If you've read the Akagi manga or seen the anime, you already know this isn't your grandma's friendly mahjong game. The GBA version throws you straight into that same tense, high-stakes world where every tile feels like life or death. The first match hits you fast—no hand-holding, just you, the table, and opponents who absolutely will exploit any hesitation.

What surprised me was how well it captures the psychological mind games. You’re not just playing tiles; you’re bluffing, reading tells, and sometimes straight-up gambling your points on a hunch. The AI isn’t perfect, but when it leans into its character (especially Akagi’s ridiculous, icy confidence), it sells the vibe. Just don’t expect mercy if you botch a discard.

Fair warning: If you’re new to mahjong, the lack of tutorials might leave you scrambling. But if you’re here for that sweaty-palms, underground-gambling-den atmosphere? Yeah, it nails that.