Shanghai II (Japan) (Proto) (Scorpion Layout)

This is a prototype build of Shanghai II, a mahjong solitaire puzzle game originally developed by Activision. The version here is marked as "Proto" and features a "Scorpion Layout" on the Famicom Disk System. It was never commercially released in this form, making it a rare glimpse into early development of a classic tile-matching series. The FDS was Nintendo's disk-based add-on for the Famicom, and this proto likely dates from around the late 1980s or early 1990s. The core gameplay revolves around clearing a pyramid of mahjong tiles by matching open pairs. Unlike the original Shanghai, this version introduces a unique tile arrangement known as the Scorpion Layout. The player selects two identical free tiles (those not covered and not blocked on both sides) to remove them from the board. The goal is to clear all tiles to complete the puzzle. No story or characters are present; it is a straightforward solitaire challenge. For collectors and puzzle enthusiasts, this prototype offers a rare look at an unreleased variant of a well-known title. The Scorpion Layout may appeal to players who enjoy fresh arrangements in mahjong solitaire. It is a niche piece of Famicom history, best appreciated for its preservation value rather than as a polished retail release. If you are interested in how games evolve during development, this proto is worth a play.

Controls

• Arrow Keys = D-Pad
• X = A button (jump/confirm)
• S = B button (run/attack/cancel)
• Z = Y button
• A = X button
• Q = L shoulder
• E = R shoulder
• Enter = Start
• V = Select

Getting started: When you load the prototype, the title screen appears with Japanese text. Press Start to enter the main menu, where you will see options like "Start Game" or "Select Layout." Use the D-Pad to navigate and confirm with the A button (X key). Since this is a Japanese proto, menus are in Japanese, but the layout options are often recognizable by number or symbol. Select the Scorpion Layout to begin. The core loop is straightforward: examine the stacked tiles, find two identical ones that are free on at least one side (left or right), and match them. The game will remove matching pairs. If no moves remain, the puzzle is lost. You can restart by pressing Start and choosing a new game. There is no timer or score in this proto, just pure puzzle solving. Focus on uncovering tiles from the bottom layers first to avoid dead ends.