The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a legendary console that has been cherished by gamers for decades. Released in 1985, the NES was one of the first home consoles to popularize the use of a joypad and the concept of cartridges with built-in games. In Japan, a lesser-known but highly regarded title has captured the hearts of many: Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan 2 (also known as Koji's Chess Genius 2). This article will delve into the world of Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan 2 and provide an in-depth review, including its age rating.

Background

Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan 2 is a strategy board game based on traditional Japanese shogi (also known as Japanese chess). Developed by Hudson Soft and published by ASCII Corporation, the game was released in Japan for the NES in 1988. As a shogi enthusiast himself, Kouji Tanigawa, the game's creator, aimed to bring this classic strategy game to a wider audience.

Gameplay

Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan 2 is a two-player game that challenges players to outmaneuver each other on a board with 64 squares. The objective is to capture your opponent's king, or block them from moving their king to safety. Players can move pawns and pieces around the board, using various tactics such as capturing enemy pieces, blocking opponents' movements, and creating traps.

The game features various boards with unique characteristics, including mountains, rivers, and temples, which add an extra layer of strategy. Players must also manage their materials, or pieces, carefully, as they can be used to block opponents or create opportunities for capture.

Visuals and Soundtrack

Visually, Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan 2 is a simple yet effective representation of shogi on the NES. The game's board is displayed in a grid-like format, with pieces represented by iconic sprites. While not overly detailed, the graphics are charming and evoke a sense of nostalgia.

The soundtrack, composed by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, is equally impressive. A catchy, pulsing melody accompanies gameplay, while more subdued music plays during turn-by-turn transitions. The sound effects are also noteworthy, with clear and crisp representations of pieces moving around the board.

Review

Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan 2 is a strategy game that will appeal to fans of chess, shogi, or anyone interested in tactical games. While not as widely known as other NES titles, this game offers a unique blend of strategy and historical context.

Pros:

• Engaging gameplay with a good balance between complexity and accessibility
• Challenging opponent AI that provides a fun test for experienced players
• Beautiful, evocative soundtrack that enhances the overall experience

Cons:

• Limited replay value due to its relatively simple mechanics
• No multiplayer mode (although this is common in many NES games)

Availability and Age Rating

Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan 2 was originally released for the NES in Japan, but it has since become a sought-after title among retro gamers. The game can be found on online marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon, although be cautious of counterfeit copies.

As for age ratings, Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan 2 is rated B by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) for "Violence" and "Mild Cartoon Violence." However, this rating is based on Western standards, and the game itself does not contain any explicit content or violent themes.

In Japan, the game was originally rated C by the Japanese rating board, the Electronic Software Responsibility Council (ESRC), for its mild violence and strategic complexity.