Goro-Goro Dōbutsu Shōgi (2012) Board Game

Goro-Goro Dōbutsu Shōgi is a board game that was released in 2012 by Japan Shogi Association and published by Gentosha Education. It is an abstract strategy game that combines elements of traditional shogi with a fun animal theme, making it appealing to children and adults alike. The game features cute animal pieces and a colorful game board, adding to its charm and playability.

Game Components of Goro-Goro Dōbutsu Shōgi

Board: A 5×6 grid, significantly smaller than the standard 9×9 Shogi board.

Pieces: Each player starts with 8 pieces: 3 chicks (pawns), 2 cats (silvers), 2 dogs (golds), and 1 lion (king).

Additional Pieces: Sometimes includes additional pieces like knights and lances, but these are not standard in all variations.

How To Setup Goro-Goro Dōbutsu Shōgi

The setup involves placing the pieces on the 5×6 board. Each player has their pieces arranged in a specific manner: the lion is placed in the back row, followed by the dogs, cats, and then the chicks in the front rows. The exact placement can vary slightly depending on the variant, but the core idea is to capture the opponent’s lion.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Piece Movement: Pieces move similarly to their counterparts in Shogi: the lion moves like a king, the dog like a gold general, the cat like a silver general, and the chick like a pawn.

Objective: The primary goal is to capture the opponent’s lion.

Promotion Area: In some variations, the top two rows of the board serve as a promotion area, though this is not a rule in all versions of Goro-Goro Dōbutsu Shōgi.

Player Experience

Goro-Goro Dōbutsu Shōgi is designed to be a faster and more beginner-friendly version of Shogi. It retains many of the strategic elements of the full game but on a smaller scale, making it easier for new players to learn and enjoy. The game is particularly popular among children and those looking for a quicker Shogi experience.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games are typically shorter, lasting around 10-15 minutes.

Accessible: Easier for beginners to learn and understand the basic movements and objectives.

Strategic Depth: Despite its smaller size, the game still offers a good level of strategic complexity.

Cons

Simplified Rules: Some players might find the simplified setup and smaller board less engaging compared to the full version of Shogi.

Limited Piece Movement: The smaller board and fewer pieces can limit the complexity of piece movements and strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Goro-Goro Dōbutsu Shōgi

Goro-Goro Dōbutsu Shōgi is ideal for those new to Shogi or looking for a quicker, more casual Shogi experience. It is particularly suited for children and beginners who want to grasp the fundamental mechanics of Shogi without the overwhelming complexity of the full game. While it may not offer the same depth as standard Shogi, it serves as an excellent introduction and can be a fun, fast-paced alternative for veteran players looking to mix up their game.

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