Mahjong Magic Journey is a mahjong game that uses a fantasy theme as its main selling point. Even though, this game can be bought on steam and other gaming websites. This game is actually a port of a ‘free to play’ ipad game. Despite this fact, certain versions do differ from one another. The steam version in particular, has achievements and steam trading cards as an addition. To add to this it removes the option to purchase power ups with actual money. However, from what I have gathered it is the same game other than the aforementioned additions and changes. Unsurprisingly this is the version I am basing my review upon.
The concept of the game itself is simple and very easy to get into playing. Since this game in blunt terms is essentially matching 2 of the same picture style in a mahjong format. However, I feel that the tutorial holds the players hand too much. Particularly, as someone who has previously played a mahjong game. But you can skip the tutorial if you wish to do so.
But as simple as it is get into the game itself. This game isn’t as straight forward as the concept on paper seems. To many people they would think that the objective of this game is to clear the board. But, instead your objective is to match all of the golden tiles on the board in as little moves possible. This game does increase its difficulty the further you go in the game. Particularly on the multilayered levels as it is possible to get the pieces you don’t need.
To add to this the game expects you to earn 3 stars in each level. Stars are earned by meeting quotas on each level. You earn one star meeting each quota in 3 different fields. These being making a limited number of moves, obtaining all of the golden tiles and by earning enough gold coins in each level. Also each level has a different requirement.
But this game is a luck based game in a sense. This is because you are dependent on the game providing you with suitable tiles so you can make moves. If you have a set that provides you with no moves you must use the reshuffle button. I found saving this ability for the said instance as it particularly useful in getting you out of the scenario of having unsuitable tiles. This is frustrating as the game makes you use it so much in order to achieve level requirements. On some levels it may possibly take multiple attempts to complete. This is because of the randomised tiles and if it is in your favour or not. I also think that it makes the idea of trying achieving 3 stars on every level become particularly challenging.
The game itself I think is quite decent for the content provided. On a technical level the game works well (shoving the randomised tile issues) as well as visual/audio content of the game. I particularly like the graphics as the art style of the game is a cartoon like art style. This does fit the game well and is drawn to a good standard, I also like how the levels are set out as some of the levels are of animals/fantasy creatures and I think it is quite fitting for the setting.
However I dislike how it strays from the fantasy theme. Â In game there are many levels that are set out to look like random items, such as a set of scales. I wonder why these levels are in the game. Since the levels in question have nothing to do with fantasy creatures in a forest. But I think that the audio for the game is repetitive. Even if 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. Over time it does get annoying after so long you end up turning off the sound.
I don’t like the fact that the game (on steam’s description) offers a story about magical pets. I am taking this directly from the steam store description (as seen above.). In the game there was no mention of following a trail in order to saving some magical pets from a predator, who is actually a clawed crafty thief. Whilst I seen pictures of different creatures on the level selection page. However, there is nothing about a story or even a slight reference to any simple story. So if you are expecting a fantasy based puzzle game 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 if you’re after a puzzle game. However, I would only recommend picking up Mahjong Magic Journey if you like puzzle/mahjong games. I also suggest only getting it when it is on sale. Primarily because I don’t think that the game isn’t worth the original asking price of £3.99. Which I think is way too much for a port of a free to play ipad game.
