First off, No, this is NOT a political thread, technically. Second, I understand it's not a perfect analogy, it's a rough one to put it best. However I am only regarding the things that are similar between the two entities. Third, I am mostly referring to China BEFORE 1912, or 1949 if you prefer. Right, let's get to it. I want to pose a question to you all, Could China be the Rareware of Civilizations? Let's begin with the most obvious comparison. After it's humble beginnings making a variety of games for the NES, Under Nintendo Rareware developed a stellar line of games such as Banjo Kazooie (and its sequel), Donkey Kong Country and Conker's bad fur day. Somewhat similarly, after being united under Zhao Zheng (Later known as Qin Shi Haung) over the centuries under various dynastic rulers some of the most prominent technological advancements originated in china, from the compass to gunpowder to paper money to movable type printing to name an obvious few. Now for the second similarity, the fall. For Rareware, this could be said to be the acquisition by Microsoft. Sure with Starfox adventures it may have been in decline but Microsoft basically sealed it's fate. No longer do we see the stellar, original works made by Rareware, now called Rare ltd. All we get now are silly Wii Sport ripoffs (Correct m If I'm wrong btw) Similarly, before and during World war II, China was in decline, then in 1949 Mao Zedong went ahead and overthrew the republican government at the time...and then proceeded to almost ruin the country. Great leap forward anyone? Well that's really all I got, it could also be said that Rare's harsh work environment could be similar to Qin Shi Huang's harsh dictatorial rule, but I'm not too sure. I'd like to know the comparisons you have, just go ahead and say them if you have any.