China Inc (Qing & GMD 1644-1949)

China, Inc. is a solitaire game of the history of China from the founding of the Qing Dynasty in 1644 to the end of the Chinese Civil War of 1949. After establishing itself in their narrative Manchuria, the Qing Dynasty conquered China, Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Tibet until it becomes the largest, richest, most populous empire in the world. The Qing Emperors became increasingly detached from reality in the Forbidden City, in the power of the palace eunuchs while China was ravaged by internal rebellions and threatened by foreign invasion. The dynasty staggered on until 1912 when it was replaced by the Republic of China led by the Guomindang (Chinese Nationalist Party). Chinese Statesmen represent emperors, presidents, governors, rebels, and have Military, Administration, Reform, and Intrigue abilities. Each has a special ability, allowing them to defeat their historic enemies, assassinate rivals, and influence foreign affairs. The map is made up of provinces grouped into ten commands, each with a governor who collects taxes, fights wars, and increases Chinese cultural dominance, but may assassinate the emperor or launch a rebellion. Victory is decided by increasing Prestige through annexing provinces, defeating wars, and establishing the Mandate of Heaven across Asia. Cavalry, Banner, militia, and fleets are used to fight wars and garrison provinces, expanding direct control, and creating vassal provinces as buffer states. Enemy leaders and wars move from province to province encouraging revolts, increasing unrest, reducing income until they are defeated. Unequal Treaties imposed by foreign powers deprive China of provinces, prestige, and cash as they expand their colonial empires. Each turn represents 5-10 years, with 10 turns in each scenario. The four scenarios start in 1644, 1735, 1820, and 1889 and may be combined into campaign games. Players should average 3 to 4 hours per scenario. —description from the designer