Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Puzzle
- Platforms: Amiga, Arcade, Atari Lynx, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Family Computer, MSX2, Nintendo Entertainment System, PC-8800 Series, PC-9800 Series, Sega Master System/Mark III, Sharp X68000, TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine
- Developers: Activision
- Publishers: Hudson Soft
Shanghai (1986): A Classic Mahjong Solitaire Video Game
Introduction
Shanghai is a computerized version of mahjong solitaire, a popular Chinese game of skill and strategy. The game was developed by Brodie Lockard and originally released for the Macintosh in 1986. It was later ported to a variety of other platforms, including the Sega Master System, MS-DOS, and Windows. Shanghai quickly became a critical and commercial success, and it remains one of the most popular mahjong solitaire games ever created.
Gameplay
The goal of Shanghai is to remove all of the tiles from the game board. The board is made up of 144 tiles, which are arranged in a 7×20 grid. The tiles are all facing down, and they are stacked in layers.
To remove a tile, you must match it with another tile of the same type. The tiles can be matched horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. When you match two tiles, they will disappear from the board.
The game becomes more difficult as you progress. As you remove tiles, the remaining tiles will become more difficult to match. You will also have to deal with obstacles, such as locked tiles and tiles that are covered by other tiles.
Scoring
You earn points for each tile that you remove from the board. The number of points you earn depends on the type of tile that you remove. Common tiles are worth 1 point, while rare tiles are worth more points.
You also earn bonus points for completing certain tasks, such as removing all of the tiles from a single layer or removing all of the tiles from the board in a limited number of moves.
Strategy
There are a few basic strategies that you can use to improve your chances of winning at Shanghai.
- Look for exposed tiles. Exposed tiles are tiles that are not covered by any other tiles. These tiles are the easiest to match, so you should always try to remove them first.
- Match tiles that are close together. When you match tiles that are close together, you will create more opportunities to match other tiles.
- Don’t be afraid to move tiles. If you can’t find a match for a tile, don’t be afraid to move it to a different location. This will give you a new perspective on the board and may help you find a match.
- Use the undo button. If you make a mistake, you can use the undo button to reverse your last move. This can be helpful if you accidentally remove a tile that you needed.
History
Shanghai was developed by Brodie Lockard, a software engineer from California. Lockard was inspired to create the game after playing a game of mahjong solitaire with his wife. He wanted to create a computerized version of the game that would be more accessible and challenging.
Shanghai was originally released for the Macintosh in 1986. The game was an instant success, and it was soon ported to a variety of other platforms. Shanghai has been praised for its simple gameplay, stunning visuals, and addictive challenge. It remains one of the most popular mahjong solitaire games ever created.
Cultural Impact
Shanghai has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it has been referenced in songs and books. Shanghai has also been used as a teaching tool in schools and universities.
Shanghai is a classic video game that has stood the test of time. It is a simple game to learn, but it is difficult to master. Shanghai is a challenging and addictive game that will provide hours of enjoyment.
Conclusion
Shanghai is a classic mahjong solitaire video game that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The game is simple to learn, but it is difficult to master. Shanghai is a challenging and addictive game that will provide hours of enjoyment.
Review Score
8.5/10