Mahjong Secrets Reviews

Mahjong Secrets is a pretty standard matching game that throws in an association object game between levels. The same tile types you start with on the first board will be present on the last board. Complexity doesn't really increase, the number of tiles to clear per screen increases, as does the number of screens required to advance the story. Without turning off the option to show blocked pieces, there is zero challenge. Turning it off can at least make you try a bit. What this game desperately lacks are wildcard tiles or some sort of collectibles or in-game achievements to add variety to the tile matching play. Without the not-so-hidden-object interludes, the monotony would be crushing. The story line is not enthralling. It too is pretty standard, except for the talking animal weirdness. It seems to take place in a kind of 18th century backdrop, except at one point the princess ends up on what looks very much like some outer space mine staffed by turtles pulling mining carts. There is also some language weirdness, "Huge cat thanks you!!!" There are caricature images that some may find offensive, and a couple alcohol references - so it might not be appropriate for all ages. I will recommend it 1) if it is on sale at half price, and 2) for players who really, really like slogging through a ton of tile matching puzzles. Otherwise, I recommend to avoid.

The story starts out different, but then you get into puzzles and artwork that is exactly the same as The Surprising Adventures of Munchausen. And for the record, matching 'like' things in this game is ridiculous, but I won't spoil it.

The board generation algorithm is so bad that it's not uncommon to run into a board that is impossible to complete after just 1 move, forcing a reshuffle. Utter bullshit.