Empress Mahjong: Jade Palace

Empress Mahjong: Jade Palace puts plenty of effort into the setting. A red-pillared palace at sunset, cherry blossom hanging into frame, lotus flowers on the water, and an empress in red and gold seated beside the board.

The tiles follow the theme rather than traditional mahjong suits. Red lanterns, lotus blooms, green dragons, phoenixes, pierced jade discs and folded white fans make up the set you are matching.

The rule is printed on a banner under the board: tap two matching bright tiles to remove the pair. Bright means free, dim means covered, so reading which tiles are actually available is most of the work.

The level select shows thirty tiles per page across three pages, with only the first unlocked. A clock counts upward beside the level number and the score, and three hints wait at the bottom of the screen.