Epoch VIII Variant

[J.L.Robert]

I've often thought about trying to develop an Epoch VIII variant for this game, bringing the timeline up to the modern age.

I figured it would feature the following:

United Kingdom
Germany
Japan
United States
Soviet Union
PR China
India (?)
Minor Kingdom: Arab League (Egypt) or Argentina

My only concern would be the number of figures each would receive.

I would welcome any comments or opinions on this, or if anyone else has tried this already.

[DocD]

Several people have done a Epoch 8, including me. I used the following:

UK
Imperialist Japan
Nazi Germany
African Nations
PR China
USSR
USA
EU





Minors- India, Israel

[J.L.Robert]

Thanks for the reply.

Would the nations go in the order you listed? I had listed mine in turn order, showing the order each nation was dominant in relation to the others.

I had considered an African starting group, but since the region has had little unity or cohesion, it was difficult justifying an "Empire" along the lines of the other Great Powers represented in this Epoch. The EU, while a good selection, draws the game back to a Euro-Centrist focus, which the world has actually drifted away from since WWII. I figured India would be a good choice, as they are the least delveloped nation of the Nuclear Family, and its future has truly yet been seen. It's role in Epoch VIII would serve more as the near future.

As for Minors, I've considered Argentina mainly because it would put some activity back in South America. Israel is a fine choice, but I decided with the Arab League more for flavor reasons rather than personal or political preferences (and since there's already the Kingdom card in the game).

Reading the other threads here on possible Epoch VIII variants, I'm trying NOT to radically change the game, the map, or anything else. This is a straight addition to the existing game. I can justify different players being the UK or the US on different turns, representing changes in public opinions and/or governments. Germany, the Soviet Union and the PRC were, obviously, completely different governments than were present in Epoch VII.

My concern now would be determining unit counts for all of the countries. Any ideas?

[DocD]

Why have the USSR go after the US?

[J.L.Robert]

Why have the USSR go after the US?

The US was the dominant force immediately after WWII. The Soviets ultimately bankrupted themselves chasing after the US, trying to surpass American accomplishments in any endeavor they felt they could be competetive. Communist movements, oftentimes sponsored by the Soviet Union, were the prime movers in activities in Southeast Asia, Central Africa and Central America, with the US put in a defensive, reactionary role.

I'd probably ultimately give the Soviets a small unit count (8 or 10, I'd figure), to represent the resources they had to expend to simply establish a presence in so many parts of the world.

[DocD]

I would agree with your assessment of the USSR's influence during the Cold War, however, they lost. USA should go last to show the spreading nature of democracy throughout the world and the rejection of communism.

[J.L.Robert]

I would agree with your assessment of the USSR's influence during the Cold War, however, they lost. USA should go last to show the spreading nature of democracy throughout the world and the rejection of communism.

Yes, the Soviet Union collapsed; hence the small unit count (I'm presuming the USA have 18-20 units, representing the "Arsenal of Democracy").

While the USA currently is doing much globally, other nations are gaining influence around the world as well. It is an interesting consideration of where to put the USA (or which USA you would want to have represented).

Since this game scores as each player completes his/her turn, where the USA goes in the Turn Order doesn't necessarily matter too much. However, other nations have had their period of global influence come since the birth of the American Superpower (and, arguably, eroding away at the influence of the USA), so I would still lean towards having those nations go after the USA.

[Texas Time Traveler]

I like the idea of an Epoch VIII, but I would definiatly not use Argentinia as a minor Empire. Brazil would take that honor over Argentinia I think in the modern age if what your trying to do is spread influence evenly over the board.

The fact is several nations could be considered minor kingdoms, Austrailia, Isreal, France, and Saudi Arabia.

[Texas Time Traveler]

And don't forget Korea.

[DocZ]

My end game varient is here:

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/fileinfo.php?fileid=16268