H. G. Muller wrote on Tue, Feb 13, 2018 11:33 AM UTC:
I did not try this game, but I know that in Shogi it is hardly a problem that a piece is weak or able to access only a small part of the board (without being dropped). Compare the Shogi Knight, with only two move targets and a very small 'scope', whch certainly is inferior to the Shatranj Elephant. Nevertheless it is a valued piece, and there even is a proverb to the extent of "with three Knights in hand there must be a checkmate". Being able to give an unblockable check from a distace is apparently quite valuable in Shogi.
So I would expect this to be a good game, probably even better than Crazyhouse. Not as good as Shogi, though, because I think having the pieces promote (modestly) is a real asset.
I did not try this game, but I know that in Shogi it is hardly a problem that a piece is weak or able to access only a small part of the board (without being dropped). Compare the Shogi Knight, with only two move targets and a very small 'scope', whch certainly is inferior to the Shatranj Elephant. Nevertheless it is a valued piece, and there even is a proverb to the extent of "with three Knights in hand there must be a checkmate". Being able to give an unblockable check from a distace is apparently quite valuable in Shogi.
So I would expect this to be a good game, probably even better than Crazyhouse. Not as good as Shogi, though, because I think having the pieces promote (modestly) is a real asset.