Demonic Mahjong is a roguelike anime deckbuilding card game that draws its inspiration from the classic mechanics of Mahjong. Developed by Boxed Lighting Games and published by Omegames Studio and NPC Entertainment, the game has been affectionately dubbed “Balatro mixed with anime girls” by players since its release in July 2025.

At its core, Demonic Mahjong challenges players to craft powerful tile combinations, achieve high scores, and develop unique strategies to defeat the various bosses they will encounter. It seamlessly integrates traditional Mahjong rules with a roguelike progression system, offering a fresh take on a classic game of cards and magic.

Mahjong reinvented

Demonic Mahjong has been highly praised for its ability to make the intimidating rules of Mahjong accessible and enjoyable for newcomers. Its well-designed tutorial and helpful in-game UI assist players in learning the ropes, making it possible to understand the core concepts quickly. This streamlined approach has led many to say it's the first time Mahjong has truly made sense for them.

The strategic depth of the game is impressive, boasting a staggering number of potential combinations with over 100 unique spirit allies, 100 relics, and 35 offerings. The rewarding gameplay loop encourages experimentation as players build decks around different characters, each with unique skills. The game also stands out for its distinct character designs, appealing 3D models, and a surprisingly catchy soundtrack with satisfying tile-clacking sound effects.

While generally a fantastic experience, it still has some minor flaws. Some players have noted that the soundtrack can become repetitive over time, and a few of the menus feel a little unpolished. The game also suffers from ambiguous translation and a few questionable design decisions in regards to its progression, which can at times undermine the otherwise stellar gameplay experience.

A game for card-building fans and newcomers

While Demonic Mahjong has minor flaws like ambiguous translation and repetitive music, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. By blending the strategic depth of a roguelike with the accessible and addictive qualities of Mahjong, the game creates a refreshing and highly enjoyable experience that's perfect for both seasoned players and newcomers looking for a captivating and rewarding challenge, together with adorable anime characters.