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So... there are certain genres I've been avoiding for a while now due to their steep learning curve or my general lack of understanding. Among the list, "Mahjong" was one of them. While I own several Majhong games, up until now, I only made videos for two (Tokimeki Mahjong Paradise and Nekomimi Memorial V / Pom de Nyan: Version II, two simplified Mahjong games). It got to a point where I got tired of running and actually sat down and meditated atop Mt. Fuji for what felt like an eternity in an attempt to unlock the secrets of the universe. When that failed, I cross-referenced various online tutorials on Mahjong to understand the fundamental concepts behind Japanese computerized Riichi Mahjong. After studying for a few hours and testing out different combinations through trial and error, I actually learned how to play without being held by the hand the whole time. Even then, knowing how to play doesn't mean things are easy -- the game is still comprised of quite a bit of luck, and this is even more so for computerized Mahjong. The only thing that's changed is that I have a fighting chance... this is good as Mahjong is one of the most popular genres of game in Japan.

Being a good start to a great series, Bishoujo Janshi Suchie-Pai is a prolific series of Mahjong (and later Strip Mahjong) games which was later renamed to "Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai" (literally known as "Idol Fighter Suchie-Pai" or "Suchie-Pie"). In the game, you play as Kyoko Misaki, the young part-time clerk of the "You & Me Game Center" who possesses the alter ego of "Suchie-Pai", a self-proclaimed "heroine of justice" who punishes evil-doers and misfits with her Suchie Stick. The story and characters are fairly non-sensical and wild, but since famed artist Kenichi Sonoda is the guy who designed them (most known for "Bubblegum Crisis", "Gunsmith Cats", and "Cannon God Exaxxion"), this isn't too surprising. What's more surprising is considering the series' overall theme of all-female idols and strong sexual innuendos, the Super Famicom (family-friendly as it is) seemed like an odd platform to release the game on, but there were a few other titles with mature themes that were modified for the system (such as the "Super Real Mahjong" titles and "Variable Geo").

The game boasts sixteen megs of raw tile-pairing power and this is clearly evident right after the brief copyright screen; the game possesses many beautiful illustrations, high quality sound, a variety of panel-themed mini-games, over a dozen characters to challenge, multiple scenarios in a whimsical Story Mode (which take place in Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka), and an arcade feel that puts it ahead of the pack, almost in a league of its own for the system. In addition to these luxuries, the game features a password feature to resume where you left off as well as a Free Play Mode (to play against any of the game's seventeen characters) and a tournament-style mode. Cutscenes can be skipped with the select button and you can see the full illustration of the Mode Select screen by pressing the L button.

The rules and scoring in Japanese Riichi Mahjong are very complicated, and this game further complicates things as it doesn't give automatic hints like some other games, so if you don't know how to play, this game isn't for you as it won't help beginners. To put it simply, the game is described as a cross between Poker and Gin Rummy, but with tiles instead of cards, a larger hand to manipulate, and with a "Dora" Score Bonus to consider. Various moves can be made depending on a players open or closed hand in conjunction with what's tossed into the game's discard pile. As such, various tactics can be used depending on your initial hand. Establishing whether to declare pairs openly or hide them in your closed hand to formulate a more rewarding Riichi, Ron or Tsumo move can be tricky and even with skill, luck is also a factor. Rounds without clear winners (Tenpai, which is one tile away from victory, and Noten, which is a clear loser) may add to the jackpot with different Scoring Sticks (Tenbo). The rules are too complex to discuss here in detail, but I sample different tactics in this video, so maybe those unacquainted with the game can get the gist of what's happening.

This video shows gameplay and some of the characters. Enjoy.