Released in 1991 by Varie, Katou Ichi-Ni-San Kudan Shougi Club serves as a digital vessel for the expertise of Hifumi Katou, one of the most celebrated 9th-dan masters in the history of the sport. On the Super Famicom, the presentation is functional and clean, utilizing a traditional top-down perspective that prioritizes board clarity over visual flair. While the digitized portraits of Katou provide a necessary sense of personality and prestige, the game is strictly business, focusing on the intricate strategies of "Japanese Chess" rather than the flashy animations often found in contemporary arcade ports or puzzle games.
The gameplay is deep and unforgiving, offering various difficulty levels that range from approachable club-style matches to grueling encounters against a highly capable AI. For Western players, the barrier to entry is notoriously high due to the kanji-inscribed pieces and the total lack of English localization, making it a purely academic exercise for the uninitiated. However, for those who take the time to learn the specific "drop" rules—where captured pieces can be re-entered onto the board under the captor's control—the game reveals itself as a complex tactical powerhouse that rivals Western chess in both depth and late-game intensity.
Within the massive library of the Super Famicom, this title sits alongside dozens of other Shogi simulations, yet it distinguishes itself through its association with Katou’s legendary aggressive playing style and his "Ichi-Ni-San" counting method. It lacks the bells and whistles of later genre entries like Habu Meijin no Oshiete Shogi, but it remains a solid artifact of early 90s digital board gaming. It is a niche title that accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: provide a professional-grade Shogi experience for the dedicated student or the nostalgic collector.
