Moonlight Mahjong Questions and Answers

Why is the game too fast?

The Scramble and Challenge game modes get faster as you increase in level. In version 3.2.1, I made Tilebot pause longer when reshuffling on very high levels. This delay turned out to be too much; it allowed some people who are good at the game to advance to much higher levels than they should. So I corrected the delay in version 3.2.2, which is the current version. Some people who got to high levels are now noticing that the game is suddenly fast; that’s probably true, but it’s because they’re on a very high level. The solution is to go back to an earlier level; you can do that in the Options menu. Overall, the game is actually slightly slower than it was before version 3.2.2, because there is still some additional delay when Tilebot reshuffles; just not an unlimited delay. Also, you only go back one level when you lose now - a much requested feature. So overall, the game is easier than it’s been for many years. “Slowing down” the game further is not something that’s going to happen; the game needs to remain at least somewhat challenging.

What is Mahjong Solitaire about?

It's a fun tile matching game with very simple rules, yet it can be quite absorbing. Moonlight Mahjong in particular makes it easy for you to get started. Why not download the free version and see?

I need more detail about the rules of Mahjong Solitaire, the different game modes, et cetra...

Please read the documentation included with game. Touch the sprocket button and select the first item, "About..." (On the Mac, it's in the Help menu.)

Crashing or Running Slowly on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch

Restart your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch. If you don't know how to do that: hold down the power button until "slide to power off" appears, slide, wait until the device shuts down, then push the power button again to power on.

If that doesn't clear up the problem, the next step is to delete the app and re-download it from the App Store. You can follow the instructions here under "Reinstall the application."

In the unlikely event that that doesn't fix the issue, you may need to restore your mobile device using iTunes. See this article, or the Troubleshooting Assistants for iPhone or iPod Touch.

Why don't you fix the app slowing down?

If you are seeing Moonlight Mahjong slow down on iOS, the problem is most likely with your device. Restarting your device usually fixes the problem; see the question above. Needing to restart your device from time to time is a fact of life, particularly if you run a lot of apps, if your device is older, or if you don't update your system software. The same guidance goes for any game on iOS that uses sophisticated 3D graphics and animation. You might also want to know that tens of thousands of people play Moonlight Mahjong every day without incident.

If you are seeing Moonlight Mahjong slow down on Mac, the problem is most likely other apps running in the background, taking up processing time. Quit the other apps while playing the game. Or, try restarting your Mac and playing Moonlight Mahjong first. The same guidance really goes for any games on the Mac.

Where is the sound?

Make sure the ring/silent switch on your device is on "ring" and not "silent" in order to hear the sound effects. On the iPad, you may need to go into the Settings app, General pane, change "Use Side Switch to" to Mute, and flip the switch on the side of the device on and off, making sure to leave mute off before using the switch to lock the rotation again. (Yes, we know that's a bit crazy. The same issue affects any game that honors the setting of the mute switch.) Sound effects can also be turned on or off in the game in the game's Options menu. On first generation iPod Touches, which do not have a built-in speaker, you must use headphones. Also check your volume level in the Settings app.

For the Mac version: go into System Settings, go to Sound, and make sure "Play user interface sound effects" is checked and the alert volume is not all the way down.

You can listen to your own music while playing Moonlight Mahjong. Just start your own music before starting the game.

I'm having difficulty controlling the game

Make sure the surface of your screen is clean. Hold the device in your hand, rather than setting it on a table. Try zooming in to be able to select tiles more easily.

Problems using the Mac version with graphics tablets

Moonlight Mahjong on Mac OS X is not compatible with Ink handwriting recognition. At the moment the only workaround for this appears to be to turn off handwriting recognition while playing the game. First quit the Moonlight Mahjong app, then open the Settings app, select Ink, and turn off Handwriting Recognition. Then re-launch the Moonlight Mahjong app. You can turn handwriting recognition back on when you need it again.

Is there a PC version of Moonlight Mahjong?

Moonlight Mahjong is an entirely new game written specifically for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. I don't like to say never, but it's very unlikely that I'd do a PC version. There are many different versions of Mahjong Solitaire on PC already.

Are you doing a Mac version?

Already did a Mac version!

Are you doing an Android version?

I am not releasing an Android version at this time. The issue is that Android is almost impossible to support across thousands of different devices, and as a developer I would much rather focus on making apps good. Sorry; that's the way it is. For now, anyway.

I accidentally deleted or lost the app

Please see the General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Are updates to the game free?

Yes, updates are free and easy, and I'm still adding new features and enhancements. I've added many, many features and improvements since version 1.0. Moonlight Mahjong does not 'do' in-app purchases, because the author just doesn't like them.

Why are all these Mahjong Solitaire games just called "Mahjong"?

The term Mahjong Solitaire is most commonly used to describe this type of game. The App Store does not allow room for long titles, however, and "Moonlight Mahjong Solitaire" is a bit of a mouthful anyway. The description of Moonlight Mahjong clearly indicates that this is "Mahjong Solitaire," not "real" Mahjong. "Shanghai," by the way, is a registered trademark, not a general description that can be used.

How does one pronounce "Mahjong"?

Like it is spelled, apparently, although opinions seem to vary. I honestly have no idea. Perhaps it's just one of life's mysteries.

How do I contact Midnight Martian?

If your question is not answered here, or you have feedback, you can email midnightmartian @ gmail.com. Please keep in mind that the guy who does Midnight Martian is very busy making more apps and features and cannot answer every email.

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