The Ming Voyages — Price & soundtrack

In 'The Ming Voyages', you dive into the legendary seven maritime expeditions of China, which took place between 1405 and 1433, under the command of the famous Admiral Zheng He. Just imagine: a colossal fleet of ocean-going junks, super advanced for its time, not only seeking trade but also expanding the Ming Empire's political influence. While some stories claim this fleet circumnavigated the world, the fact is that it reached places like Calicut, India, and Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, as well as making stops on the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa. But it wasn't all open seas, as the empire's land borders were constantly under threat. In the game, one player takes on the role of the Ming Emperor, with the mission of completing these seven epic voyages and also defending the Chinese borders from invading barbarians. The other player controls the three barbarian factions, who are trying to settle in the borderlands. Battles are resolved with a roll of three dice, where triples, doubles, and singles determine who comes out on top, with reserved cards allowing for strategic re-rolls. The game uses multi-functional cards, which serve both to reinforce armies and attack the enemy, and for the Emperor to advance on his voyages. Be sharp: playing a card can trigger an action for the opponent, so timing is everything! Only the Emperor draws new cards, but hands are swapped at the end of each turn, ensuring both sides always know what the opponent has in mind and can exploit out-of-turn actions.