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.
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Highlights
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Deep historical simulation
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Dynamic card system
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Interesting asymmetrical factions
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Great for solo and multiplayer
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Keep in mind
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High language dependency
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Considerable learning curve
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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.
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Best player count
BGG community vote
1–4 players
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Soundtrack
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Components: Multi-Use CardsCountry: ChinaCountry: JapanDecades: The 1930'sDecades: The 1940'sHistory: Chinese Civil WarHistory: Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)History: World War II (Pacific)Interwar period (Nov. 1918 - Aug. 1939)Series: COIN (GMT)
businessPublisherGMT Games
editDesignerBrian Train
paletteArtistMatthew Wallhead
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Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
788owners
297wishlist
63want to play
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
6 questions
What is the average playtime? expand_more
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? expand_more
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? expand_more
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? expand_more
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? expand_more
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? expand_more
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.