The battlefield spreads out on a 9 x 9 grid with your forces arrayed on one side against opposing forces on the other. The front line, led by pawns, are backed up by a majestic force of lances, knights, bishops, rooks, and a domineering king. As battle commences, tactical strategy more than brute force decides the tide of war and the turn of any skirmish.
   Often called Japanese chess, Shogi may be considered a variant of chess but a breed which allows for promotion of all of it's soldiers. The lowly pawn may evolve into a golden general and a knight graduates to promoted knight which gives it more freedom of movement. Similar to chess, checkmate of the king remains the ultimate goal for either side to attain. Konami's take on the classic table board appears to feature a strong tactical opponent (NCS routinely falters in the challenge of Shogi, regardless of algorithm strength) but fails to include potential online support whenever the Online Station or Viaggio 56K modems make it to market. The board designs are classically styled in wooden hues and plain playing pieces represent the participants of battle.