Tiles of Fate
System: NES
Release Date: 1990
Developer: American Video Entertainment
Publisher: American Video Entertainment
Genre: Puzzle
Unite ancient China through victory in the Tiles of Fate! Conquer 21ish levels to defeat the different states of China and bring them together in the 3rd century B.C. in this Mahjong variant. Find the paths of Symmetry by matching like tiles.
Multiple different tile types are placed in a specific pattern on the screen. You must match tiles to one another as you’d expect in Mahjong. However, instead of any match, the tiles must be able to be reached in two right angle turns or less. This takes a moment to wrap your head around, but once you do, finding matches becomes second nature.
Each level has a timer that counts down. If it reaches the end, you must spend a continue to try again. Time is added back every time you make a match, so you want to move as quickly as you can. The more time you have on the clock at the end, the more points you earn.
If you run in to problems, you can use one of the Three Forces of Fate. The Flash of Chance allows you to match two tiles, even if they are surrounded. The Force of Balance eliminates any brick walls that block the path of Symmetry. The Flag of Knowledge allows the AI to make a possible turn for you.
Graphics: 1.0
The tiles are different enough, but I had trouble noticing differences in the Tiles of Mankind and Tiles of the Air.
Sound: 2.0
I liked the music and sound effects enough.
Gameplay: 1.5
Find the matches as quickly as you can, use a powerup if you get stuck.
Difficulty: 2.0
You have to be observant to beat the timer.
Fun Factor: 2.0
I had a good enough time playing this, not as much as Shanghai, though.
Overall Rating: 1.7
Tiles of Fate earns a C-. This is a fine puzzle game that can keep you busy for a couple hours.