Cheap Shanghai Double Pack (Software) (Linux, Macintosh, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98) Price

If you are the type of gamer who can forgive a game with mediocre graphics as long as the gameplay is solid, Shanghai Double Pack is a terrific bargain. For those unfamiliar with the game, Shanghai uses mahjong tiles that have been arranged in specific patterns and layers. It's the player's job to match like tiles (or tiles from the same family) to remove them from the board and clear more of the playing field so more tiles can be removed. Of course, there are rules in place regarding when you can remove tiles, and often there are several possible matches, so a good deal of strategic planning is involved.

Like all great puzzle games, Shanghai is far more difficult to explain than it is to play, and it took us less than 10 minutes to learn the basic mechanics. This package comes with two of Activision's popular Shanghai titles: Shanghai II: Dragon's Eye and Shanghai: Great Moments. Purists will love the first title, which has eight tile sets including everything from standard Chinese characters to pictures of flags.

We liked Shanghai: Great Moments for adding multimedia flourishes and new modes of play to the standard Shanghai game. The Great Wall mode introduces gravity to the board, making tiles above a removed tile fall toward the bottom of the screen. Action Shanghai is a decent game for adrenaline junkies, as new tiles are added to the board every few seconds. Players have to act fast to make matches before they are blocked by incoming tiles. Finally there is Beijing, perhaps our favorite mode (besides classic), where rows of tiles must be moved all at once to make matches. This mode requires more planning than other variations. We also liked the themed tile sets in the game, depicting great historical figures, landmarks, and artworks. The Shanghai Double Pack is a great overall puzzle compilation for the price. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Plenty of play modes
• Highly addictive
• Two great games for a low price

Cons:

• Graphics are dated
• Somewhat clunky interface

PLATFORM:	Linux, Macintosh, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98
CATEGORY:	Software
MANUFACTURER:	Activision
MEDIA:	CD-ROM
# OF MEDIA:	1
UPC:	047875100299