Year 1976, the stormy Cultural revolution has died down, hard times of hongweibing and public critics are coming to an end. Old and sick Mao Zedong will soon leave China to his comrades from CPC. The Cold War is coming into a new phase...
The game tasks players with navigating the complex web of party politics, economic policies, and foreign relations to ensure the survival and prosperity of the People's Republic of China after Mao Zedong's death in 1976. Unlike many other strategy games, the focus here is primarily on domestic politics and policy decisions rather than military conquest or geopolitical maneuvering.
One of the standout features is the intricate party politics system. Players must carefully manage the various factions and personalities within the Chinese Communist Party, making strategic decisions about who to promote, demote, or even eliminate. This adds a level of depth and complexity, as players must balance the competing interests and agendas of different party members to maintain their grip on power.
In addition, the game's economic system allows players to allocate resources and investments across different sectors, such as industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. Balancing these competing priorities and ensuring economic growth is crucial to the success of the player's regime.
The game's setting during the height of the Cold War also introduces a geopolitical dimension. Players must navigate the complex web of international relations, deciding whether to align with the Soviet Union, the United States, or forge their own independent path. This can have significant consequences for China's standing in the world and its ability to exert influence beyond its borders.
The game's nonlinear narrative allows players to shape the course of China's history in a variety of ways, with multiple possible outcomes and endings depending on the decisions made. This, combined with the game's high degree of replayability, ensures that each playthrough can offer a unique and engaging experience.
While the game has a steep learning curve, and players may find the mechanics and systems initially overwhelming, those who are willing to invest the time and effort to understand the game's intricacies will be rewarded with a deeply engaging and thought-provoking political simulation experience.