One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure
One of the most popular shows on television is Antiques Roadshow, because people are amazed how much an old family heirloom is worth on the antique collectors' circuit. Remember that ancient oil lamp that grandpa has been keeping in the attic? Ever wonder about your great-aunt's jewelry box? Wonder no longer, because it's time head out on the Mahjong Roadshow and collect these hidden treasures!
Each antique is worth a certain value, but in order to retrieve these items, you'll have to find matching pairs in the field of mahjong tiles. Unlike other games that may offer you traditional mahjong tiles, the pieces found within this title all represent unique antiques, ranging from Persian rugs to vintage teddy bears. You'll have to make sure that the tile is "available" -- no tile directly on top of it and at least one side free -- before you can include it in a pair, removing it from the field.
There is also the possibility of removing more than two tiles at a time. These are called sets and the tiles involved need not be identical; they just have to be of the same type. For example, if you can find three or four available clocks, they can all be removed together as a set. The same can be said about paintings, pipes, and other collections. In order to remove a set, use the right mouse button rather than the left.
Keep Up With the Speed Auction
Every few rounds, a special bonus round will arise called the Speed Auction. You'll still be presented with a varied field of tiles, but the key difference is that a series of target tiles will zoom across the bottom of the screen. Your goal is find the matching tile in the main field before it disappears off the left side of the screen. This will increase the value of your bid and ultimately rake in some big dough to put in your pocket book. This fun diversion adds some great variety to an already fun, yet relaxing title.
How Much Is It Worth?
As I'm sure you're already aware, different antiques take on different values, but if you're not an expert in the field, it can be difficult to discern why a particular teddy bear can be worth more than a classic ballerina statue. In this game, the value of these items is directly reflected in your total score, so you will obviously want to maximize your gains from the world antique collection (and selling).
There are three helpers along the way that can aid you in your journey. The first is most fitting to the topic of antique worth, because it is an appraisal. It will cost you $30 for an appraisal, so only use it when it get to the "gold tile" section of each stage. This is the final pair to be removed from the field and it is the item that you will ultimately add to your collection. Early on in the game, you will be given a choice between different pairs of gold tiles, but you can only remove one. Choose wisely.
The other two helpers are a "hint", which highlights one of the available pairs that you can remove from the field, and the "shuffle", which will re-randomize the tiles in case you're running out of possible moves.
On The Road Again
Hit up the antique roadshow and travel the nation in search of diamonds hidden in the rough. Better still, there is much to learn about these unique objects, as each golden tile pair formed will result in a short description of the antique. Mahjong and great antiques: what could be more fun?
