Shanghai III

About

Shanghai III is a puzzle game that tasks you with clearing stones from a grid by matching them in pairs. Developed for the Super Famicom in 1994, it follows the core mechanics of its predecessors but adds competitive elements like turn-based battles against another player. The layout changes dynamically as stones drop to fill gaps, requiring quick thinking and planning. Each level increases in complexity with tighter grids and fewer moves allowed. The game stands out for its tight controls and escalating difficulty that keeps players coming back. While the original series popularized the genre, this entry introduced head-to-head play that felt fresh for its time. Though largely forgotten outside Japan, it remains a solid entry in 90s puzzle gaming with a focus on pure strategic challenge. The single-player mode offers 100 stages to work through, making it easy to lose track of time chasing perfect clears.