Item: Kanazawa Shogi 2
Rating: 83
Author: Dinsun

Dinsun Review

Shogi is a game for serious thinkers, and Kanazawa Shogi 2 is a serious app. It doesn't waste time with flashy animations or 'battle' effects. It’s just the board, the pieces, and an AI that will likely embarrass you within ten moves. For a 40-year-old gamer who appreciates traditional strategy, there’s a lot to respect here. The 300 levels are a bit of a marketing gimmick—most players won't feel the difference between level 142 and 143—but the upper tiers are genuinely formidable.

My gripe is the interface. It feels like it hasn't changed since the early 2010s. It’s functional, yes, but for a paid app, I expect a bit more refinement in the menus. It’s the kind of app you buy because there aren't many better options, not because it wows you with its presentation. If you want to learn Shogi, it's a solid tool, but don't expect any 'fun' outside of the intellectual challenge.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Massive range of AI difficulty
Solid 'Hint' system for learners
Clean, distraction-free board

Outdated UI design
Dry presentation
Steep learning curve for Westerners

Technical Report

Performance: Very lightweight. Instant AI calculations even on high levels.

Accessibility:

Move Suggestions
Piece Notation Options

Audience Fit

Buy if: You are a serious student of Shogi looking for a portable practice partner.

Skip if: You want modern graphics or an interactive tutorial.

Similar Games:

Shogi Quest
Chess.com

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro
Playtime: 15 hours
Status: Beaten Level 50

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

911654012

$5.99 4+★5 3 reviews

Author : UNBALANCE Corporation

Pubish Date : Fri Aug 29 2014

Last Update Date : Mon Jan 30 2017

Support Languages : English and Japanese

Genres :

Version 1.0.8Mon Jan 30 2017

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
fixed some minor problems.
Here comes 'Kanazawa Shogi 2', the most popular Shogi (Japanese Chess) game in Japan.
This Shogi app is a sequel of the app 'Shogi Lv.100'
■What is 'Shogi'
Shogi, also known as Japanese chess, is the most popular thinking game in Japan. Unlike chess, the captured pieces could be returned to the board to be used as a piece for the captured player.
Why don't you challenge this exciting Japanese game!
The Help feature within the game will help you understand the rules of Shogi.
■Kanazawa Shogi 2 has 300 different levels of play from beginner to expert.
The thinking engine 'Kanazawa Shogi' has improved and the stronger levels are at the top level for games without network communication.
Also we have provided more levels for beginners to learn and enjoy this board game.
*The levels are set as:
Level 1-100 For beginners
Level 100-200 For intermediate (10k-1k) players
Level 200-300 For advanced (1d-3d) players
Of course, you can change the handicap for each game so everyone can enjoy all the 300 levels!
■Challenge to win medals by defeating computer!
You will win medals by defeating computer in off-line game.
If you collect a certain number of medals, new types of board and pieces will be awarded.
■Other Features:
- Human vs Computer, Human vs Human(sharing a single device)
- Let you know your turn by vibration
- Automatic zooming for easy viewing and operations
- Save/Load game record
- Hint feature
- Enable to view full game history of the game record and restart game
from the selected move
- Transmit game record by e-mail (CSA/Text format)
- Beautiful graphics and realistic sound effects
- Automatic reading out for each move in Japanese
Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Here comes 'Kanazawa Shogi 2', the most popular Shogi (Japanese Chess) game in Japan.
This Shogi app is a sequel of the app 'Shogi Lv.100'
■What is 'Shogi'
Shogi, also known as Japanese chess, is the most popular thinking game in Japan. Unlike chess, the captured pieces could be returned to the board to be used as a piece for the captured player.
Why don't you challenge this exciting Japanese game!
The Help feature within the game will help you understand the rules of Shogi.
■Kanazawa Shogi 2 has 300 different levels of play from beginner to expert.
The thinking engine 'Kanazawa Shogi' has improved and the stronger levels are at the top level for games without network communication.
Also we have provided more levels for beginners to learn and enjoy this board game.
*The levels are set as:
Level 1-100 For beginners
Level 100-200 For intermediate (10k-1k) players
Level 200-300 For advanced (1d-3d) players
Of course, you can change the handicap for each game so everyone can enjoy all the 300 levels!
■Challenge to win medals by defeating computer!
You will win medals by defeating computer in off-line game.
If you collect a certain number of medals, new types of board and pieces will be awarded.
■Other Features:
- Human vs Computer, Human vs Human(sharing a single device)
- Let you know your turn by vibration
- Automatic zooming for easy viewing and operations
- Save/Load game record
- Hint feature
- Enable to view full game history of the game record and restart game
from the selected move
- Transmit game record by e-mail (CSA/Text format)
- Beautiful graphics and realistic sound effects
- Automatic reading out for each move in Japanese

Ratings & Reviews

5 out of 5 with 3 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Kanazawa Shogi 2 is a comprehensive Shogi (Japanese Chess) engine and game. It features a sophisticated AI with 300 distinct levels, ensuring a fair challenge for players of any skill level. The game includes features like 'Hint' and 'Undo' for beginners, as well as game recording and analysis for advanced players. Experience the unique 'Drop' rule and promotion system that makes Shogi one of the most tactical board games in the world.