Nippon: Zaibatsu is an enhanced edition of the original Nippon, a fast-paced, area-majority economic strategy game set in Japan during the Industrial Revolution. In this game, players take on the roles of powerful zaibatsu, vast conglomerates of interconnected companies that shape the nation’s economy.
Throughout the game, players invest in emerging industries, construct factories and railroads, and produce goods to saturate local markets and fulfill contracts. The goal is to expand influence and power, ultimately aiming to become the dominant force in a rapidly modernizing Japan.
Players have the freedom to pursue different strategies and playstyles. They can determine how to earn victory points, control the pacing through income turns, and compete to secure the most advantageous factories, markets, and bonuses.
While retaining the core mechanics of the original Nippon, Zaibatsu introduces updated components, artwork, and design elements, aligning the game with modern trends. Notable improvements include new resource types, revised ships with updated Iwakura mission rules, more diverse factory options, and the addition of consolidation turns that offer new rewards. The game also features an automa-driven solo mode, allowing for a rich solo experience.