Ojousan (Japan 871204)

Nichibutsu’s Ojousan, released in Japan in late 1987, offers a unique twist on the classic tabletop game of Mahjong for two players. The game utilizes a specialized keyboard designed for inputting tiles and executing moves within the traditional ruleset. While maintaining the core gameplay of matching sets and building winning hands, Ojousan distinguishes itself with visually appealing presentation; beautiful artwork serves as a reward or "prize" element throughout the experience. Players engage in strategic tile placement and deduction to outmaneuver their opponent. The game’s screen presents a vibrant display utilizing a palette of over sixty thousand colors across a resolution of five hundred twelve by two hundred twenty-four pixels, creating a detailed visual environment for each player's Mahjong table. The title Ojousan translates from Japanese to "Young Lady," and hints at the game’s aesthetic style. Built around a Zilog Z80 processor and utilizing General Instrument sound chips, this two-player arcade game provides a distinctive take on a familiar pastime.