Game Review

To play Mahjong Escape Ancient China is to embark on an exotic journey through time and history all from the comfort of your own home. This game celebrates the a journey spanning a period of 11 dynasties with nearly 200 layouts beginning in 2000BC to 1912AD. Based on the classic match-2 mahjongg tile gameplay, it places you at the helm of a treasure hunt in which your ability to complete levels dictates your progression not only through time, but as a collector of both fine and exotic relics. Ultimately, your prowess will lead you to the greatest treasures this civilization has to offer. If that were not enough, your travels are further rewarded by offerings of wisdom; generational secrets that will both soothe and provide wisdom to our overly fast-paced life. Set to exquisite graphics and a pleasing auditory experience, Mahjong Escape Ancient China is truly an 'escapists' delight.

How to Play Mahjongg Solitaire

Two modes of play provide you with a choice of gameplay. The Classic journey allows you to choose from 126 unique levels and you choose which level you want to play. This mode plunges you right into the mix where you choose to play any level that you might find visually appealing. Listed with each layout picture is the number of tiles in the level and how many are 'free'. Higher tile counts combined with low 'free' tiles equals a harder the level!

The Dynasty Adventure on the other hand is like choosing the deluxe sight-seeing tour where you are whisked luxury-style through time. Adventure is full of rewarding experiences and includes 5 unique powerup tiles to help you along your journey (Magic Gold Tiles, Key and Lock, Magnets, and Joker's all help you). Both game styles offer the same enjoyable characteristics and are designed with 'fun' and 'relaxation' in mind.

Strategy Tips and Tricks

As in all Mah Jong (or Mahjongg solitaire) games, you are asked to clear the layout by matching 'tile pairs'. Season (Summer, Winter, Fall and Spring) tiles and the Flowers (Orchid, Plum Blossom, Bamboo, Chrysanthemum) are unique in the game because any Season matches with any Season and any Flower matches with any Flower.

To select tiles, you may choose free tiles without any obstructing tiles above or beside them (these tiles are called "free", as in free to match). If you can't find a match, don't worry - you will be given an auto hint where two tiles on the board will begin to highlight and animate. When you see 3 of a tile available, choose to remove the pair that uncovers the most tiles - choose wisely.

As far as strategy goes, the object of the game is to relax and have fun, but if there is one bit of strategic advice to offer this is it: it is best to remove tiles in the tall towers and the long lines first (and when 4 of a tile are available remove all 4 of them to simplify the board and get 500 bonus points!).

Finally, in Dynasty mode if you would like to move to the next level more quickly, work to uncover and match the 'Magic Gold Tiles' which magically clears the board, and you get more points. This will be your 'fly-through' passport to the next level. Some people choose to leave them to the end after languishing in the satisfaction of matching each and every tile, but that decision remains in your capable hands. Your journey's end is rewarded with the final completion of all 11 dynasties and ultimately, the uncovering of your lost treasure!