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Shougi Sinan 1

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MSX 1 Board Game Japan 2 Players 5 (0) 1

Shougi Sinan 1

Shougi Sinan 1 on MSX1

Compiled by the Retro Games Online Editorial Team · Updated June 27, 2026

Shougi Sinan 1 is a shogi (Japanese chess) simulation for the MSX 1 home computer. It was released exclusively in Japan, likely during the early-to-mid 1980s when the MSX platform was thriving with strategy and board game titles. The specific publisher and developer are not widely documented, but the game fits into a long tradition of computer shogi releases aimed at teaching or playing the traditional game.

You play a standard game of shogi against either another human opponent or the computer AI. The board is displayed on screen and you select and move your pieces according to shogi rules, with the goal of capturing the opponent's king. The interface relies on keyboard controls typical of MSX strategy games. Menus and on-screen text are in Japanese, so some familiarity with shogi notation or the language helps.

Shougi Sinan 1 is a niche but solid entry in the MSX library, appealing mainly to shogi enthusiasts and collectors of Japanese computer games. It doesn't revolutionize the genre but offers a faithful implementation for its time. If you enjoy retro board game simulations or want to practice shogi on a vintage system, it's worth a look. Just be prepared for the language barrier.

How to Play Shougi Sinan 1 Online

Getting Started

Upon starting Shougi Sinan 1, you'll see a title screen and then a menu in Japanese. The most common first option is to start a new game. You may be asked to choose between a human opponent or computer AI. Use the arrow keys to navigate the menu and the A button (X key) to confirm.

The core gameplay is standard shogi. Each player takes turns moving their pieces on a 9x9 board. To select a piece, move the cursor over it and press the confirm button. Then move the cursor to the destination and press confirm again. The computer will show valid moves if supported. The game ends when one king is checkmated.

Because the interface is in Japanese, knowing basic shogi piece names (e.g., ō-shō for king, hisha for rook) and kanji for numbers will help. If you're new to shogi, consider learning the rules beforehand. The AI difficulty is typical for the era - not too strong but decent for practice.

Shougi Sinan 1 Keyboard Controls

Controls

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Roughly how long does it take to finish Shougi Sinan 1?

A single shogi match can last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on player skill and speed. The game itself has no fixed length; you play individual games until one side wins. There is no story mode or campaign.

In what year was Shougi Sinan 1 originally released?

The exact release year is not widely documented; it likely came out in the mid-1980s for the MSX 1. Reliable sources do not provide a precise date.

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

Based on available information, Shougi Sinan 1 appears to be exclusive to the MSX 1 platform. No ports to other systems have been recorded.