Play Sakurai Shouichi no Jankiryuu - Mahjong Hisshouhou (Japan) Online

Ever sat down with a Super Nintendo controller and thought, "Man, I could really go for some hardcore riichi mahjong right now?" Yeah, me neither—until I tried Sakurai Shouichi no Jankiryuu. This Japan-only SNES game is like walking into a smoky 90s mahjong parlor, minus the smoke (and the judgmental stares when you mess up).

It’s barebones—no fancy animations, no story mode—just you, some eerily competent AI opponents, and tiles that clack satisfyingly when you slam them down. The "Sakurai Shouichi" gimmick is fun (apparently he’s some legendary player? Feels like the game’s way of saying "good luck, rookie"). First few rounds, you’ll fumble with the controls, but once it clicks, there’s something weirdly hypnotic about the rhythm of calling "pon" or desperately hiding your terrible hand.

If you’ve played other SNES mahjong games, this one’s the no-nonsense cousin who skips small talk. Just don’t blame me when you lose three hours to "one more game."