The classic tile matching challenge is now available to download as a PSP Minis game. The rules are simple: you can match similar tiles but only if they aren’t in between or under other tiles. Artifacts adds a few twists to challenge causal gaming fans.

Mahjongg Artifacts has three game modes. In Story Mode, travel around a world map and challenge different tile arrangements at each stop. The rules are a little different in Story Mode. You clear the level by matching two special golden tiles instead of finding all the pairs. There are special Power Tiles that act as wild cards and allow you more selections to match. But be careful as you might take away a possible pairing later on. You can also shuffle tiles and get hints if you need them. Classic Mode lets you enjoy the original rules, while Endless Mode allows you to match tiles forever until you drop.

Mahjongg Artifacts is simple and easy to pick up and play and the controls work well on the PSP. The tiles are easy to see and you can even zoom in and out if needed. Only bad thing about this game is the text is way too small and hard to read. The tiny text for the instructions is a yellow font on a beige background, and the comic book style words in Story Mode are even worse. Good thing you don’t have to know what’s going on in the story to enjoy the game. But for the price, it’s still a decent game of Mahjongg for casual gaming fans.

Kid Factor:

Nothing objectionable here. Reading skill isn’t necessary (text is too small anyway), and as long as your kids can match shapes and numbers and understand the rules, they can play this game just fine. Mahjongg Artifacts is rated E for Everyone.

Tags: Game Reviews