# The Ming Voyages ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2020 - **BGG Rating**: 6.9 - **BGG Rank**: #5804 - **Players**: 1-2 (Best with: 2) - **Duration**: 30 min - **Weight**: 2.50 / 5 - **Designers**: Alan Paull, David J. Mortimer - **Artists**: Klemens Franz - **Publishers**: Surprised Stare Games Ltd, 2Tomatoes Games, Frosted Games - **Categories**: Card Game, Dice, Medieval - **Mechanics**: Action / Event, Area Majority / Influence, Campaign / Battle Card Driven, Dice Rolling, Solo / Solitaire Game, Variable Player Powers ## Verdict If you enjoy historical games with a touch of strategy and combat in a compact format, 'The Ming Voyages' is an excellent choice! It plunges you into a super interesting asymmetrical clash between the Ming Empire and barbarian factions, with a clever multi-functional card mechanic that makes you think with every play. The hand swapping each turn and out-of-turn actions ensure the game is dynamic and full of tactical decisions. It's the kind of game that makes you want to play again to try a different strategy!Engaging asymmetrical strategyClever multi-functional cardsExciting dice combatWell-explored historical themeDynamic hand swappingDice luck can be a factorInitial learning curveOnly 1-2 playersRECOMMENDED ## Description 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. ## FAQ ### How many players does The Ming Voyages support? This game is designed for 1 or 2 players. It truly shines in a head-to-head confrontation between two opponents, but also offers a super fun solo mode for those who want to challenge themselves. ### What is the average playtime for a game? A game of The Ming Voyages is quite quick! You can expect to finish a session in about 30 to 45 minutes, perfect for fitting into a spare moment or playing multiple times in a row. ### Is it a complex game to learn? It has a medium complexity rating (2.5/5 on BGG), which means the rules are accessible, but there's strategic depth to explore. You'll grasp the basics quickly, but mastering the nuances takes a few plays. ### What are the main components of the game? You'll find a board representing the borders and sea routes, multi-functional cards that are the heart of the game, dice for resolving combat, and wooden pieces representing the forces of each side. ### Who is The Ming Voyages recommended for? It's highly recommended for fans of compact wargames who enjoy direct confrontations, asymmetrical strategy, and a well-integrated historical theme. If you like games with multi-use cards and dice rolling with a touch of control, you'll love it! ### Is there a lot of luck involved due to the dice? While dice rolling adds an element of luck, the game offers ways to mitigate this, such as using reserved cards for re-rolls. Strategy in how and when to use your dice and cards is crucial. ### Are there any expansions for The Ming Voyages? Currently, The Ming Voyages is part of the 'Pocket Campaigns' series by Surprised Stare Games, but it doesn't have standalone expansions released. The base game already offers plenty of replayability! ## Price Comparison ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 15.98 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6803910&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 16.22 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2346173&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 18.13 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2370521&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 18.65 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=7042607&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 19.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=7036271&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 22.95 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6365092&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 24.06 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6991170&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 25.34 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6073673&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/33525/the-ming-voyages?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com