Zhongguo, a DOS game was released by the very talented group Forward Tronic in 1995. Little did they know that they will end up making history. Play this game again here.
Economic strategy from a little-known Chinese developer of games, and the historical aspect is paid, in my opinion, even more attention than economic. You can even say: this is the Chinese game about China with the mighty name – the Everlasting Empire China. And her Chinese name looks a lot easier -中國 (Trad. – 中國, of simplified. – 中国, pallad. – Zhongguo). It literally translates as "Middle Kingdom". Yes, most often it is those first two characters that learns brave newbie trying to begin studying the great and mighty language, which still uses a ideographic writing system, while the rest of the world uses either alphabetic or syllabic. Don't worry, I was just about the Chinese language...
It seems that in this strategy, the developers of most of their creative energy invested in the animated Intro splash screen than the graphics of the main game. I've seen a lot of Chinese games (and they were all good), but this beautiful drawing graphics is still not met. All drawings are still executed hieroglyphic inscriptions realized with a beautifully calligraphic style will be deprived, but in a more ancient version of the style. After the introductory "frame" the surprise – the Pantheon of the legendary emperors of Ancient times, ranging from the mythical Huang Di (the Yellow Emperor). Their gorgeous portraits accompany a vertically oriented texts with gilded hieroglyphs describing the great stages of their life journey and achievements. At the beginning of the Pantheon are mythical emperors, and then actually historically existed. Among the "mythical" I have noticed of Emperor shun Di (just my knowledge of the history of Ancient China end...). Yes, and the striking number of portraits – 74. Here you have historical benefits! I really "broke" in the first twenty...
Before the game, you can choose any of the two modes of play: calendar of historical events or of the probability of generation of events. Followed by a choice of difficulty levels, and each level may correspond to a legend about the journey of one of the ancient mythical Emperor. Next is the choice of who to play: this is the first of three of the most ancient emperors of China. There is even the opportunity to choose their own name and the names of their cities by simply entering a few characters from the table to 260 characters. And more for place names and proper names in the Chinese language is not required.
In fact, the game is a turn-based strategy. You can move to build their cities. In the cities, the development of appropriate "sectors" of economic activity. Along the way you will meet different surprises. One of these surprises are "technology". Yes, it should be said that chronologically, you start the game just behind the curtain of the stone age. All the basic technological breakthroughs, namely: processing of metals, domestication of animals, writing, account, construction, etc. - displayed in strict chronological order. After a few "innovative" jerks you'll already be able to establish his own fortress. Just never go too far from your Outpost. Remember that walking around some more of the same as you, "emperors"...
Yes, it is different this game can be classified as a simulator of the Emperor of Ancient China. And the problem you face is serious: go from the stone age to create the first powerful Empire in China. Probably even "leap from the plow to the A-bomb" can seem much more straightforward. But only serious obstacle in this game is traditional Chinese. Then all the hieroglyphs and additionally historical specifics. So I can recommend this game as a guide for persons studying the history and culture of this, without a doubt, a great country.
Play your favorite childhood game Zhongguo online in your browser for free here.
Source: Archive.org
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