Sakura Day Mahjong

Mahjong games are usually designed to be challenging and relaxing at the same time, since you can take your time when it comes to solving the puzzles. However, one can add a bit of excitement to the equation and transform the entire game into something more engaging. It may not be a hit with all Mahjong fans, but it can be a decent challenge for those who are willing to take it.

Sakura Day Mahjong looks and smells like a classic Mahjong game at first, but you’ll quickly realize that there’s more to it than meets the eye. In fact, the very purpose of the levels has changed, because you are no longer required to clear all the tiles in order to win. In this game, the goal is to get rid of a certain number of golden tiles scattered around the pile, which means that the round ends when you manage to do that.

The actual gameplay mechanics are the same, though, given the fact that you have to match two free tiles together in order to remove them. Each tile has a specific symbol on it, and there are many such symbols in the pile. Some of them do not look alike and can still be matched, because they share a common theme. After a bit of practice, you should be able to tell when that is the case.

There are other goals you can hit as well, such as finishing the level in a certain time limit, or score the required amount of points. You can also make use of special abilities and power-ups. The reshuffle button only works once if the ability is charged, so you’d better take care when it comes to the moves you make. It is also possible to make the accessible pieces more visible, which makes it considerably easier to spot the matches.

As far as the visual quality is concerned, the backgrounds are hand-drawn, which makes it a pleasure to admire the dreamy landscapes after you’ve cleared enough tiles. Speaking of which, the actual pieces can be changed as well, although it’s only the symbol pack that changes. There is music playing in the background at all times, and it can be relaxing if you do not pay too much attention to it.

In the end, Sakura Day Mahjong is a nice twist on an old concept, and it contains enough stages to provide you with a challenge over a long period of time. The puzzles are difficult enough to make you think, which should be appealing to the fans of the genre.