Mahjong by Microsoft

It’s a solid app. It’s the same classic mahjong game I remember playing as a kid on my computer, but now it’s on my phone. Fun and relaxing. I like unlocking the different themes. A nice game. Except for the fact that it’s not included with my Ultimate Game pass subscription. I wouldn’t mind this normally, I wasn’t expecting any mobile apps to be on game pass… but the premium version of the Solitaire app IS on game pass! Microsoft, if you’re going to add your premium mobile games to game pass, then why only add one of them? I am already paying $15 per month for Ultimate Game Pass. I should not have to pay an additional $2 per month just to play Mahjong without being interrupted by ads. Please add this game to Game Pass.

It could be because I started playing on Windows, but this is by far my favorite. I’ve played several other apps that are just lower quality. I have the premium version so I can’t comment on the ads. I have one complaint. When tapping on a tile near the top left corner, I often get the menu to pop up. It’s as if that area isn’t quite calibrated correctly. Or maybe it’s just me being left handed. But it’s super annoying during a timed challenge.

First off, this is the version of Mahjong that I’ve decided to use after trying several. The controls are easy to understand, there are plenty of maps, performance is good, and graphics are nice. Some tile sets aren’t the greatest, but I have one that looks really nice that I always use. Here’s the problem, which I’m reminded of by a new update’s changelog: sponsored ads. You know, those ads that are clearly clickbait and virus- and scam-laden, yet big companies still use them on websites and in apps? I’ve tried to block Taboola but the ads almost always still come through on sites and always in apps. It completely baffles me how a company like Microsoft can allow that kind of ad in their products! I understand ads are necessary, and I can pay to have them removed, but it’s never okay to use spammy/scammy ads like that. They also immediately make your app or site look sketchy. Microsoft: there are ad services out there that are merely irritating, the bare minimum for ads. Why not use one of those? You show complete disrespect for your users by going with Taboola or another similar “sponsored ads” clickbait service. Ads like “new law shocks local drivers!” and “doctors say to eat this now!” have no place on any respectable website or app.