China's War 1937-1941

GMT Games · Board game · 2025
100.0 Ludopedia 7.8 BGG 1–4 · best 4 Solo 150–200 min Weight 3.7/5
Buy · from US$ 51.99
100.0 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy historical wargames with a touch of complexity and plenty of strategic decisions, "China's War" is for you! The COIN series is already well-established, and this installment doesn't disappoint, bringing a fascinating and well-represented conflict to your table.

Highlights
  • Deep historical simulation
  • Dynamic card system
  • Interesting asymmetrical factions
  • Great for solo and multiplayer
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Considerable learning curve
  • Dense and complex theme
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Prepare to dive headfirst into the first five years of the Second Sino-Japanese War with "China's War: 1937-1941," another title in GMT's acclaimed COIN series. The year is 1937, and a minor skirmish at the Marco Polo Bridge quickly escalates into a full-scale invasion. In this game, you take control of one of four warring factions: the expansionist Imperial Japanese Army, the beleaguered Chinese Nationalist Government, the rising Chinese Communist Party, or the fractious local Warlords. Each faction has its own objectives and methods for achieving victory, whether through direct military action, shrewd political maneuvering, or economic exploitation. The game uses a card-driven system to manage turn order, introduce unexpected events, and check victory conditions, ensuring each playthrough is dynamic and unpredictable. You can play solo, as the game simulates non-player factions, or gather friends for an intense multiplayer experience. "China's War" offers a deep and engaging simulation of a crucial and often overlooked period in world history, with mechanics that reward strategic planning and tactical adaptation. It's a game for those who enjoy wargames with a strong historical flavor and clever mechanics that go beyond simple combat.

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 BEST
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Components: Multi-Use Cards Country: China Country: Japan Decades: The 1930's Decades: The 1940's History: Chinese Civil War History: Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) History: World War II (Pacific) Interwar period (Nov. 1918 - Aug. 1939) Series: COIN (GMT)
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Brian Train
Artist Matthew Wallhead

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

788owners
297wishlist
63want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime?
Expect to dedicate between 150 and 200 minutes for a full game, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can participate?
The game is quite versatile, playable by 1 to 4 players. It simulates non-player controlled factions, making it a great option for solo gamers.
Is the game very difficult to learn?
It has a considered high complexity (3.67/5 on BGG), so expect a learning curve. The rules can be dense, but the experience is worthwhile for those seeking depth.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has a high language dependency, with extensive text on cards and in the rulebook. A full translation is essential to enjoy the game in Portuguese.
Is this a game for war enthusiasts?
Absolutely! It's a wargame focused on the Second Sino-Japanese War, featuring area control, movement, and historical event mechanics. If you enjoy the theme and strategic simulations, you'll like it.
Do the factions play differently?
Yes, the game features variable player powers for each faction, meaning the Japanese, Nationalists, Communists, and Warlords will have distinct approaches and objectives, ensuring replayability.

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