In the March 1981 edition of "Ares" (Issue 7), Eric Goldberg found fault with the character generation system that determines certain aspects randomly, but then uses a point-buy system to allow a player to optimize the character. "There is a logical argument for both methods — even in conjunction — but one's purpose defeats the other." Goldberg liked the code of honor in the game, which he felt "distinguishes "Bushido" from most other role-playing games." But he felt that otherwise, "Bushido" was "unremarkable", and gave a half-hearted recommendation: ""Bushido" is a nice enough meld of a surrealistic and "D&D"-style flavor, and has a game system sturdy enough to support this impression."