ZhanGuo is a board game that was released in 2014 and designed by Mariano Iannelli. It is set in ancient China during the Warring States period, where players take on the roles of different states vying for power and influence.
Game Components of ZhanGuo
Player Boards: Each player has a board with five regions, corresponding to the main board, and spaces for various components.Cards: 120-card deck with three colors (green, black, white) and specific actions.Unification Tokens: Used to track area majority in each region.Unrest Markers: Track unrest levels in each region.Official Cards: Alchemist, Architect, General cards for enhanced actions.Emperor Tiles and Palace Tiles: Used for setup and determining available actions.Wooden Components: High-quality, screen-printed pieces including ships, score markers, and more.Turn Order Markers: Determine player order based on rewards taken.
How To Setup ZhanGuo
Setup involves several steps:
Shuffle and place Emperor tiles face down on corresponding Wall sections, adjusting for player count.Shuffle and place one Palace tile face up on each Palace space in each region, avoiding spaces marked with a “4” in three-player games.Each player chooses a color, takes corresponding components, and sets up their player board with starting tiles and markers.Players receive their personal Alchemist cards and place their Ship and Score markers on the starting positions.Determine the first player and set up Turn Order markers.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Card Play: Players draw six cards (two of each color) and can either tuck them under their player board to increase region power or discard them to take court actions.Unification Phase: Players resolve area majority in each region to gain rewards, which also sets the turn order for the next round.Unrest Management: Managing unrest levels in each region is crucial, as high unrest can limit actions and deactivate cards.Court Actions: Discarded cards allow players to complete projects and powerful actions in the Emperor’s Court.Elixir Route: Players move a ship along an elixir route to gain bonuses.
Player Experience
ZhanGuo: The First Empire is known for its deep strategic gameplay and high replayability. The game demands careful planning and decision-making, as players balance engine-building, area control, and unrest management. Despite its complexity, the game offers a rich and engaging experience, with clear rules and beautiful artwork.
Pros
Deep Strategy: Offers complex and engaging gameplay with multiple layers of decision-making.High Replayability: Randomized setup and varied card draws ensure each game is unique.Beautiful Components: High-quality artwork and wooden pieces enhance the gaming experience.Improved Mechanics: Upgrades from the original game, including clearer rules and more cohesive gameplay.
Cons
Complex Setup: The game has a detailed setup process that can be overwhelming for new players.Steep Learning Curve: The game’s depth and complexity may deter casual gamers.Unrest Management: High unrest levels can significantly limit player actions, adding a layer of complexity.
Personal Thoughts on ZhanGuo
ZhanGuo: The First Empire is ideal for fans of heavyweight strategic games who enjoy complex decision-making and engine-building. It is not a game for casual players due to its intricate mechanics and high complexity. However, for those willing to invest time and effort, it offers a highly rewarding and engaging gaming experience.
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