Information on Shanghai Dynasty
The game Shanghai Dynasty is derived from the tile game Mahjong. In addition to the original game simply known as Shanghai, the latest version - Shanghai Dynasty - allows a player to play Mahjong using both Japanese and Chinese rules. Shanghai Dynasty has a special version for children that contain three new tile sets, more game layouts as well as fortunes that are available once the player has successfully removed all tiles from a layout.
Compared to the previous versions, Shanghai Dynasty as a whole has been redone extensively. The graphics are enhanced, close enough to becoming three-dimensional but the resolution can be a frustration because it is locked into a 640 x 480 mode causing the boards to look small.
Every tile set showcases a distinct background that comes alive when the layout is successfully completed, which would also display the fortune of the players. Different from earlier versions, the fortunes are not presented with the same graphics every time. There is also a range of animations displayed before the announcement of the fortunes.
The rules of Shanghai Dynasty are a bit complicated. In fact, players typically learn and master the game by playing it and not really by reading its thick manual. Majority of information listed in the manual is devoted to help the player win a game. The reference card is exclusively devoted to help the player defeat an opponent and also to show point values for both the Chinese and Western versions.
Winning a game against a computerized opponent in Shanghai Dynasty is very difficult in spite of following every instruction and tips in the manual. The key is to practice by playing actual matches.
Another fault in Shanghai Dynasty is that the manual's index bears no resemblance to the inside pages. The heading of the index shows that it starts on page 74 when it actually begins on page 108 and so on. However, this problem is on the later pages only. The previous pages that explain the rules of the game are precise.
Overall, Shanghai Dynasty is a superb game whether or not you want to learn how to play Mahjong. Playing the different versions of this game can be entertaining while enjoying the animations and different graphics that come along with every tile set.
A real Mahjong game is challenging and entertaining and so is Shanghai Dynasty. The game may not be for serious players of real Mahjong but this game is one that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
