Mahjong Roadshow Review

Uncover Hidden Antique Treasures By Playing Mahjong

In Mahjong Roadshow you have 50 days to travel to seven locations, pairing tiles, selling antiques, and collecting treasures along the way. Through matching like pieces and completing mahjong boards (1 day for each board, 50 in total) you uncover hidden antique treasures, which can be sold at the end of your travels. Act quickly and uncover as many treasures as you can in your attempt to be the top antique mogul in, Mahjong Roadshow.

Makes Standard Mahjong A Bit More Interesting

Mahjong Roadshow is a take on the classic Chinese tile matching game, with an antique twist. Like in the classic game you are still pairing like tiles to remove them from the board. The object also remains the same. In this game you want to clear the board, match like tiles, and uncover the antique treasure. Eligible tiles must have at least one side (left or right) clear and unobstructed from other tiles, and they cannot have tiles on top of them. Through making pairs the tiles are removed and you get closer to your goal of clearing the board.

The game diverges slightly from the traditional game by incorporating the antique theme. Rather than having Chinese characters make up the tiles, this game has different antiques and knickknacks adorning the pieces. Also, this game incorporates sets (explained below) which is not typical of the classic game.

Interesting Travel Theme

This single mode game (there is a layout editor, but it's not considered a mode) has you traveling the United States (starting with your grandma's attic) on a quest for the best and most unique antiques. While on the road (which is 50 layouts) you move from location to location, pairing and selling antiques, while searching for highly valuable treasures.

One feature unique to this mahjong game is your ability to create sets. Located at the bottom of the screen is the “sets” box. The sets box allows you to create sets of multiple similar tiles. Rather than only being able to pair identical images, this system allows you to make sets of up to four with similar objects of the same category. For example, if there are two or three types of radios on the board, you can drag them into the sets box and match multiples for a higher point value. This is a great way to clear the board as quickly as you can, while also raking in the cash—selling your pieces for more than if you simply pair them. This sets option keeps the game interesting and is a great feature that distinguishes this mahjong game from others in the highly dense mahjong game population.

Though on the surface it doesn't sound like the game has a lot of strategic elements, the strategy element is strong. You must consciously make pairs that will help you in the future. This game does give you the luxury of hints and reshuffles, however, these cost money and are to be used sparingly.

Needs More Than One Game Mode

Despite incorporating an interesting theme and including the option to make sets in addition to pairs, this game feels semi-empty. Having only one game mode comprised of 50 levels makes it short and one dimensional. It would have been nice to see multiple modes or other variations. The layout creator is a nice touch because it allows you to explore your creativity and it breaks the unavoidable monotony, however, it's not enough variation. Not having multiple game modes or varying difficulties is a big downfall of this game.

Conclusion - Recommended For Mahjong Players Attracted to the Antiques Theme

All in all, Mahjong Roadshow is a great take on both mahjong and antique roadshows. Though the game feels short and only has one mode of play, it is still really enjoyable, especially if you have a love for both antiques and mahjong. Also, the ability to create sets rather than just pairs adds to the gameplay and increases the strategy and excitement. This mahjong game is great for everyone, however, if you're a fan of antiques, this niche game is especially for you. Enjoy the 50 levels on the road and give this game a try.