Mahjong Magic Journey 2 is a sequel to Mahjong Magic Journey. This game is a mahjong game that uses a fantasy theme as its main selling point. This game is actually a port of a ‘free to play’ ipad game. However this game is available to buy on steam and other gaming websites. This review is based upon the steam version. However the only difference between the Ipad and steam version is the removal of microtransactions is the only distinction among the two versions. Basing my opinion upon what information I have gathered it is the same game other than the aforementioned change.
I also think that it is a lazy port. I think this because; the prequel game has the in game achievements as steam achievements. There is even the addition of steam trading cards. Sadly this game not having such additions is a lazy. It would also be beneficial for the game as it does help make it look less of a copy/paste port.
The concept of the game itself is simple and very easy to get into playing. Especially if you know what you are doing as it essentially matching 2 of the same picture style. The first level of the game acts as the tutorial in game. The tutorial, in my opinion is overly guiding to players. I say this as anyone who has played a mahjong game or even the prequel game before will probably find it irritating. The issue with the tutorial is that it will let you do only what the game tells you to do. You have to make the same moves as the tutorial. I also dislike that you have to do the tutorial. Sadly there is no option to skip the tutorial or turn off hints.
But as simple as it is get into the game itself. This game isn’t as straight forward as the concept on paper seems. This is due to the fact that the objective of the game isn’t to clear the board in its entirety. But instead your objective is to match all of the golden tiles on the board in as little moves possible. To make things harder the further you go in the game, the levels are more complex. Particularly with the amount of layers and tiles used.
In order to progress in game you have to earn 3 stars in each level. To do this you need to achieve 3 set quotas on each level. These objective ranges from getting the levels done by making a limited number of moves through to earning a higher amount of gold coins. On top of that you need to obtain all of the golden tiles. To top it all off you also have to earn a minimum amount of gold coins in each level.
But this game is a luck based game in a sense. Purely due to the fact, that you are dependent on the game providing you with appropriate tiles. Since, if you have a set that provides you with no moves you must use the reshuffle button. I don’t like that the game makes you use it so much in order to achieve level requirements. I found that on some levels it may possibly take multiple attempts to complete. That is before you bring up achieving 3 stars on every level. However if you plan on doing so it is a challenge.
The game itself I think is quite decent for the content provided. At least on a technical level since the game does work well. As well as visual/audio content that is used in the game. Graphically I like the cartoon like art style. Since it fits the game well and is drawn to a good standard. Although a good amount of the art is copied from the previous game.
However I dislike how it strays from its theme at times. This is due to the fact that many levels are set out as random items such as an hourglass. I thought why has this level has been put in the game especially in a forest level is. But I think that the audio for the game is repetitive. Even though the tracks provided in the game are calm and relaxing to listen to. I feel that because there are only a few different tracks and sound effects in the game. Eventually it does get annoying after so long and then you end up turning off the sound.
But I think it will disappoint some as there is no story in game. Even if the game on steam’s description does state that the game does offer a story. The story was about travelling through a fantasy world, this being taken from the steam store description (as seen above.). There was no mention of any story about travelling through fantasy locations. All I did see was different creatures on the level selection page. With the exception of any levels that aren’t avaliable to the player. As the creatures are located behind bars.
However there is nothing about a story or even a slight reference to any simple story. Even though it gloats about having a story complete with a premise of a story on the description. So if you are expecting a fantasy based puzzle games with a story. Please look elsewhere as this is just a selection of mahjong levels nothing more nothing less.
Overall though I will admit that it is a fun game to play on. Especially if you are looking for an expansion pack for the prequel game it is ok in that sense. However I don’t recommend paying any amount of money for this game. Primarily because paying any amount of cash is too much. As this game is a direct port of a free to play ipad game. I also think that it is too similar to the original game. Since this game does provide no new extra game mechanics/content to separate it from its prequel. This game lacks content that should be on the steam version of the game. This should have been in the game especially since the prequel game had achievements and steam trading cards. Having these additions would have helped the game look more appealing too.
