Hayazashi Nidan Morita Shogi 2, released exclusively in Japan for the Super Famicom in 1995, stands as a fascinating intersection of traditional board games and cutting-edge 16-bit hardware. Developed by SETA, this sequel is most notable for its inclusion of the ST018 enhancement chip, a custom RISC processor designed to handle the complex algorithmic heavy lifting required for high-level Shogi AI. While the SNES was entering its twilight years, this cartridge demonstrated the system's flexibility, using external hardware to provide a challenge that the base CPU simply could not manage.
In terms of gameplay, the title focuses on "Hayazashi," or quick-play Shogi, emphasizing speed and decisive moves over long, drawn-out matches. The user interface is functional and stark, typical of the genre, featuring crisp kanji and a clean board layout that prioritizes clarity over visual flair. For enthusiasts of the game, the AI is remarkably robust for the era, offering various difficulty tiers that can push even seasoned players to their limits. However, the language barrier is absolute; without a working knowledge of Japanese and the specific rules of Shogi, the menus and gameplay systems will remain entirely inaccessible to Western players.
Ultimately, this title occupies a niche within a niche, appealing primarily to hardware historians and dedicated Shogi players. It represents a period when developers were willing to integrate secondary computers into plastic shells to circumvent console limitations, much like the DSP or Super FX chips. While it lacks the mainstream appeal of other enhancement-chip titles, its technical pedigree makes it a worthy shelf piece for any serious Super Famicom collector looking to document the full scope of the console's power.
