Modern War #12: Dragon vs Bear – China vs Russia in the 21st Century is an operational-level two-player wargame simulating a near-future conflict between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation. Building upon SPI’s classic East Is Red system, this updated design integrates the evolving nature of modern warfare — from precision-guided munitions and information dominance to cyberwarfare and Hyperwar technologies.

• Scenario Premise: In a world of shifting alliances and dwindling resources, China and Russia clash for dominance across Eurasia. Despite smaller standing forces than during the Cold War, both nations possess cutting-edge arsenals and advanced command systems. Players command their nations’ forces in a series of scenarios that imagine how such a war could erupt — from border skirmishes and limited campaigns to a full-scale confrontation involving land, air, and weapons of mass destruction. Victory is achieved by capturing key objectives and breaking the opponent’s ability to fight.
• Gameplay & Objectives:
  • Chinese Player: Commands the People’s Liberation Army, deploying vast but mobile mechanized formations and leveraging superior manpower and industrial capacity.
  • Russian Player: Leads a smaller but heavily armed force with advanced armour, long-range artillery, and integrated electronic warfare capabilities.
  Each side must master Hyperwar — the integration of cyber, space, and advanced strike technologies — to achieve dominance. Players will need to balance aggressive offensives with logistical planning and manage the political risks of escalation.
• Game System & Design: Dragon vs Bear uses an evolved version of the East Is Red system, updated to model modern warfare’s speed, range, and lethality.
  • Operational-level combat emphasizing land and airpower.
  • Naval forces are abstracted, assuming a strategic stalemate at sea.
  • Modern unit types include mechanized brigades, attack helicopters, jet squadrons, missile units, and electronic warfare formations.
  • Hyperwar mechanics allow rapid technological and information warfare strikes that can alter the course of battle.
  Players must manage resources, operational tempo, and readiness across multiple fronts while facing the constant threat of escalation.
• Strategic Features:
  • Multiple “what-if” scenarios exploring causes and outcomes of a modern Sino-Russian war.
  • Introduces Hyperwar capabilities — cyber, space, and advanced precision operations.
  • Dynamic combat system combining land and air operations.
  • Models modern command, control, logistics, and morale factors.
  • Fast-paced yet deeply strategic gameplay reflecting near-future military doctrines.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map covering key Eurasian theatres of conflict
• 228 die-cut counters representing Chinese, Russian, and Hyperwar-capable formations
• Rulebook featuring multiple scenarios and optional rules for escalation
• Player aids, setup charts, and combat reference sheets

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Brigade / Division
Hex: N/A
Map: 22” x 34” full-colour operational map
Counters: 228 pieces

Gameplay Focus: Dragon vs Bear captures the intensity of 21st-century conventional and hybrid warfare between two global powers. It blends traditional military simulation with futuristic combat technologies, offering players a glimpse into what a real-world Sino-Russian war might look like in the near future.

Modern War #12: Dragon vs Bear – China vs Russia in the 21st Century is ideal for players interested in modern geopolitics, advanced warfare, and operational-level military simulations.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s leading source for modern and historical wargames. Includes price-match guarantee and fast domestic shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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