Mahjong Shikaku (Japan 880908)

Nichibutsu’s Mahjong Shikaku, released in Japan in 1988, presents a unique twist on traditional mahjong gameplay for two players. The game follows a narrative where a player attempts to successfully complete a date with their girlfriend, progressing through various locations with the ultimate goal of reaching a hotel. Obstacles arise in the form of five other female characters who challenge the player’s mahjong skills, requiring them to defeat each one multiple times before advancing further along the dating path. Gameplay involves standard mahjong rules blended with escalating challenges; players must strategically create winning hands while managing their betting funds. A "fire" meter visually indicates a temporary boost in luck during matches. Each defeated opponent presents two mandatory strip sequences, followed by player-selected final sequence options. Losing a match doesn’t end the game, but depleting funds does. The title translates from Japanese as "Mahjong Assassin," hinting at the competitive nature of these encounters. The attract mode features character appearances referencing popular anime series of the time. A sequel, Mahjong Shikaku Gaiden - Hana no Momoko-gumi, was released shortly after the original.