a "new form of Bunraku," successfully fuses ancient tradition with cutting-edge technology.
The collaboration wasn't a mere marketing ploy; Kunitsu-Gami's development was heavily influenced by Bunraku. Producer Tairoku Nozoe revealed that director Shuichi Kawata's passion for the art form deeply impacted the game's design, even before the collaboration with the National Bunraku Theater was conceived. The game's movement and direction are demonstrably inspired by the nuances of Ningyo Joruri Bunraku.
This theatrical performance serves as a powerful testament to the game's Japanese cultural roots. By presenting a prequel to Kunitsu-Gami through the medium of Bunraku, Capcom successfully bridges the gap between ancient Japanese traditions and modern gaming, offering a unique and engaging experience for both gamers and enthusiasts of traditional Japanese arts. The game itself, set on the corrupted Mount Kafuku, challenges players to purify villages and protect the Maiden, utilizing sacred masks to restore balance. Available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles (including Xbox Game Pass), Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess also offers a free demo.
