Famitsu, the longstanding Japanese weekly games magazine, published its review roundup for the week of August 23, 2026, assigning scores from four editors per title (each reviewer gives up to 10 points for a combined total out of 40).
This week’s slate spans indie and AAA offerings, with notable praise for a retro-styled indie and a modernized entry in a historic action franchise.
The results and reviewer impressions are summarized below for readers tracking releases on Nintendo Switch hardware and related platforms.
Famitsu scores (week of August 23, 2026)
- Orbitals — 8 / 9 / 9 / 9 (35/40)
- Onimusha: Way of the Sword — 9 / 9 / 8 / 8 (34/40)
- The Blood of Dawnwalker — 9 / 8 / 8 / 9 (34/40)
- Afterlove EP — 7 / 8 / 8 / 7 (30/40)
- Asdivine Knot — 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 (28/40)
- John Fox — 6 / 6 / 5 / 6 (23/40)
Orbital(s) review summary
Famitsu’s reviewers commended Orbitals for its faithful recreation of vintage anime aesthetics and tightly integrated co-op puzzle-action.
One reviewer wrote that the title’s visual and audio direction captures “the spirit of old-school Japanese animation,” and highlighted how the game’s asymmetrical, equipment-driven roles create engaging cooperative puzzles.
Reviewers noted a high barrier for two-player coordination but praised local communication and split-screen features that let partners monitor each other’s actions.
The overall verdict emphasized strong production values, varied puzzles that reward teamwork, and immersive, fully voiced presentation.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword review summary
Famitsu’s coverage of Onimusha: Way of the Sword (developed and published by Capcom) emphasized modernized swordplay and accessibility features.
Reviewers highlighted expanded parry and deflect options, the satisfying rhythm of counterattacks and “Issen” techniques, and on-screen action assistance that helps players read enemy moves.
The Switch 2 build’s motion-control support for traversal was called out as a notable platform-specific feature, while reviewers also praised the title’s atmospheric Kyoto-inspired locales and the series’ signature demon-soul mechanics.
Some reviewers observed that frequent cutscenes can modestly slow combat pacing.
Famitsu’s four-editor scoring system remains a standard reference for Japanese reviews.
For previous Famitsu scores and archived roundups, consult our archives.
This week’s slate spans indie and AAA offerings, with notable praise for a retro-styled indie and a modernized entry in a historic action franchise.
The results and reviewer impressions are summarized below for readers tracking releases on Nintendo Switch hardware and related platforms.
Famitsu scores (week of August 23, 2026)
- Orbitals — 8 / 9 / 9 / 9 (35/40)
- Onimusha: Way of the Sword — 9 / 9 / 8 / 8 (34/40)
- The Blood of Dawnwalker — 9 / 8 / 8 / 9 (34/40)
- Afterlove EP — 7 / 8 / 8 / 7 (30/40)
- Asdivine Knot — 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 (28/40)
- John Fox — 6 / 6 / 5 / 6 (23/40)
Orbital(s) review summary
Famitsu’s reviewers commended Orbitals for its faithful recreation of vintage anime aesthetics and tightly integrated co-op puzzle-action.
One reviewer wrote that the title’s visual and audio direction captures “the spirit of old-school Japanese animation,” and highlighted how the game’s asymmetrical, equipment-driven roles create engaging cooperative puzzles.
Reviewers noted a high barrier for two-player coordination but praised local communication and split-screen features that let partners monitor each other’s actions.
The overall verdict emphasized strong production values, varied puzzles that reward teamwork, and immersive, fully voiced presentation.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword review summary
Famitsu’s coverage of Onimusha: Way of the Sword (developed and published by Capcom) emphasized modernized swordplay and accessibility features.
Reviewers highlighted expanded parry and deflect options, the satisfying rhythm of counterattacks and “Issen” techniques, and on-screen action assistance that helps players read enemy moves.
The Switch 2 build’s motion-control support for traversal was called out as a notable platform-specific feature, while reviewers also praised the title’s atmospheric Kyoto-inspired locales and the series’ signature demon-soul mechanics.
Some reviewers observed that frequent cutscenes can modestly slow combat pacing.
Famitsu’s four-editor scoring system remains a standard reference for Japanese reviews.
For previous Famitsu scores and archived roundups, consult our archives.
