Play Asahi Shinbun Rensai - Katou Hifumi Kudan Shougi - Shingiryuu (Japan) Online

Game Overview

If you've ever wanted to try shogi but found the usual apps too dry, Shingiryuu on the SNES is the perfect middle ground. The board looks crisp—those little pixelated pieces actually feel nice to move around—and there's something oddly satisfying about hearing the soft "click" when you drop a captured piece back into play.

Hifumi Katou's guidance is woven right into the gameplay, so even when you're getting wrecked by the AI (which happens a lot at first), it never feels unfair. I lost my first five matches before realizing I should stop treating it like regular chess—those promoted gold generals move in sneaky ways.

It's not flashy, but that's the point. This is one of those rare SNES games where you'll catch yourself staring at the board for minutes, muttering "wait, no, if I sacrifice this lance..." The AI has this way of making every victory feel earned. Perfect for late-night thinking sessions.