Warlords: China in Disarray, 1916-1950 (1986)

About this game

Warlords is a game of political diplomacy and military expansionism. Set in China during the first half of the 20th century, players take control of the warlord factions which vied for supremacy. With the ultimate aim of re-unifying or controlling China, players must wheel and deal, bribe, coerce, plot and fight their way to political, military and economic victory. Components: 1 full color map (490mm x 590mm), 2 full color counter sheets, 1 sixteen page rules book, 1 display track card, 3 ready reference cards, 1 die. Playing time is 4 - 6 hours for a scenario and 12 - 16 hours for a campaign game. Complexity is Basic to Intermediate.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 3 to 7.
• Rules load. At 3.0/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.