In the June–July 1979 edition of "Different Worlds" (Issue 3), Stephen L. Lortz found the rules "well written and logically ordered." He also liked the introduction of "On points", noting that it "placed "Bushido" outside of the 'kill and pillage' category of RPGs [...] On encourages players to steer their characters into social and political, as well as combat situations, and does much to generate the authentic flavour of the game." He concluded, "I highly recommend "Bushido" to people who are interested in running a fantasy campaign based primarily on the Japanese mythos and to people who are interested in the art of RPG design."