The influential Japanese magazine Famitsu has published its latest set of review scores, spotlighting several highly anticipated Nintendo Switch releases for the week of December 2, 2025.
As a flagship publication for the gaming industry, Famitsu’s review system remains a trusted barometer of public and critical expectations in Japan and internationally.
This week’s highlights include marquee titles like Kirby Air Riders, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Octopath Traveler 0—each vying for top honors in a dynamically competitive season. Famitsu’s review process involves four editors, each awarding a score out of 10 for every evaluated title.
The scores are then combined for a final total out of 40, providing readers with both individual perspectives and a comprehensive consensus.
Here are the scores for the latest releases: - **Kirby Air Riders**: 8, 9, 10, 9 (Total: 36/40) - **Octopath Traveler 0**: 8, 9, 9, 8 (Total: 34/40) - **Metroid Prime 4: Beyond**: 8, 9, 7, 8 (Total: 32/40) - **Call of Duty: Black Ops 7**: 8, 8, 8, 8 (Total: 32/40) - **Cronos: The New Dawn**: 8, 9, 7, 8 (Total: 32/40) - **Where Winds Meet**: 8, 7, 8, 7 (Total: 30/40) Of particular note, Kirby Air Riders scored an impressive 36 out of 40, reflecting high praise across the board from Famitsu’s editors.
The editor consensus emphasized the game’s “inventive gameplay mechanics and vibrant presentation,” confirming its strong appeal among both long-time fans and newcomers to the Kirby franchise.
Meanwhile, Octopath Traveler 0 also garnered strong marks, with reviewers lauding its “engaging narrative structure and refined turn-based combat.” Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, one of the most hotly anticipated Nintendo Switch exclusives, received a total of 32.
Famitsu’s reviewers acknowledged its “immersive sci-fi atmosphere and thoughtful level design,” while also noting minor critiques regarding pacing in certain segments.
Despite that, the return of Samus Aran to the Nintendo Switch was met positively, further cementing the series’ legacy. In the broader lineup, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 maintained a consistent showing with a total score of 32 points, demonstrating both the enduring popularity of the franchise and its adaption to the Nintendo Switch platform.
Cronos: The New Dawn achieved parity with a similar score, while Where Winds Meet rounded out the week’s reviews with a commendable 30 points. Famitsu's review system and editorial approach offer significant insights for both industry stakeholders and gamers worldwide.
Given the competitive release window, these evaluations provide critical feedback as publishers and developers finalize their holiday season strategies.
For readers following the Japanese games market, these scores serve as a useful guide to upcoming hits on the Nintendo Switch and beyond. For additional context and analysis on past Famitsu review scores, be sure to consult our complete archives.
As a flagship publication for the gaming industry, Famitsu’s review system remains a trusted barometer of public and critical expectations in Japan and internationally.
This week’s highlights include marquee titles like Kirby Air Riders, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Octopath Traveler 0—each vying for top honors in a dynamically competitive season. Famitsu’s review process involves four editors, each awarding a score out of 10 for every evaluated title.
The scores are then combined for a final total out of 40, providing readers with both individual perspectives and a comprehensive consensus.
Here are the scores for the latest releases: - **Kirby Air Riders**: 8, 9, 10, 9 (Total: 36/40) - **Octopath Traveler 0**: 8, 9, 9, 8 (Total: 34/40) - **Metroid Prime 4: Beyond**: 8, 9, 7, 8 (Total: 32/40) - **Call of Duty: Black Ops 7**: 8, 8, 8, 8 (Total: 32/40) - **Cronos: The New Dawn**: 8, 9, 7, 8 (Total: 32/40) - **Where Winds Meet**: 8, 7, 8, 7 (Total: 30/40) Of particular note, Kirby Air Riders scored an impressive 36 out of 40, reflecting high praise across the board from Famitsu’s editors.
The editor consensus emphasized the game’s “inventive gameplay mechanics and vibrant presentation,” confirming its strong appeal among both long-time fans and newcomers to the Kirby franchise.
Meanwhile, Octopath Traveler 0 also garnered strong marks, with reviewers lauding its “engaging narrative structure and refined turn-based combat.” Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, one of the most hotly anticipated Nintendo Switch exclusives, received a total of 32.
Famitsu’s reviewers acknowledged its “immersive sci-fi atmosphere and thoughtful level design,” while also noting minor critiques regarding pacing in certain segments.
Despite that, the return of Samus Aran to the Nintendo Switch was met positively, further cementing the series’ legacy. In the broader lineup, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 maintained a consistent showing with a total score of 32 points, demonstrating both the enduring popularity of the franchise and its adaption to the Nintendo Switch platform.
Cronos: The New Dawn achieved parity with a similar score, while Where Winds Meet rounded out the week’s reviews with a commendable 30 points. Famitsu's review system and editorial approach offer significant insights for both industry stakeholders and gamers worldwide.
Given the competitive release window, these evaluations provide critical feedback as publishers and developers finalize their holiday season strategies.
For readers following the Japanese games market, these scores serve as a useful guide to upcoming hits on the Nintendo Switch and beyond. For additional context and analysis on past Famitsu review scores, be sure to consult our complete archives.
