Famitsu published its weekly review scores for the week of October 11, 2026, covering a mix of high-profile and niche releases.
Famitsu’s reviews are compiled from four individual editors, each awarding a score out of 10; the sum produces a total out of 40.
This week’s list includes Ace Combat 8, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, the rhythm-roguelike Ratatan, Akiba Lost, Control Resonant, and Thanks Light.
Famitsu scores (week of October 11, 2026)
- Ace Combat 8: Winges of Theve — 9/9/9/9 (36/40)
- Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse — 8/8/8/8 (32/40)
- Ratatan — 8/8/8/8 (32/40)
- Akiba Lost — 8/8/8/8 (32/40)
- Control Resonant — 8/9/7/8 (32/40)
- Thanks Light — 7/8/7/8 (30/40)
Ratatan verdict — paraphrased from Famitsu reviewers
Famitsu’s four editors praised Ratatan’s rhythm-command system as strongly reminiscent of Patapon while noting that the mechanic scales well into a roguelike structure, making repeated runs engaging.
One reviewer observed that, beyond issuing orders to troops, players must also directly control their own unit and adapt to challenging enemies, which raises the overall difficulty; however, a beginner-friendly mode that boosts unit survivability was highlighted as an effective way to reduce stress for newer players.
Another editor said fans of Patapon may react differently to Ratatan, but the hybrid of rhythm action and roguelike progression offers its own charm, with upgrades to characters and equipment adding meaningful progression.
A third reviewer described Ratatan as a spiritual successor to Patapon that preserves rhythm-based command inputs and a distinctive, comical presentation; the game’s simple command mode and other accessibility features were singled out as positives, though some elements could use clearer explanation.
The fourth reviewer emphasized the satisfying feedback loop when timed commands — attack, defend, jump — connect with minions and enemies, praising the call-and-response song feel and the replayability driven by material gathering and weapon upgrades.
That reviewer also warned the difficulty can be high and the on-screen information dense, requiring players to build timing and situational awareness.
What this means for players and coverage
These Famitsu scores provide a snapshot of Japanese critical reception for the week and are useful context for readers following release windows and regional sentiment.
For readers tracking individual reviews, Famitsu’s four-editor format offers aggregated perspective rather than a single-byline verdict.
If you missed our dedicated Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse review post, that coverage remains available for a deeper read.
For a record of past Famitsu scores, check our archives.
Famitsu’s reviews are compiled from four individual editors, each awarding a score out of 10; the sum produces a total out of 40.
This week’s list includes Ace Combat 8, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, the rhythm-roguelike Ratatan, Akiba Lost, Control Resonant, and Thanks Light.
Famitsu scores (week of October 11, 2026)
- Ace Combat 8: Winges of Theve — 9/9/9/9 (36/40)
- Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse — 8/8/8/8 (32/40)
- Ratatan — 8/8/8/8 (32/40)
- Akiba Lost — 8/8/8/8 (32/40)
- Control Resonant — 8/9/7/8 (32/40)
- Thanks Light — 7/8/7/8 (30/40)
Ratatan verdict — paraphrased from Famitsu reviewers
Famitsu’s four editors praised Ratatan’s rhythm-command system as strongly reminiscent of Patapon while noting that the mechanic scales well into a roguelike structure, making repeated runs engaging.
One reviewer observed that, beyond issuing orders to troops, players must also directly control their own unit and adapt to challenging enemies, which raises the overall difficulty; however, a beginner-friendly mode that boosts unit survivability was highlighted as an effective way to reduce stress for newer players.
Another editor said fans of Patapon may react differently to Ratatan, but the hybrid of rhythm action and roguelike progression offers its own charm, with upgrades to characters and equipment adding meaningful progression.
A third reviewer described Ratatan as a spiritual successor to Patapon that preserves rhythm-based command inputs and a distinctive, comical presentation; the game’s simple command mode and other accessibility features were singled out as positives, though some elements could use clearer explanation.
The fourth reviewer emphasized the satisfying feedback loop when timed commands — attack, defend, jump — connect with minions and enemies, praising the call-and-response song feel and the replayability driven by material gathering and weapon upgrades.
That reviewer also warned the difficulty can be high and the on-screen information dense, requiring players to build timing and situational awareness.
What this means for players and coverage
These Famitsu scores provide a snapshot of Japanese critical reception for the week and are useful context for readers following release windows and regional sentiment.
For readers tracking individual reviews, Famitsu’s four-editor format offers aggregated perspective rather than a single-byline verdict.
If you missed our dedicated Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse review post, that coverage remains available for a deeper read.
For a record of past Famitsu scores, check our archives.
