

Much like Microsoft Solitaire, Microsoft Mahjong aims to be a virtual interpretation of a well-known board game. There's really not much I can do to introduce the concept of mahjong to non-players. That said, just how well does Microsoft's version of the game compare to other titles in the same vein? And what does it do to differentiate itself from its competitors? Tiles and Tables Sometimes, games just have to do what it's advertised on the tin in Microsoft Mahjong's case, the game's objective is pretty self-explanatory. Featuring a healthy selection of different tables, and even some achievements for the die-hard Live enthusiasts, this version of virtual mahjong provides players with precisely the kind of content they would expect. Match tiles to clear puzzles in this exciting matching game with a unique twist.As far as default games go, Microsoft Mahjong is a surprisingly feature-rich version of a modern staple of casual puzzle games. Pinball FX2 Windows Store Direct Link Taptiles Pinball FX is back, and it is better than ever! Pinball FX2 offers band new tables and a host of new features and improvements, including a new state-of-the-art physics model that surpasses anything available so far. Wordament Windows Store Direct Link Pinball FX2 Wordament is a unique and highly addictive word game: a two-minute long word tournament where you compete in real-time, on the same board, against everyone else currently playing. Mahjong Windows Store Direct Link Wordament Microsoft Mahjong is the classic matching game updated with beautiful imagery, intuitive controls and all the features that fans of mahjong have come to expect. Solitaire Windows Store Direct Link Mahjong Pick up and play this classic card game on Windows 8. Minesweeper Windows Store Direct Link Solitaire Play the classic puzzle game that has been part of Windows for more than 20 years, now re-imagined for Windows 8.

Sorry, the "ms-windows-store:" link prefix does not work yet in other browsers. Note: The purchase links only work in Internet Explorer 10. Many of the classic games have been completely revamped with updated graphics, effects and XBOX Achievement integration. That is why I have included direct purchase links to all of the classic Windows games below and some new ones released by Microsoft Studios.

Don’t worry, the apps are free but you need to find them first. Instead, you must buy the apps in the new Windows Store. Microsoft removed all inbox games in Windows and you can’t add them back using the add/remove features applet as you could in previous version of Windows. The first time you boot up Windows 8 you will notice the classic Windows games such as minesweeper and solitaire are missing.
