Mahjong Connect has a unique feature that presents players with tile-pair puzzles at the same time by turning a whole set of traditional tiles into route-finding problems. A Mahjong Connect game will require all the tiles to be removed before the time expires. Only when there's an open path of horizontal and vertical lines connecting a pair of tiles will they both disappear.
Since restoring some time is achieved with every pair correctly matched, it is important to recognize quickly as well as to plan carefully. While bamboo, circle and character designs present a very common Asian-style brain game, and moving tiles preclude later stages from being repetitive.
Key Controls
- Use MOUSE and LEFT-CLICK
Overview of game
Unlike stacking tiles, the board is flat. When selecting a visible tile (any), you may form a match; however, a match is only valid if the connecting line does not cross any other tile and forms no more than Two 90 degree turns. Therefore, removing adjacent pairs are easy, while other matches are made available once a cleared area provides a new route to access the layout.
Mahjong Connect online allows you to progress through 12 sequential timed stages. Based upon your current level, the remaining tiles either will remain stationary or will move in different ways after a pair is removed. In addition to opening up potentially useful routes, tile movement may also close off a route you had planned to utilize next. However, limited hints can assist you in identifying a legal pair if you are unable to locate one. Although the art used creates an easily recognizable Chinese puzzle atmosphere, the rules of connect-Two are significantly different from both traditional tabletop mahjong and layered mahjong solitaire.
Important Features
- Twelve sequential levels with a decreasing timer for each level.
- Paths formed between matches are limited to Two right-angle turns.
- Tiles in the layout may move in different directions between stages.
- Extra time is given for each successful pair.
- Limited number of hints are provided to help you locate a valid move.
Tips for beginners
- Begin by matching adjacent tiles and identical tiles located near the outer edge of the layout.
- Instead of examining only the symbols of the potential match, examine the complete route prior to clicking.
- Remove pairs that create open routes towards the central portion of the layout where the greatest density exists.
- Watch the timer and preserve your hints until such time that no obvious match exists.
Advanced Tips
- Observe how the tiles move in the current stage prior to planning multiple moves ahead.
- Create broad passageways and avoid narrow pathways that allow for only one possible route.
- Keep open areas of the layout dispersed throughout so additional symbols continue to remain accessible.
- At times when time is running low, choose the easiest available valid pair to restore the amount of time available.
Common errors
- Assuming that identical artwork automatically represents a valid match.
- Attempting to use a path that crosses another tile or contains more than Two right-angle turns.
- Overlooking that the manner in which tiles move may vary from one level to another.
- Wasting your limited hints early or focusing excessively on one pair that appears to be blocked.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mahjong Connect?
Mahjong Connect is a timed, single player tile link puzzle in which symbols must be removed from a flat board through clear paths.
How to play Mahjong Connect?
You will need to select Two identical tiles that are able to be connected by using a path without crossing over another piece and with no more than Two right-angle turns.
How many levels are in Mahjong Connect?
There are 12 sequential levels. As you progress, the manner in which remaining tiles move will alter and thus create new connection opportunities.
What types of connection paths are permissible?
Permissible paths consist solely of horizontal and vertical lines, and must be entirely unobstructed and contain no more than Two right-angle turns.
How do hints function in Mahjong Connect?
Hints will highlight one available pair. Since hints are limited, they will be most beneficial when manual searching would consume excessive amounts of time.
Is Mahjong Connect similar to traditional mahjong?
No. Traditional mahjong is a multiplayer tabletop game. This version is a solitary path connection puzzle.
Final thoughts
Although simple controls make the initial boards easy enough to approach, limiting connection options, shifting layouts, and limited time create continued difficulty. If you appreciate card games based upon patterns, visual matching games or logical games based upon routes; then this version should challenge you and reward both rapid scanning and deliberation.
Games similar to Mahjong Connect
If you appreciate the Classic format of playing Mahjong Connect, we recommend trying Dream Pet Link. It utilizes a similar connection concept, except instead of tiles having Asian designs, they have animal designs. In contrast, Mahjong Classic replaces the routes needed to connect Two tiles with layers of tiles needing to be removed together. Rummikub focuses on creating sequences of numbers. Both versions represent examples of pattern-based puzzle games.