I've always found strategic games to be the most enjoyable to play. Chess, dominos, scrabble, and especially shogi are some of my favorites. If you have never played shogi you are definitely missing out.
Shogi is a Japanese form of chess with a twist. It is almost like Risk or Stratego in some ways. Like chess, games are played between two players competing for position on a nine by nine board. However, shogi is more noticeable based in combat and the tactics of war than chess.
This may seem hard to believe since chess is commonly associated with battle. However, shogi goes even beyond chess. Both players compete for position in the middle of the board, similar to the opening moves of chess. However a shogi game also allows players to "promote" their pieces, thereby increasing their attack range, reminiscent of seizing the high ground on a battle field. Also, a captured enemy's piece may be "dropped" on the board, meaning the captured piece can be added to your own pieces and used against your opponent.
The graphics on this particular version of shogi are pretty good. They more than enough needed to play the game.
The gameplay is challenging and provides all the elements of play you would expect from a person, minus stimulating conversation.
