All those Shogi fans out there got an interesting surprise this Saturday when Shotest Shogi appeared on the Japanese XBLA list.  The game offers the usual free demo version and the full version runs a typical 800 MSP. 

No word on any possible North American or European release.  The game already has full English language support (see photo on the right) so a North American release certainly seems likely.

And for those out there with no knowledge of Shogi at all, there is an extensive tutorial built into the game.

Here are two more shots confirming this mysterious weekend appearance.

[thanks sacra]