The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), released in the late 1980s and early 1990s, is still revered by gamers today for its impressive library of games. Among these titles, "Nin Shougi 4" stands out as a unique and engaging strategy game that has captured the hearts of many players in Japan. In this article, we will delve into the world of Nin Shougi 4, explore its features, and discuss its age rating.

What is Nin Shougi 4?

Nin Shougi 4, also known as "Shogi 4" or "Japanese Chess 4," is a strategy board game developed by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The game was released in Japan in 1992 and is part of a long-standing franchise that has been entertaining fans since the early 20th century.

In Nin Shougi 4, players take on the role of Shogi strategists, navigating the intricate rules of Japanese chess to checkmate their opponents. The game is set on a large, rectangular board featuring 64 squares arranged in an 8x8 grid. Players begin with a standard starting hand of pieces, and the objective is to capture all of your opponent's pieces while preventing them from doing the same.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay mechanics of Nin Shougi 4 are complex and nuanced, reflecting the intricacies of traditional Japanese chess. The game features various piece movements, including:

1. Pieces: Players start with a combination of nine pieces: four bishops, two rooks, two knights, one gold general (similar to the pawn in Western chess), and one king.
2. Movement: Each piece has its unique movement pattern:
   • Bishops move diagonally in any direction.
   • Rooks move horizontally or vertically.
   • Knights move in an L-shape (two squares in one direction, then one square to the side).
   • Gold General moves forward but captures only by landing on top of a piece.
   • King moves one square in any direction.
3. Capturing: Pieces can capture opponent pieces by landing on their occupied square.
4. Special Moves: Some pieces have special abilities:
   • The "Oshoku" (sacrifice) allows the Gold General to move extra squares when it captures an opponent piece.
   • The "Yosegi" ( promotion) enables a captured pawn to become any other piece except for the King.

Features and Modes

Nin Shougi 4 offers various modes and features that enhance gameplay experience:

1. Campaign Mode: Players can engage in a series of games against AI opponents, gradually increasing in difficulty.
2. Versus Mode: Compete against friends or family members using two-player mode.
3. Tournament Mode: Participate in online tournaments to test your skills against other players.

Age Rating

Nin Shougi 4 is rated as E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and PEGI 7+ by Pan European Game Information, indicating a rating suitable for players aged seven years old and above. The game's complexity and length make it more appealing to older children and adults.

Conclusion

Nin Shougi 4 is an engaging strategy game that has captured the hearts of many gamers worldwide. Its intricate gameplay mechanics, varied piece movements, and special abilities make it a challenging and rewarding experience for players of all ages. If you're looking for a unique and immersive gaming experience, Nin Shougi 4 is definitely worth checking out.

Technical Specifications

• Game Developer: Nintendo
• Release Date: 1992 (Japan)
• Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
• Genre: Strategy, Board Game
• Rating: E for Everyone (ESRB), PEGI 7+
• Number of players: 1-2

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Nin Shougi 4 was originally released as "Shogi" in Japan.
• The game's AI opponents are programmed to adapt to the player's playing style, making each match unique.
• A sequel, "Nin Shougi 3," was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1990.

Where to Play

While Nin Shougi 4 is a classic SNES game, it can be challenging to find a physical copy of the game due to its rarity. However, some online retailers and retro gaming stores offer digital versions or emulation options.