Oriental Empires

Oriental Empires is a strategy game set in ancient China. You lead a city or tribe from the dawn of Chinese history, growing a settlement into an empire by developing its land, culture and cities, raising armies and fighting wars. Your goal is to become the universally recognized Son of Heaven and ruler of the world, gaining recognition from other factions through military force or diplomacy.

Factions and expansion

You can play as one of 24 factions, each with its own bonuses or penalties. Develop settlements by constructing buildings and shaping the surrounding landscape, and build markets and ports to support trade by land and water. A research tree covers technology as well as cultural, philosophical and religious development. Leaders, sieges, unrest and rebellion, and Authority and Culture ratings also affect your quest for dominance.

The map and battles

The game takes place on a rendered map of China and Mongolia, with mountains, forests, plains and deserts. A seamless zoom lets you move in close to review your troops and see peasants working, or pull back for a strategic overview. You plan battle orders and formations, then end your turn to watch your armies carry them out, with hundreds or thousands of soldiers fighting on the map.

The animated 3D forces include infantry, cavalry, chariots, artillery and naval units, with variations in the models' faces and clothing. Skilled armies and reinforcements follow the orders and formations you set.

Rule as emperor

As emperor, you set edicts, laws and decrees to balance power and enter a new era, bringing new technologies and military units that change the game.

Multiplayer

Multiplayer supports up to 15 players. You can conquer alongside allies or betray them.