Igo Shinan '93 (Japan)

Igo Shinan '93 is a Go (Igo) simulation game for the NES, designed not just for playing but also for teaching and enhancing players' skills. The game adheres to the standard rules of Go, where two players (or a player against an artificial intelligence opponent) take turns placing black and white stones on a grid board. The primary objective is to control more territory than the opponent by surrounding empty points and to capture the opponent's stones by completely encircling them.

Players use the NES controller to move a cursor on the board and place their stones. The game offers various difficulty levels for the AI opponent, allowing both beginners and experienced players to find a suitable challenge. The unique aspect of Igo Shinan '93 lies in its "Shinan" (guide/instruction) element. This suggests that the game likely includes tutorial modes, Go problem-solving exercises (e.g., life and death situations, joseki, tesuji), or explanations of strategies and tactics. This transforms the game from a mere match into an effective learning tool for mastering the art of Go. The gameplay is turn-based, demanding deep strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate the opponent's moves.