Zhanguo: The First Empire (2023) Board Game

Zhanguo: The First Empire is a board game set in ancient China during the Warring States period. Players take on the roles of different states competing for dominance and unification of China.

Game Components of Zhanguo: The First Empire

Luxurious Components: Wooden resources, heat transfer details on pieces, and unique token shapes.

Player Boards: Colorful, well-designed boards for storing all player pieces.

Cards: Multi-use cards in three colors (green, black, white) for various actions.

Terracotta Soldiers: Used to score objectives in the Mausoleum.

Unrest Markers: Track unrest levels in regions.

Official Figures: Architects, Generals, and Alchemists with unique actions.

How To Setup Zhanguo: The First Empire

To set up the game, each player selects a color (Blue, Yellow, Red, or Purple) and takes the corresponding components. Each player places their player board in front of them and sets up their Officials (Alchemist, Architect, General) on their board. Players also receive five Alchemist cards and five Unrest markers. The Ship is placed on the starting position of the Elixir route, and the Score marker is placed on the zero space of the Victory Points track. The first player is randomly determined, and each player receives two Starting tiles, choosing one for the depicted bonus. The game is ready to play after these initial steps.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Players draw six cards each round and can either tuck them under their board to enhance their engine or discard them to the central board for court actions.

Unification Phase: Players earn Unification tokens by placing cards in regions. The player with the most tokens of each color can choose a reward, which sets the turn order for the next round.

Building Palaces and Walls: Requires specific officials and workers in designated regions. Building these structures earns points and bonuses.

Search for the Elixir: Players sail to gain experience for their Alchemists and increase their renown.

Mausoleum Objectives: Complete objectives to score points, using Terracotta Soldiers.

Player Experience

**Zhanguo: The First Empire** offers a rich and immersive experience, despite its initial complexity. The game demands layered decisions, making players feel in control of their destiny. The gameplay is divided into five rounds, each with distinct phases, which keeps the game engaging and dynamic. The beautiful illustrations and high-quality components enhance the overall experience, making it a captivating game for strategy enthusiasts.

Pros

Luxurious Components: High-quality wooden resources and unique token shapes.

Deep Strategy: Layered choices and decision-making processes.

Immersive Setting: Striking artwork set in 200s BCE China.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and dynamic gameplay.

Cons

Complex Setup: Initial setup and rules can be daunting.

Limited Marker Management: Players can only hold onto five Unification markers at the end of each round.

Personal Thoughts on Zhanguo: The First Empire

**Zhanguo: The First Empire** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic depth and are willing to invest time in learning the game mechanics. It is suitable for 2 to 4 players and is recommended for those aged 14 and above. The game’s complexity and rich decision-making process make it more appealing to experienced board game enthusiasts, but it also offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy delving into intricate strategies.

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