A New Twist on an Old Favorite

Like solitaire, Mahjong has been around for years and been the subject of a lot of computer games. Some offer new twists on the classic gameplay, some just offer an incredibly solid experience, and some just plain old stink. Fortunately for us, Liong - The Dragon Dance is one of the incarnations that offers an excellent new twists and it makes for a fun and addictive way to play the tile game we all know and love.

The Story

The story in Liong goes as such: long ago, the Chinese Emperor has a dream of a magical dragon-like creature named Liong. Liong gave power and fortune to the emperor and the entire realm lived in wealth and prosperity for the rest of their lives, all thanks to this wonderful creature. Now, masks representing and paying tribute to Liong are well guarded by only the Emperor's finest guards. But despite these measures, the masks were stolen! It is up to you to ensure than the thieves do make off with these long-kept artifacts!

The Game

You wouldn't think a story like that would fit into a Mahjong game, but it works well with the new gameplay. In each level, the thieves will attempt to escape with the dragon outfit. You have a pile of Mahjong tiles and matching tiles run across the dragon's back. By clicking on the proper tile in the stack, you'll push the creature back further and further. If the thieves manage to reach the gate, you lose the stage and they escape!

This is a fantastic way to play and a good way to speed up gameplay that usually slow and methodical. The usual rule applies: you can only click on tiles that have at least one free side. The fast-paced action requires you to think fast, which is something that's always fun.

Of course, for fans of the traditional tile pastime, there's a mode for you as well. This mode requires you to match pieces just in your pile, but the dragon is still there, and as you match pieces, it will slow the dragon down all the same. While there's more of an emphasis on time, the classic version is very much intact.

Whether you're a classic fan or yearning for something new, you'll find something to like here. They say the new generation moves too fast. If that's true, this may be the perfect link to bring the different generations together!

The Verdict

Liong - The Dragon Dance presents the game of Mahjong in a way that's sure to please fans of the classic experience while reeling in some new ones as well. If you've ever found yourself enjoying Mahjong, you owe it to yourself to check this out. Aside from the addictive gameplay, Liong offers gorgeous graphics and a catchy soundtrack, all woven together with a simple yet memorable story. It all adds up to a great game that breathes new life into an old, somewhat stale genre.