Item: Kemono Mahjong
Rating: 85
Author: Dinsun

Our Expert Score

85/100

Kemono Mahjong is arguably the best English-language entry point into the complex world of Riichi (Japanese) Mahjong. If you've only ever played the 'solitaire' tile-matching games, be prepared: this is a deep, four-player tactical game that is often compared to a much more complex version of Poker. The game does an incredible job of teaching you the rules, which are notoriously difficult for beginners to grasp.

The 'Kemono' (furry/animal) characters add a lot of charm and personality to what can otherwise be a very dry and intimidating game. Each AI opponent has a different playstyle, and the layout is perfectly optimized for mobile screens, making it easy to see your hand and the discards. It follows the European Mahjong Association rules, so it’s a 'serious' simulation, but the inclusion of characters and great music makes it feel much more approachable. Whether you're a seasoned pro or someone who just watched an anime about Mahjong and wants to learn how to play, this app is the gold standard.

Dinsun reviewed on: Sun May 19 2024

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad

1207602683

$2.99 4+★4.9 308 reviews

Author : Michael Starling

Pubish Date : Thu Aug 24 2023

Last Update Date : Tue Feb 10 2026

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.51.00Tue Feb 10 2026

* Updated 3D/Landscape View (for Tablets)
* Bug fixes/Tweaks
No mere tile-matching solitaire game, this is a full implementation of Japanese Mahjong. A fun, strategic variant of the classic Chinese 4-player game!
Features:
* Real (4-player) mahjong! (you vs. 3 CPU opponents, or play online!)
* 3-player (Sanma) mode!
* Japanese/Riichi style following European Mahjong Association (EMA) rules
* Unique layout designed for mobile devices
* Beautiful, easy-to-read tiles (with traditional and simplified tile sets)
* Colourful cast of characters
* Beautiful music
* Multiple languages! (English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Polish, Thai, Chinese Simplified, Korean, Japanese)
* Tutorials and in-game help, ideal for new players!
* No ads!
Online Terms of Service: http://cyberdog.ca/kemono-mahjong/terms-of-service/
Requires iOS 17.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
No mere tile-matching solitaire game, this is a full implementation of Japanese Mahjong. A fun, strategic variant of the classic Chinese 4-player game!
Features:
* Real (4-player) mahjong! (you vs. 3 CPU opponents, or play online!)
* 3-player (Sanma) mode!
* Japanese/Riichi style following European Mahjong Association (EMA) rules
* Unique layout designed for mobile devices
* Beautiful, easy-to-read tiles (with traditional and simplified tile sets)
* Colourful cast of characters
* Beautiful music
* Multiple languages! (English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Polish, Thai, Chinese Simplified, Korean, Japanese)
* Tutorials and in-game help, ideal for new players!
* No ads!
Online Terms of Service: http://cyberdog.ca/kemono-mahjong/terms-of-service/

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5 with 308 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Kemono Mahjong is a complete digital implementation of Japanese Riichi Mahjong, a strategic 4-player variant of the classic Chinese game. Unlike solitaire 'matching' games, this is a competitive battle of skill, risk management, and tile efficiency. The game features a unique layout designed for mobile devices, making the complex board easy to read. Players can face off against a colorful cast of CPU opponents with different personalities or play online. It follows official EMA rules and includes a 3-player (Sanma) mode, making it an excellent tool for both learning the game and practicing high-level strategy.

Features

Full 4-player and 3-player (Sanma) Mahjong

Japanese/Riichi style following EMA rules

Online multiplayer and challenging CPU AI

Beautiful, easy-to-read tiles and character art

Comprehensive tutorials for beginners

Tips

Learning the Yaku

To win a hand, you must have at least one 'Yaku' (scoring pattern). Beginners should focus on 'Riichi' (declaring you are one tile away) or 'All Simples' (no terminals or honors) as their first reliable ways to score.

News on this game

TechAwards to recognise Bermuda’s innovators

Tomorrow is a red letter day of Bermuda's leading technology innovators. They will learn who are the winners of the 2017 TechAwards.

The Royal Gazette Mon Jan 29 2018

Gameplays

Riichi Mahjong Strategy

Draw and discard tiles to form four sets of three and one pair. You must manage your 'waits' (the tiles you need to win) while watching your opponents' discards to ensure you don't 'deal in' to their winning hand.