


While warfare here is a letdown due to obtuse AI, complex expansion systems and interesting tech tree options make up for it. Random catastrophes and willful citizens can net or cost you a win that seemed a given. Generally, Oriental Empires is one of the best games if you’re looking to be surprised, even if a surprise could turn out frustrating. In a callback to 4X’s board gaming roots, Oriental Empires uses the WEGO system, where all players resolve their turns simultaneously, offering some welcome suspense. This is best 4X to go with if you’re looking for a game focusing on Chinese history the way Aggressors does for Ancient Rome, especially with the Three Kingdoms and Genghis DLC.
