Play AI Shougi 3 (J) Online

The AI plays shogi like a seasoned player—you’ll get punished for careless moves, and even beginner mode keeps you on your toes. Those piece shapes stick in your brain after a few matches, and the higher difficulties? Pure chessboxing.

Developer: SETA Corporation

Genre: Strategy

Released: 1998

File size: 3.05 MB

Game Overview

AI Shougi 3 is one of those rare N64 games that makes you forget you're playing on a console—it feels like sitting across from a real Shogi player. The AI is surprisingly sharp, even on lower difficulties, and it doesn’t just roll over if you make a lazy move. I remember thinking I could breeze through the beginner setting, only to get absolutely wrecked by some sneaky piece promotions.

What I like is how it eases you in if you're new to Shogi. The pieces have their Japanese characters, sure, but after a few matches, you start recognizing them by shape alone. The higher difficulties? Brutal. The AI will sacrifice pieces just to set up a trap three moves later. If you’re into strategy games that actually make you think ahead, this one’s a solid pick.

It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be—just pure, methodical Shogi with an opponent that keeps you honest.