The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is an iconic console that has been a staple of gaming culture for decades. While it's primarily known for its vast library of popular games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, the NES also had a lesser-known gem in Japan: Ryuuousen (also known as "Let's Try Famicom Shogi").

Ryuuousen is a chess-like board game that was released exclusively in Japan for the Famicom console. It was developed by Nintendo's internal team and published by the company itself, making it one of the few games on the NES to be created entirely in-house.

In this article, we'll explore what makes Ryuuousen unique, its mechanics, and how to play it on Windows without needing the original hardware or purchasing a physical copy. This will give you an opportunity to experience the game before deciding whether or not to invest in the original release.

What is Famicom Shogi?

Famicom Shogi is a variation of Japanese chess that was popularized by the Famicom console. The game takes place on a 9x9 grid, with pieces that are similar to those found in Western chess but with some key differences. For example, there's no queen piece like in Western chess; instead, the Japanese "King" is called the "Ryu" and serves as the most valuable piece.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay mechanics of Ryuuousen are simple yet challenging. Players take turns moving one piece at a time, trying to checkmate their opponent's king or forcing them to resign. The game features various pieces with unique movements:

1. Pawns: These can move forward by any number of squares but capture diagonally.
2. Ryus (Kings): Can move one square in any direction and capture horizontally or vertically by one square.
3. Ninjas (Bishops): Move diagonally, with the ability to jump over other pieces.
4. Shogi (Pawns): Can promote to a Ninja at the end of their first row.
5. Fushigi (Rooks): Move horizontally or vertically any number of squares.

The goal is to put your opponent's Ryu in check, where it cannot escape capture. If the king is in a position to be captured, but its opponent cannot move it out of check, that's a win for you!

Game Modes and Variations

Ryuuousen comes with three game modes:

1. Single Player: You can play against the computer or try your hand at solving puzzles.
2. Two Player Mode: Classic competitive mode where two players face off against each other.
3. Training Mode: Practice your moves in a simulated match against the CPU.

There are also additional variations, including an AI assistant to help you improve and different levels of difficulty.

Playing Ryuuousen on Windows for Free

So how do we play this classic game without needing the original hardware or purchasing a physical copy? The answer lies in the work of enthusiasts who have managed to port Ryuuousen from its Famicom origins to modern operating systems.

The most commonly used version is likely "Shogi Famicom Emulator". This emulator not only works on Windows but also supports various versions and variations of the game. You can download this emulator for free from reputable sources such as GitHub.

Before starting, ensure your computer meets the system requirements for running the emulator smoothly:

• Operating System: Windows 10 or higher
• Processor: At least a dual-core CPU
• Memory: 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
• Display: Any display with full HD support

Here's a step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Download and install the emulator from your chosen source.
2. Extract the contents of the downloaded file.
3. Launch the emulator and select "Ryuuousen" from its list.
4. You might need to configure settings for better performance or compatibility.

Conclusion

Ryuuousen is a fascinating example of how Nintendo's internal team created a game that showcased their expertise in board games. With its unique mechanics and challenging gameplay, this title offers something different from the usual NES titles available worldwide.

By playing Ryuuousen on Windows using an emulator, you can experience this hidden gem without needing to purchase or own an original Famicom console. The ability to learn and improve your game makes it a great addition to any NES enthusiast's collection.