Nintendo Brings Shogi to WiiWare

via IGN


Great news, Nintendo fans! Nintendo has released its latest WiiWare game over in Japan. The bad news is revealed by the title: Tsuushin Taikyoku Hayazashi Shogi Sandan. Hidden within all the moon talk is one of those dreaded words from the Japanese game market: shogi. That's right, Nintendo's latest WiiWare title is the download service's latest shogi game.

Hayazashi Shogi Sandan boasts online play via Wi-Fi Connect as well as offline play for two players and versus the CPU. Those who do chose to go against the Wii hardware will find advanced AI routines through the TACOS AI system that was developed at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

Solo players have a couple of exclusive modes as well. The game includes a shogi course for beginners, teaching everything players need to know about the chess killah. Also included is a tsumeshogi mode, where players can test their skills at over 200 problems. This mode offers problems for both beginners and advanced players.

This latest Nintendo branded WiiWare title is available as of today for Japanese Wii owners. Nintendo is asking its usual 1000 WiiPoints. The title will likely stay in Japan, so shogi fans should dig out that import Wii system.

For a closer look at the game ahead of purchase, check out the official site Nintendo opened up today.