Be Random with Random Factor Mahjong for Android

Written Android App Review

Anyone who has ever played Mahjong on the computer or any other electronic device has undoubtedly gotten bored with the game after playing through a few times. Why? Because each round wasn’t truly unique and was likely either too hard, too easy, too long or too short to offer unlimited enjoyment. Mahjong was originally a Chinese “card” game which used ivory tiles instead of paper cards. Each tile had a specific picture and there were many ways to play Mahjong, just as there are many ways to play cards. Later on, the “cards” started being made out of other substances – primarily wood – in order cut down on the cost and allow lower classes to play the game as well. Enter the modern day. In the United States, nearly no one knows how to play anything but the solitaire version of Mahjong. I suppose this shouldn’t be surprising, considering the number one time waster on computers is the built-in solitaire games which come with windows. I guess it sounds cooler to say you’re playing Mahjong, and hence, it took over the novice gaming world.

Features

Random Factor Mahjong Android app is named as it is because of its truly random gameplay. No two games are alike, thanks to a random board generator. The game can be played with as little as 32 tiles or as many as 152 tiles! So if you only have a couple minutes to spare, play a 32 tile game. If you have nothing but time on your hands, try tackling a 152 tile game. The choice is completely up to you! The random board generator will provide totally random layouts each and ever time. If, however, you decide you want more familiarity, there are also 50 preset layouts to choose from.

Random Factor Mahjong

So what if you get stuck or you run out of moves during a level? You have the option of turning on hints, which will show you the next available move (it will blink the tiles to alert you), or if you’ve run out of moves, you can choose to either start over or reshuffle the tiles. Personally, I prefer reshuffling the tiles. There is also a solution walk-through for every board if you really can’t figure out how to solve it. Be warned though, face-palming will likely ensue. I am not responsible for bruising of the forehead, so don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Also, unlike many solitaire games, there is no timer and thus, no time-related scores. No need to worry if you’ve spent 15 minutes on a game only to have someone knock on your door or the phone to ring and lose your progress. The game will auto-save and allow you to resume later on should you need to exit unexpectedly. Just press your ‘Home’ key and come back when you’re ready! Random Factor Mahjong earns five golden stars for its incredible (but not overwhelming) set of features.

Graphics

I have played plenty of mahjong games, both on the computer and on phones and other devices, and on all of them, the graphics have been found wanting. Until now, that is. Random Factor Mahjong has the nicest layout of all the mahjong games I have ever played. Every tile is distinctly visible. I can zoom in and out if needed as well, although I’ve never had to as the game moves around and adjusts automatically to provide the clearest view. Some 3D views are confusing as well, but not this one! It almost feels like I’m playing with a real set of tiles. The graphics are complex and shaded, making them look incredibly realistic.

My only complaint is the tile movement after finding a match. The tiles “jump up” and clack together in the center of the screen. Unfortunately, this causes the player to have to pause momentarily until the tiles are out of the way to match the next set. This is the only area of overkill I see in this version. I feel it is unnecessary and so Random Factor Mahjong loses half a star for graphics.

Value

I became disenchanted with video Mahjong ages ago. However, Random Factor Mahjong may have just won me back. The level of customization allows me to play as much as I want or as little I want and to either challenge myself or not. While I don’t have much free time, I do have moments where I am forced to wait and/or do nothing. Games like these are my sanity savers. There is both a free (with ads) and a paid version (no ads) to meet your gaming needs. I therefore award five stars for value!

Android Apps Review Details: Random Factor Mahjong Android app is free. This app requires Android 1.6 and up. You may download Random Factor Mahjong from the Android Market.

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