On the Mombasa playing field, there are 144 tiles. There are 36 different designs on the tiles, 4 tiles of each design. The object of the game is to remove as many tiles as possible. Tiles may only be removed in matching pairs. Also, for a tile to be removed, there must not be any tile setting on top of it, and the tile must be free to slide either to the left or to the right, without hitting another tile (See "Removing tiles" for more information).
The tiles are stacked up to 5 levels high. They are drawn on the screen in perspective, but an added clue as to the level of any tile can be seen by looking at the tile's edge. Tiles on the lowest level will have a black edge. Those on the highest level will have a white edge, and the three levels in between are in shades of grey (see illustration).
The tiles are arranged in a certain pattern, but you may choose to use a different pattern, or even make up new patterns of your own! (See "Choosing a Pattern" and "Creating a Pattern" for more information).
You may also choose from among various sets of tile designs, or create your own tile designs using MacPaint or your favorite paint program.
