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Shougi Meijin

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Shougi Meijin on MSX1

MSX 1
Board Game
5· 0 votes

Shougi Meijin is a digital version of the classic Japanese board game shogi, released for the MSX 1 home computer system. Developed and published by an entity that is not widely documented today, it arrived during the early 1980s when the MSX platform was competing with other home computers in Japan. The title translates to 'Shogi Master,' suggesting a focus on skillful play rather than casual introduction to the game. It is a commercial release meant for the Japanese market, where shogi has a strong following.

GAME INFO

Platform: MSX 1
Genre: Board Game
Players: 1
Region: Japan

How to play Shougi Meijin online

Getting started: When you load Shougi Meijin, you will likely see a title screen with Japanese text. Press Enter to start a game. The main menu probably offers options like New Game, Load, or Settings, all in Japanese. Use the D-Pad to navigate and X to confirm selections.

The core gameplay follows standard shogi rules: each player controls a set of 20 pieces on a 9x9 board. Your goal is to checkmate the opponent's king. Moves are made by selecting a piece with the D-Pad and confirming with X, then moving the cursor to a valid square and confirming. Captured pieces can be dropped back onto the board as your own, a key shogi mechanic. The AI opponent will take its turn automatically.

Newcomers should learn piece movements and the drop rule. Menus are entirely in Japanese, so memorizing basic kanji for 'Game Start' (ゲーム開始) and 'Settings' (設定) can help. The interface is simple but expects familiarity with shogi conventions. If you get stuck, refer to online shogi tutorials for strategy, as the game does not include a tutorial itself.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: Trigger 1
S: Trigger 2
Enter: Start

Shougi Meijin FAQ

Is Shougi Meijin considered easy to pick up or challenging?

Shougi Meijin offers a standard shogi experience aimed at players familiar with the game. The AI provides a reasonable challenge for intermediate players, but beginners may find the lack of tutorials and Japanese-only menus difficult to navigate. It is not designed as an introductory title.

Is Shougi Meijin exclusive to MSX 1 or did it appear on other systems?

Based on available records, Shougi Meijin appears to be exclusive to the MSX 1 platform. No ports or re-releases on other systems are widely documented. It was likely a niche title within the MSX software library.

Is there anything iconic or memorable about Shougi Meijin?

The game is primarily known among retro shogi enthusiasts for being one of the earlier computer implementations of the game on Japanese home computers. Its minimalist presentation and focus on solid AI make it a functional but unremarkable entry in the MSX catalog.