UlasanAnime.com – The world of online mahjong games has seen a new contender emerge with the open beta release of Momoiro Taisen: Pairon, also known locally as Mahjong Hime. This free-to-play title aims to capture the attention of mahjong enthusiasts, offering a customizable experience with microtransactions focused on cosmetic and functional enhancements.
The game presents itself as a scrubby, microtransaction-driven experience where players can invest in usable items and avatar customization. Each avatar is comprised of two key components: a character card and a voice card. The voice cards are a significant draw, featuring renowned voice actresses who lend their talents to various in-game avatars. For instance, the default avatar, “Boniboni,” is voiced by the popular Itou Shizuka. Character cards, on the other hand, gain experience through gameplay, unlocking special moves and CG illustrations.
Players have the option to disable these special moves during gameplay, offering a more traditional mahjong experience for those who prefer it. The current system allows for the switching of voice cards even without a matching character card, though this remains to be definitively confirmed by players who have progressed further in the game.
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Pairon’s game setup follows a familiar online lobby structure, where players can enter lobbies and then join tables. Table hosts have the flexibility to configure various aspects of the game, including the risk-reward level, the use of special items to boost in-game currency rewards for winners, and the specific rule sets to be played. The game supports three primary rule sets: Japanese/riichi, Taiwanese, and Singaporean mahjong. To ensure games can always proceed, AI players are available to fill empty seats if a full table of four players cannot be assembled, or for those who prefer to play solo.
The official website for the game, mjh.playpark.net, presents a somewhat under-construction feel, indicative of an Asian-based site expanding its reach with English content. This underdevelopment is reflected in the payment options, where only PayPal seemed familiar, but it failed to function when attempted, citing a whitelisting error. A persistent login bug has also been reported, requiring users to re-log in if they close the client and wish to return to the game from the launch page.
Initial impressions of multiplayer interactions have been mixed. While the author had one instance of a random player joining their game with an unclear outcome, other users like Dave have reported more significant issues. The author acknowledges the potential for such problems to arise.
A valuable resource for new players is the game’s rules page, particularly the section detailing eligible hands. This guide is described as precise and helpful in understanding the game’s scoring mechanics. Despite minor glitches that players are likely to become accustomed to, the overall gameplay experience is considered smooth once the mechanics are understood. Simple tips, such as avoiding running the game behind tabs or accidentally clicking on tiles, are noted as significantly improving the player experience.
Given that the game is in open beta, the presence of minor issues is not a major concern. The game’s forums reveal a small but dedicated user base. While Pairon can offer a fun single-player experience, its multiplayer scene is currently lacking. Players looking to engage with others will likely need to arrange games independently. The author invites anyone who sees “omo” online to reach out, promising to respond if they are present and attentive.
