Mahjong Gakuensai (Japan, set 1)

Mahjong Gakuensai debuted in Japan in 1997 from MakeSoft and offers a solitary tabletop experience centered around the classic game of mahjong. Players navigate a town setting to challenge various opponents, each with distinct personalities. This arcade title distinguishes itself by featuring male characters rather than the more common depictions found in other games of its genre—a notable departure from typical conventions. The gameplay involves traditional mahjong mechanics; players form sets and combinations using tiles drawn from a communal pool, aiming to be the first to complete a valid hand. A keyboard is used for input during matches. The game’s title translates to "Mahjong Student's Festival," hinting at a lighthearted and engaging presentation of this popular pastime. A sequel, Mahjong Gakuensai 2, followed in 1998, building upon the foundation laid by the original. A port of the arcade version was also released for the Sega Saturn console that same year.