Released in 1995 by Magifact, *Shougi Saikyou 2: Jissen Taikyoku Hen* stands as one of the more refined digital adaptations of Japanese chess on the Super Famicom. While the 16-bit market was saturated with board game simulations by the mid-90s, this sequel distinguishes itself with a clean, professional interface and a variety of play modes that cater to both beginners and seasoned masters. The presentation is functional yet polished, utilizing the console's high-resolution text capabilities to ensure the kanji on the pieces remains legible during intense matches, a vital feature for a game that requires deep concentration.
The core of the experience lies in its "Real Battle" focus, boasting an improved AI engine that offers a significantly more robust challenge than its predecessor. Players can engage in standard tournament modes or practice specific handicap scenarios to sharpen their tactical edge. The logic routines are surprisingly quick for 16-bit hardware, effectively minimizing the downtime between turns that often plagued earlier entries in the genre. It successfully simulates the tension of a live match, making it a reliable training tool for domestic fans during the twilight years of the Super Famicom’s lifecycle.
For the Western collector, the heavy reliance on Japanese text makes this an incredibly difficult recommendation unless one is already intimately familiar with the rules of Shogi. While the "Expert" moniker in the title is well-deserved due to the depth of the simulation, the lack of an English localized equivalent limits its appeal to dedicated completionists. It is a technically sound piece of software that serves its purpose perfectly, provided you can navigate the language barrier.
