Item: Shisen-Sho
Rating: 78
Author: Dinsun

Dinsun Review

I’ve always preferred Shisen-Sho to standard Mahjong Solitaire because the logic is more transparent. This particular version is about as 'pure' as it gets. There are no power-ups, no 'undo' buttons that cost real money, and no flashy animations. It’s just you and the tiles. The board layout is clear, and the touch detection is accurate enough that you won't mis-tap often.

But that’s also its downfall. It’s extremely dry. There’s no music to speak of, and the sound effects are the same 'click' sounds we’ve heard since the 90s. It’s a game for people who want to solve a puzzle in silence. If you’re looking for any kind of 'modern' engagement or a reason to keep coming back beyond just 'beating your time,' you won't find it. It's a digital version of a physical tile set, nothing more.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Honest, traditional puzzle logic
Clear tile iconography
No intrusive monetization

Completely lacks any 'juice' or modern polish
No music or varied soundscapes
Very basic UI

Technical Report

Performance: Very lightweight and stable.

Accessibility:

Difficulty Presets

Audience Fit

Buy if: You are a fan of traditional Asian tile games and want a no-frills experience.

Skip if: You find tile-matching games boring or want high production values.

Similar Games:

Mahjong Solitaire
Onet

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative critic
Hardware: iPad Air
Playtime: 10 hours
Status: Cleared all standard board sizes

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPod

317628425

$0.99 4+★5 1 reviews

Author : Teruaki Onoda

Pubish Date : Tue Jun 02 2009

Last Update Date : Tue Nov 30 2021

Support Languages : English and Japanese

Genres :

Version 2.5.1Tue Nov 30 2021

Update for iOS Compatibility
"Shisen-Sho" is simple and deep solitaire game that uses the mah-jong tile. Everyone can readily enjoy it.
"One of My Favorite Puzzles, Brought to the iPhone" - Macgasm
The rule is very easy. (!! NOT "Shanghai Mahjong" rule !!)
If two mah-jong tiles of the same design that queues up in the screen are taken by one pair, and all tiles are taken, it becomes clear.
The selection of the tile does the tile with the finger by touching directly. The tile that can be taken has the condition like the under.
- It is not possible to take it when there is a tile of another design between two tiles.
- The tile that length and breadth adjoins can be taken.
- The tile at the position that can be connected by the straight line in length and breadth can be taken.
- The tile at the position where the straight line bends up to two times can be taken, too.
It becomes "GameOver" when the tile that can be taken is lost.
Of not becoming "GameOver", there is a tile that can surely be taken.
(Please refer to the web page for a detailed rule)
If you can not find a pair of tile that can be taken, do shake the iPhone/iPod touch about two times. You will begin a new game. (Only Endless-Mode)
There are some game modes in "Shisen-Sho".
"Endless-Mode" that can be slowly enjoyed indefinitely. Attack mode etc. that compete for time and score. It is possible to play by various styles.
About the Challenge Mode:
The tile of a full screen is taken in the time limit. The tile is erased before the timer gauge disappears and the score is earned.
It is game over when all the remainder gauge tanks are lost.
A special stage sometimes comes out. When you clear a special stage, the reserve tank increases or a special bonus can be gotten.
Requires iOS 14.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
"Shisen-Sho" is simple and deep solitaire game that uses the mah-jong tile. Everyone can readily enjoy it.
"One of My Favorite Puzzles, Brought to the iPhone" - Macgasm
The rule is very easy. (!! NOT "Shanghai Mahjong" rule !!)
If two mah-jong tiles of the same design that queues up in the screen are taken by one pair, and all tiles are taken, it becomes clear.
The selection of the tile does the tile with the finger by touching directly. The tile that can be taken has the condition like the under.
- It is not possible to take it when there is a tile of another design between two tiles.
- The tile that length and breadth adjoins can be taken.
- The tile at the position that can be connected by the straight line in length and breadth can be taken.
- The tile at the position where the straight line bends up to two times can be taken, too.
It becomes "GameOver" when the tile that can be taken is lost.
Of not becoming "GameOver", there is a tile that can surely be taken.
(Please refer to the web page for a detailed rule)
If you can not find a pair of tile that can be taken, do shake the iPhone/iPod touch about two times. You will begin a new game. (Only Endless-Mode)
There are some game modes in "Shisen-Sho".
"Endless-Mode" that can be slowly enjoyed indefinitely. Attack mode etc. that compete for time and score. It is possible to play by various styles.
About the Challenge Mode:
The tile of a full screen is taken in the time limit. The tile is erased before the timer gauge disappears and the score is earned.
It is game over when all the remainder gauge tanks are lost.
A special stage sometimes comes out. When you clear a special stage, the reserve tank increases or a special bonus can be gotten.

Ratings & Reviews

5 out of 5 with 1 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Shisen Sho, also known as Sichuan or Nikutori, is a classic puzzle game using Mahjong tiles. Players must erase all tiles by matching pairs that can be connected by a path with at most two 90-degree turns. With Normal, Gravity, and Frame modes, plus a Daily Challenge, it offers a varied and meditative experience. Every level provided is guaranteed to be solvable, ensuring a fair and rewarding brain-training session.