Mac Games – reviews and game downloads

Ancient Tri-Jong is not your average Mah Jong game! Quite the contrary, it is kind of like a hybrid between a solitaire game and a Mah Jong game. Let me explain. The object of the game is to remove all the tiles, but not by matching like-tiles. In order to remove a tile, you must choose either a higher or lower card than the (what I will call) “main tile.” This “main tile” is initially given to you, but as you remove cards, they replace the old tile and become the new “main tile.” For example, if you start with a 9, you can choose either a 10 on an 8 to remove from the board. If neither of these cards are available, then you can click the “main tile” to receive a new one. It’s really not that difficult (although my explanation may be a little confusing haha).

At first the game is a little confusing, but it soon becomes addicting. There is no time limit in the main Quest game, but scores are determined on how quickly you finish as well as combinations (how many cards removed in a row). It is not easy to pass each stage though, as the stack of “reload” cards is quickly diminished as you get near the end of the level. Luckily, there are over 150 levels to choose from, so you can practice on many different stages, as well as stages you can create yourself. The coolest part of this game was the option to use your own music. Playing the demo, I wasn’t able to figure it out completely, but there was a built in soundtrack bar at the bottom. Being able to control the sound right in the game is something that definitely appeals to me, and allows you to listen to anything from Beethoven to Iron Maiden. I would give this game three and a half stars of out five.

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Luxor Mah Jong is an engaging mahjong Mac game with exciting power-ups and extras. This is a new angle to a very old traditional game.

There are 3 modes: Adventure, Single and Traditional. Adventure takes you on a journey across Egypt recovering stolen treasure. The game is a new mahjong based play with extras to help you pass any obstacles. You start by clicking 2 free matching tiles to remove them from the game board. Tiles are free when no tiles are to the left or right of it. Also you can remove 2 of the seasons or 2 flower tiles and they do not have to be exactly the same. In order to complete the level you must match 2 Ankh key tiles to unlock a door. Unlock all locks before time runs out, and remove as few tiles as possible within the shortest time period for the best score.

The sacred tiles make your task much easier by removing any tiles, matching any 2 tiles, clicking on 2 tiles and will switch their positions and for 30 seconds will show all matches of any tile you select. In addition to those helps you have the shuffle and undo buttons for assistance.

The Single mode has layouts and its bonuses from Adventure but not the storyline. The Traditional has no power-ups, and is the classic layout and play with an Egyptian theme.

Each mode has 3 difficulty levels from beginner to Expert so everyone can enjoy this relaxing and entertaining game. I liked this slant to the old mahjong game. It gave you a different experience with the Egyptian tiles (although some tiles used Chinese number characters), and the extras made the game even more pleasurable. If you like mahjong, try Luxor Mah Jong for a new twist to this fun pastime.

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Do not let the name fool you, Waterscape Solitaire- American Falls is not a typically solitaire game. It is more like a mah jong game than anything. That being said, WSAF is a good and fairly original game that utilizes a regular deck of cards to create a unique and interesting card game.

The name of the game (Waterscape Solitaire- American Falls) comes from the backgrounds of each of the levels. Every background is a famous waterfall in North America (technically Niagara is part of Canada) so you get beautiful vistas to enjoy. Being an avid fan of nature, this was a nice touch.

The gameplay is very similar to a mah jong game. You have to match like-numbered cards to remove them from the board. The suits do not matter, but there are Wild card that you can use to match with any other card. The ultimate goal of the game is to match the golden cards hidden within the level. Also, the more cards you have left after you get the gold cards, the higher your score at the end.

The last stage of each level is different and is much like a game of spider solitaire. The object of these bonus levels is to match the cards in order from ace to king. You can make other matches to reveal more cards, but you cannot pass the level unless you do it in order.

Overall, this is a solid game. I was looking forward to playing a solitaire game, but came across Waterscape Solitaire- American Falls instead. I would give this game 3 stars out of 5.

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Looking for a more classic and standard set of solitaire games? Try this computer solitaire for mac.