It will require more research but I think Honda have been using the double axis approach for a while now.
On their Insight hybrid car the engine is only a small lightweight 3 cylinder, with a 14mm difference between the crank and cylinder axis
It is said to reduce side thrust just after TDC and thus reduce internal friction.
Someone said there seems to be an increase of bearing load at BDC due to increased acceleration at this point but improved materials
have possibly overcome this.