Mahjong Focus (Japan 890313)

Nichibutsu’s Mahjong Focus debuted in Japan in 1989 and offers a two-player tabletop experience centered around the traditional Chinese game of mahjong. Players engage in matches against opponents presented within various locations, suggesting a journey format to the gameplay. The game utilizes a specialized keyboard for input, allowing players to execute the complex tile manipulations inherent in mahjong. The technical specifications include a Zilog Z80 processor and sound hardware featuring a YM3812 chip alongside a digital-to-analog converter, creating an audio experience beyond simple beeps and boops. Displayed on a horizontal screen with a resolution of 512x240 pixels, Mahjong Focus utilizes a palette of 256 colors to present the game’s visuals. Notably, this title was also known by a different name—"Nozokimeguri Mahjong Peep Show"—though that moniker is not commonly used now. It provides a focused and direct representation of mahjong gameplay for two players seeking a tabletop challenge.