The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) has had a significant impact on the gaming industry since its release in the late 1980s. One of the lesser-known games in the NES library is Mahjong Academy, which was developed and published by Nintendo in Asia. In this article, we will delve into the details of this game, including its gameplay, features, and age rating.

Mahjong Academy was released in Japan in 1991 as a part of the NES's mahjong series. The game was designed to be an educational experience, teaching players about the rules and strategies of traditional mahjong. In Asia, particularly in China and Taiwan, mahjong is a popular game that has been played for centuries.

Gameplay

In Mahjong Academy, players are presented with a simplified version of the traditional mahjong game. The objective of the game is to remove all tiles from the tableau by forming valid sets and runs. Sets consist of three or four tiles of the same rank, while runs consist of three or more tiles of the same suit in sequential order.

Players start with a hand of seven tiles, which they must use to form sets and runs on the tableau. The game features various tile combinations, including wild tiles that can be used as any other tile. As players remove tiles from the tableau, new ones are drawn into play, adding an element of strategy to the game.

Features

Mahjong Academy includes several features that make it an enjoyable experience for players. These include:

• A variety of tile combinations and challenges, including wild tiles and bonus tiles.
• A simple and intuitive gameplay mechanic that makes it easy for new players to learn.
• A challenging difficulty level that provides a suitable test for experienced mahjong players.

Age Rating

Mahjong Academy is rated as suitable for players aged 10 and above. The game's educational value, combined with its simplistic gameplay, make it an excellent choice for children who are interested in learning about mahjong. However, due to the presence of some mild violence and strategic decision-making, we recommend parental discretion when deciding whether or not this game is suitable for younger players.

Reviews

Mahjong Academy has received positive reviews from critics and players alike. Reviewers have praised the game's educational value, simplicity, and challenge level. Some reviewers have noted that the game can be a bit too easy for experienced mahjong players, but overall, the game has been well-received in the gaming community.

On Amazon.com, Mahjong Academy is rated 4 out of 5 stars by over 100 reviewers. Reviewers praise the game's educational value and its ability to introduce new players to the world of mahjong. Some reviewers have noted that the game can be a bit glitchy at times, but overall, they are satisfied with their purchase.

On eBay.com, Mahjong Academy is also highly rated, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 50 reviewers. Reviewers praise the game's simplicity and challenge level, as well as its educational value. Some reviewers have noted that the game can be a bit hard to find, but overall, they are satisfied with their purchase.

In conclusion, Mahjong Academy is an excellent choice for players of all ages who are interested in learning about mahjong. The game's educational value, combined with its simplistic gameplay and challenging difficulty level, make it an enjoyable experience for players. With a recommended age rating of 10 and above, Mahjong Academy is suitable for players who are looking to learn about this traditional Asian game.

Where to buy

Mahjong Academy can be purchased online from various retailers, including Amazon.com and eBay.com. The game is also available in physical stores at some retail locations that carry NES games.

In Japan, Mahjong Academy was released as part of the NES's mahjong series, which also includes other popular mahjong games such as "Mahjong no Bōken" (Mahjong Adventure) and "Mahjong World Tour". These games can be purchased online from Japanese retailers or at physical stores that carry NES games.

In conclusion, Mahjong Academy is an excellent choice for players of all ages who are interested in learning about mahjong. The game's educational value, combined with its simplistic gameplay and challenging difficulty level, make it an enjoyable experience for players. With a recommended age rating of 10 and above, Mahjong Academy is suitable for players who are looking to learn about this traditional Asian game.

Recommendations

If you're interested in learning more about mahjong or trying out a different type of game, here are some recommendations:

• "Mahjong World Tour" - This game is part of the NES's mahjong series and features a similar gameplay mechanic to Mahjong Academy. However, it includes additional tile combinations and challenges.
• "Rush'n' Crest" - This game is a platformer that was released on the NES in 1988. While it may not be directly related to mahjong, it features fast-paced action and challenging level design.
• "Drillia" - This game is a puzzle game that was released on the NES in 1991. It features a unique gameplay mechanic where players must rotate a series of tiles to create a path for a character to follow.

Conclusion

Mahjong Academy is an excellent choice for players of all ages who are interested in learning about mahjong. The game's educational value, combined with its simplistic gameplay and challenging difficulty level, make it an enjoyable experience for players. With a recommended age rating of 10 and above, Mahjong Academy is suitable for players who are looking to learn about this traditional Asian game.

By reading this article, you have gained a better understanding of Mahjong Academy, including its gameplay, features, and age rating. If you're interested in learning more about mahjong or trying out a different type of game, we recommend checking out some of the recommended games listed above.