Kunitsu-Gami on Switch 2 is a case study in Joy-Con 2 mouse controls

by

In the beginning, I overlooked Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, an innovative IP by Capcom that blended tower defense with third-person action, earning praise from both critics and gamers. When a Switch 2 edition was announced, it seemed like the ideal opportunity to revisit this intriguing title, given its showcase of the unique mouse control mode for the new Joy-Con 2 controllers. Although this port has a few flaws, it offers a solid gaming experience for this captivating little game, and the mouse feature is genuinely impressive for numerous reasons.

Ignoring the fancy tricks, the fundamental gameplay concept of Kunitsu-Gami is impressive on its own. For a detailed analysis, you can check out Josh Broadwell’s review on Shacknews. Even from the initial levels, it’s clear that this unique genre blend succeeds, and Capcom has masterfully executed the idea in an unexpectedly graceful way. The gameplay feels satisfying as you navigate stages, command your units, and engage in combat against the gruesomely artistic Seethe enemies, who emerge from their eerie, otherworldly gates. It’s enjoyable right from the start.

On the Switch 2, the standout feature is the intuitive use of mouse controls. It’s not just about their inclusion or how smoothly moving the cursor operates; it’s the practicality and effortlessness that elevates this function beyond a mere novelty. With the Joy-Con 2s separated, I can easily rotate the right one in my hand, and the game will automatically switch to mouse mode. The mouse is used for controlling both the camera and direct actions, while I can move around and pause with the left Joy-Con. It also works flawlessly for navigating menus, but its most significant advantage lies in managing units on the battlefield. Because it’s so seamless, I can use the right Joy-Con in controller mode for parts that feel more comfortable that way (combat, though preferences may vary), and then quickly switch to mouse control for any precise movements I need. Nintendo is renowned for its unconventional ideas “just working,” and this is no exception.

Regarding performance, it has both advantages and disadvantages. This game doesn’t miraculously run at 1080/60fps without any trade-offs. In handheld mode, textures can appear slightly blurry during regular gameplay, but they become sharp when watching cutscenes or reading text. On the other hand, TV mode offers better clarity overall, although you might notice a frame rate closer to 30fps in both modes due to all the stunning visual effects on screen. The emphasis on stability over high frame rates ensures a smoother experience overall.

In simpler terms, High Dynamic Range (HDR) can sometimes be puzzling. Either the settings for adjusting it are unclear or they don’t properly explain themselves. When you follow the instructions, the settings appear too dark, requiring unusual adjustments to make them look right. Using HDR in handheld mode seems better off without it, and it’s hard to determine if the issue lies with the Nintendo Switch 2, Capcom, or both. In any case, it’s quite peculiar and needs some fiddling around to get it looking good.

Despite some challenges with the lighting, it’s easy to understand why our reviewer was drawn to Kunitsu-Gami initially. This game is exceptional and even someone like me, who typically shies away from strategy games, is enjoying it immensely. It could be due to its lenient difficulty level, but I can’t wait to play more. I may not be a die-hard PC gamer, so the mouse mode doesn’t provide long-term benefits for me, but it’s undeniably impressive and flawlessly implemented in this instance. Anyone who struggles with managing units or making strategic decisions using a controller will find solace here. The upcoming Switch 2 is proving to be versatile in numerous ways, and Kunitsu-Gami serves as a prime example of the mouse controls’ potential.

Title available now: Kunitsu-Gami: The Goddess’s Journey on Nintendo Switch 2. We received a publisher code for this piece. You can also play it on PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Read More

2025-07-07 18:27