Famitsu released its weekly review scores for the week of July 12, 2026, covering a mix of Japanese and Western releases.
The Japanese gaming magazine — a longstanding voice in the industry — published numeric breakdowns and reviewer verdicts for Nihon Falcom’s Kyoto Xanadu alongside Bandai Namco-style strategy-card entries and international sports and action releases.
Famitsu scores (July 12, 2026)
- Kyoto Xanadu — 9/8/8/9 (34/40)
- Culdcept Begins — 9/8/8/8 (33/40)
- EA Sports UFC 6 — 8/8/8/8 (32/40)
- Echoes of Aincrad — 7/8/7/7 (29/40)
Famitsu’s format uses four independent editors who each assign a score out of 10; totals are reported out of 40.
These weekly tallies remain a useful snapshot of critical consensus in the Japanese market.
Kyoto Xanadu (Nihon Falcom)
Famitsu’s reviewers praised Kyoto Xanadu for its hybrid approach to action and exploration.
The magazine’s verdict noted that Nihon Falcom blends 2D side-view dungeon exploration with fully realized 3D battles, creating a distinctive mix that keeps navigation and combat feeling fresh.
Reviewers highlighted smooth movement, responsive controls, and a card-based progression tied to school-life segments that add strategic depth.
The story was described as straightforward and anime-like in tone, with the school and Kyoto sightseeing elements effectively preparing players for supernatural encounters.
While character writing leans on familiar tropes, reviewers said the presentation and combat balance deliver satisfying moments, particularly in the timing and impact of counterattacks.
Culdcept Begins
Famitsu’s coverage of Culdcept Begins emphasized the series’ enduring blend of Monopoly-style board play and collectible-card strategy.
Reviewers found the UI polished and the learning curve accessible: the title preserves deep strategic systems while shortening individual matches to improve pacing.
Story mode was framed as a helpful tutorial that explains opponent tactics and map features, and local and online multiplayer options were called out as strong points for bringing friends into matches.
A few reviewers noted visual or animation preferences but agreed the core mechanics reward deck-building and gradual mastery.
Other entries
EA Sports UFC 6 received a uniform set of 8s from the four reviewers (32/40), while Echoes of Aincrad posted a 29/40.
Famitsu’s weekly scores continue to chart how titles perform critically in Japan across platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
For a full archive of past Famitsu scores, consult the magazine’s published archives and official site.
The Japanese gaming magazine — a longstanding voice in the industry — published numeric breakdowns and reviewer verdicts for Nihon Falcom’s Kyoto Xanadu alongside Bandai Namco-style strategy-card entries and international sports and action releases.
Famitsu scores (July 12, 2026)
- Kyoto Xanadu — 9/8/8/9 (34/40)
- Culdcept Begins — 9/8/8/8 (33/40)
- EA Sports UFC 6 — 8/8/8/8 (32/40)
- Echoes of Aincrad — 7/8/7/7 (29/40)
Famitsu’s format uses four independent editors who each assign a score out of 10; totals are reported out of 40.
These weekly tallies remain a useful snapshot of critical consensus in the Japanese market.
Kyoto Xanadu (Nihon Falcom)
Famitsu’s reviewers praised Kyoto Xanadu for its hybrid approach to action and exploration.
The magazine’s verdict noted that Nihon Falcom blends 2D side-view dungeon exploration with fully realized 3D battles, creating a distinctive mix that keeps navigation and combat feeling fresh.
Reviewers highlighted smooth movement, responsive controls, and a card-based progression tied to school-life segments that add strategic depth.
The story was described as straightforward and anime-like in tone, with the school and Kyoto sightseeing elements effectively preparing players for supernatural encounters.
While character writing leans on familiar tropes, reviewers said the presentation and combat balance deliver satisfying moments, particularly in the timing and impact of counterattacks.
Culdcept Begins
Famitsu’s coverage of Culdcept Begins emphasized the series’ enduring blend of Monopoly-style board play and collectible-card strategy.
Reviewers found the UI polished and the learning curve accessible: the title preserves deep strategic systems while shortening individual matches to improve pacing.
Story mode was framed as a helpful tutorial that explains opponent tactics and map features, and local and online multiplayer options were called out as strong points for bringing friends into matches.
A few reviewers noted visual or animation preferences but agreed the core mechanics reward deck-building and gradual mastery.
Other entries
EA Sports UFC 6 received a uniform set of 8s from the four reviewers (32/40), while Echoes of Aincrad posted a 29/40.
Famitsu’s weekly scores continue to chart how titles perform critically in Japan across platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
For a full archive of past Famitsu scores, consult the magazine’s published archives and official site.
