MahjongTowers Eternity

Since entering the computer world in the late 1980s, Mahjong games have proliferated, to the point where a free version now sits alongside Solitaire and Minesweeper as a default Windows time-waster. Mahjong Towers, from Big Fish Games, distinguishes itself by bringing in the Web 2.0 concept of community. While some games in this genre can boast dozens of layouts, Mahjong Towers lays claim to thousands.

Mahjong, in the PC solitaire format, consists of clicking and removing matching tiles. Traditionally, these tiles are those of the Mahjong game, but most implementations offer many different tile sets. Mahjong Towers offers a few different "classic" sets, an animated set, and many more.

What really sets Mahjong Towers apart, though, is its community. You can download layouts from other users, who have contributed thousands. (You can also report layouts as "inappropriate", because it's possible to create somewhat risque designs.) Compete with other users to score points by completing particularly fiendish layouts.

In addition, Mahjong Towers offers three modes of play--the classic mode, "speed" play in which only matching tiles are visible, and the brain-exploding "Concentration" mode where no tile faces are visible except the one you are selecting! You must click a tile, see it is, say, the five of dots, then try to remember where you saw another one...if you did.

An important note about the price: The game bought alone costs $20. A membership in Big Fish Games can reduce the price considerably, but at the cost of agreeing to buy several more games over the next few months. Prospective buyers should survey Big Fish's other offerings to determine if the reduced pricing is valid for them. At $20, Mahjong Towers is reasonably priced, but not a bargain.

Note: This link takes you to the vendor's site, where you can download the latest version of the software.

--Ian Harac