Underplayed Gems

First Sino-Japanese War (2026)

First Sino-Japanese War cover
Developer
January Desk
Platforms
Windows
Genres
Simulation, Strategy, Free To Play, Early Access
Rating
3.9 of 5, 9 player ratings
Typical playtime
about 23 minutes
Where to get it
Steam
The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A deliberate, historically grounded naval wargame where you manage both tactical engagements and strategic layers with turn-based or real-time pacing.

simulationstrategictacticalhistoricalmethodicaleducationalfree

What players say

Players describe this free Early Access wargame as a bare-bones prototype with genuine potential, noting its rare subject matter. However, some find the UI confusing and the learning curve steep, while others praise its detailed naval combat reminiscent of Rule the Wave.

Screenshots

First Sino-Japanese War screenshot 1First Sino-Japanese War screenshot 2First Sino-Japanese War screenshot 3First Sino-Japanese War screenshot 4First Sino-Japanese War screenshot 5First Sino-Japanese War screenshot 6

More games like this

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.