Play Syougi No Tatsujin: Master of Syuogi Online

You slowly learn shogi's weird piece movements—knights hop sideways, lances only go forward—while the AI patiently punishes your mistakes until you start thinking three moves ahead. That first time you promote a pawn at just the right moment? Chef's kiss.

Released: 1995

File size: 3.56 MB

Game Overview

If you've ever wanted to dive into shogi but found the traditional Japanese chess rules intimidating, Syougi No Tatsujin: Master of Syuogi makes it way more approachable. The Neo Geo version keeps things clean—simple 2D sprites for the pieces, no flashy distractions—so you can focus on learning how those gold generals and lances actually move. I remember fumbling my first few matches, accidentally leaving my king wide open because I forgot how the knight jumps differently here than in Western chess.

What’s cool is how the AI adjusts. Start too strong, and it’ll punish sloppy plays hard; take it slow, and it eases you into proper strategy. There’s something satisfying about finally pulling off a tokin promotion at the right moment. Syougi No Tatsujin won’t hold your hand, but it’s one of those games where losing teaches you more than winning.