Morita Shougi PC (Japan)

Getting Started

Upon booting Morita Shougi PC, you'll face a menu entirely in Japanese. Use the D-Pad to navigate and the X button to confirm selections. The main options typically include starting a new game versus the computer or a second player, adjusting game settings like difficulty or handicap, and viewing replay or tutorial modes if available.

Shougi plays similarly to Western chess but with unique rules: pieces can be dropped back onto the board after capture, and the board is 9x9. Your goal is to checkmate the opponent's king. Begin by selecting your side (sente or gote) and make moves by highlighting a piece with the D-Pad, pressing A to pick it up, moving to the target square, and pressing A again to place it. Captured pieces are held in your hand and can be dropped on any empty square (subject to drop restrictions).

If you're new to shougi, start with the lowest difficulty and focus on basic tactics like controlling the center and promoting pieces when they enter the opponent's camp. The game does not have English translation, so know that common menu items like "対局" (game), "設定" (settings), and "終了" (quit) will be your navigation anchors. Patience with the language barrier is rewarded with a deep, classic strategy experience.