Shanghai II (Japan) (Proto) (Dragon Layout)
Inside Shanghai II (Japan) (Proto) (Dragon Layout)
Shanghai II is a mahjong solitaire puzzle game that originally appeared on multiple platforms in the late 1980s. This particular version is a prototype build for the Famicom Disk System, released only in Japan. It carries the "Proto" tag, indicating it was an unfinished or pre-release copy never officially sold at retail.
The core gameplay revolves around clearing a pyramid of mahjong tiles by matching identical pairs. Only tiles that are not blocked on their left or right sides and are not covered by other tiles can be selected. The Dragon Layout variant arranges the tiles in a specific pattern, adding a unique challenge. Players must strategically remove tiles to eventually clear the entire board.
For collectors and puzzle fans, this prototype offers a glimpse into the development process of a classic series. It is a niche piece of Famicom Disk System history, though the final commercial versions of Shanghai II are more polished and widely available. If you enjoy tile-matching puzzles and retro prototype curiosities, this is worth a look.
How to Play Shanghai II (Japan) (Proto) (Dragon Layout) Online
The game is a mahjong solitaire title where the goal is to clear all tiles from the board. You navigate a cursor over the tile pile using the D-Pad (Arrow Keys). Press X to select a tile; only tiles that are free on at least one side (not sandwiched) and not covered by another tile can be picked. Select a second matching tile to remove the pair. If you make a mistake, press S to cancel the selection.
Most menu text is in Japanese. The title screen likely offers options like "Start" or "Continue" - try pressing Enter to begin. The Dragon Layout uses a specific tile arrangement that may affect strategy. Work from the top layers downward, removing exposed pairs first. If no matches are available, you may need to reshuffle or undo, but this prototype's options are unknown. Patience and careful observation are key.
Shanghai II (Japan) (Proto) (Dragon Layout) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button (jump / confirm)
- S: B button (run / attack / cancel)
- Enter: Start / Pause
- V: Select
Comments (0)