Shanghai
MANUFACTURER: Atari PLAYERS: 2 STEREO: No RATING: 8 (8.6)
TYPE: Strategy COMLYNX: Yes BLINK: No

WHAT: Ancient game of strategy, removing matching tiles from a pile

HOW : Shanghai is based on an ancient Chinese strategy game of the same
name. The concept is simple - a large pile of "tiles", with different
symbols and numbers on them, is created. You remove tiles in matching
pairs, making sure each tile selected is not partially obscured by another
tile on top of it. Piles can be of different shapes; named after real or
mythical beasts they resemble-for instance,the dragon formation. When
selecting a tile, you move a pointer above it with the control pad and
press either button. Then you must find another that matches it, click on
it, and both will be removed from the playing board. The board is
represented in a reduced view because of resolution limitations, so
whichever tile you have the pointer over is magnified for eas of ident-
ification. Two player games can be cooperative or competition.

SOAPBOX: This is an excellent implementation of Shanghai. For a game to
have survived this long means it has lasting value, and Shanghai certainly
delivers in the play area. Graphics are also well done, with the only
disappointment of this cartridge being the mediocre sound, which thank
heaven you can turn off. A good strategy cartridge that requires patience
and careful thinking to complete. Good cartridge to take on a trip.