Mahjong Shikyaku Retsuden - Mahjong Wars (Japan)
Mahjong Shikyaku Retsuden - Mahjong Wars (Japan) - Puzzle Classic
Mahjong Shikyaku Retsuden - Mahjong Wars is a Japan-only release for the NEC TurboGrafx-16 (known as PC Engine in its home territory). It landed during the late 1980s or early 1990s, a period when the platform was flooded with mahjong titles catering to local tastes. The publisher and developer aren't widely documented, but the game fits squarely into the console's library of traditional tile-based games adapted for home play.
At its core, this is a standard riichi mahjong game where you match wits against computer opponents. You draw and discard tiles to build winning hands, following classic Japanese mahjong scoring rules. The "Wars" in the title suggests a competitive tournament structure, but without verified details, I'll stick to what we know: you play rounds of mahjong against AI, aiming to finish with the highest score. Menus are in Japanese, so some familiarity with the game's interface or a bit of trial and error helps.
For today's retro enthusiast, Mahjong Shikyaku Retsuden offers a glimpse into the niche that sustained PC Engine software libraries. It's not a standout action title or a hidden gem for newcomers to mahjong, but for players already invested in the tile game, it's a competent, period-appropriate version. Its value lies in historical context rather than groundbreaking design, and it remains a curiosity for collectors of Japanese TurboGrafx-16 releases.
How to Play Mahjong Shikyaku Retsuden - Mahjong Wars (Japan) Online
Getting Started
When you first boot up Mahjong Shikyaku Retsuden, you'll likely see a title screen and a menu in Japanese. Use the D-pad to navigate and press X to confirm your selection. Start by choosing a game mode; the simplest path is single-player versus the computer. The core loop involves drawing a tile from the wall, deciding whether to keep it or discard, and trying to complete a winning hand according to Japanese mahjong rules.
Pay attention to the tiles in your hand and what opponents discard. The game handles scoring automatically, so focus on building melds (triplets, runs) and pairs. If you've never played riichi mahjong before, look up basic hand patterns beforehand, as the in-game help is entirely in Japanese. Use Select to see game options, and the B button to cancel or go back. The controls map directly to the TurboGrafx-16 pad, so the shoulder buttons may toggle display or sound settings.
Mahjong Shikyaku Retsuden - Mahjong Wars (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: I button
- S: II button
- Enter: Run / Start
- V: Select
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