Genghis Khan
Koei's Famicom and NES strategy game of Temujin's rise and a four-way contest for Eurasia, read through its manuals.
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Genghis Khan is Koei’s turn-based strategy game of the Mongol conquests1. It came out on the Famicom in Japan in April 1989 and on the NES in North America in January 19902. It ports Aoki Ōkami to Shiroki Mejika: Genghis Khan, a home-computer game that Wikidata dates to 19873. The claims here come from three manuals: the North American NES manual, the Japanese Famicom manual, and the manual for the Sharp X1turbo computer version. Translations from the Japanese manuals are the atlas’s own.
Mongol Conquest starts in winter 1174, with Temujin and 14 Mongol tribes to unite4. World Conquest starts in winter 1205, with 27 Eurasian countries4. World Conquest offers four rulers: Genghis Khan, Richard I of England, Alexius III of Byzantium, and Minamoto no Yoritomo of Japan5. Uniting Mongolia carries the game on into World Conquest, with Temujin as Genghis Khan6. Mongol Conquest is for one player, and World Conquest for up to four, who take turns7.
#How a turn works
A year has four turns, one for each season8. Each turn the player gives three orders in the base country and one in each directly controlled country8. In a country run by a prince, the computer gives the orders and follows the policy the player sends9. The NES main display offers 1410 commands, from Tax and Trade to War and Pass.
Each command needs minimum levels of the lord’s abilities, and a lord who lacks them can’t carry it out11. Lords and princes have six abilities, each capped at 99912. Carrying out an order lowers them, and the Train command raises them again13. A won war adds 30 Leadership, 15 Judgment, 10 Planning, 10 Charm, 20 Body, and 25 Battle14, and a lost one changes nothing.
The seasons drive the economy. Each spring the peasants eat food equal to half the population, everyone ages a year, children may be born, gold taxes come in, and each soldier draws 1 gold in pay15. A food shortfall shrinks the population, and a gold shortfall shrinks the army15. Each fall brings in food and specialty items, in amounts set by the number of laborers in each group16.
#Domestic management
Drafted people work as townspeople, masons, food producers, artisans, or soldiers17. Townspeople set the economy, masons the defenses, food producers the fall food tax, and artisans the specialty items17. The tax rate runs from 1 to 10018, and changing it moves morale. A high tax rate or low morale brings peasant uprisings19. The draft can take up to 50%20 of those not yet drafted. Cold waves strike northern countries in winter, storms strike southern ones in summer, and epidemics strike anywhere in spring and fall21.
#Princes and the family
Princes are generals chosen for loyalty and skill as well as the lord’s sons, and a lord can have up to five22. A son can be made a prince at 10 years23 or older. A daughter of 8 years24 or older can marry a prince, who then carries the family flag and never rebels. A lord can have up to five25 children, born at random each spring and less often as he ages.
If the lord dies in World Conquest, a son 10 or older succeeds him; without one, the game ends26. The Famicom manual adds that the new ruler starts with no empress and no children27.
The Famicom manual has one family command the NES manual lacks28. Ordo (オルド) sends the lord to spend the night with his empress in her tent, by one of four approaches, each with its own ability requirements; the more visits, the likelier a child, up to five29. Each conquered country is a chance at a new empress30. The computer version’s manual describes the same command31. The NES manual’s command list has no Ordo28.
#Diplomacy and spies
The Treaty command asks a country to become a vassal, to pay tribute, or to ally32. Success depends on both countries’ conditions and the lords’ abilities32. An alliance lasts five years33, and neither ally may attack the other. Spies cost 10 gold to scout a country, 50 to wreck its town and castle, and 100 to attack its lord34; a successful attack halves that lord’s abilities.
#Trade
Genghis Khan’s trade runs through three merchants, Chinese, Islamic, and Uighur, who work independently along their own routes35. When one is in the country, the player can sell food and specialty items for gold, or buy food, specialty items, and weapons, at the current market price36. Mercenaries cost the current market rate too; they add soldiers but lower morale, arms, and skill37. The merchants’ list has 1738 goods, food and six weapons among them.
Weapons can’t be resold36. They raise the arms value, which falls every winter and with each intake of recruits39. The Famicom manual says the gain depends on the whole population, not on the number of soldiers40.
The main display shows the current market rate41. The Famicom manual calls it the base rate, says it changes every season, and says a high base rate means high prices42. Each merchant also has his own trading rate, and the buy and sell screens show a table of rates43. Nintendo Power’s NES screenshots show the rate at 101 on one screen and 150 on two others44.
#Battles
Going to war costs gold equal to the number of soldiers taken, plus food for them45. The lord leads the army himself or sends a prince46. On the battlefield the attacker orders every unit, then the defender does, and that ends one day47. A battle may last 30 days for each order left when war was declared, up to 9048.
Moving onto a square costs mobility: 3 on plains, 4 in forest or a town, 5 in mountains or a castle, 6 in desert, and 8 on oceans and lakes49. Forest, mountains, desert, and water also cost soldiers on the march49. Units start a battle with mobility 10 for cavalry and 8 for infantry and archers50. Only infantry can ambush, and only archers can fire on an enemy one square away50. A unit that passes gains 1 mobility, up to 15 for cavalry and 13 for infantry and archers51.
An army wins by destroying the enemy’s command unit or making its commander flee, surrender, or fall in a duel, or when the enemy runs out of food52. An attacker who reaches his last day loses52. A commander may offer one duel per battle53. A refusal lowers the enemy commander’s abilities, and a win that doesn’t capture him brings 20%53 of his soldiers over.
#The NES port
The Famicom and computer manuals describe the same two scenarios, start dates, 14 tribes, 27 countries, and four-player limit54,7. The one difference the manuals show is Ordo, above28.
#History
The computer version’s manual opens with a foreword by producer Shibusawa Kō1. It names Koei’s “historical trilogy” of simulation war games, Nobunaga’s Ambition, Aoki Ōkami to Shiroki Mejika, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and calls this game the second of them reborn1. The NES manual calls Genghis Khan “the latest in a trilogy of historical simulations”55. Wikidata places it second in its series, after the 1985 Aoki Ōkami to Shiroki Mejika and before Genghis Khan II56. Nintendo Power previewed the NES version in early 199057. Its 1993 feature on Koei counted populations that age and die, and a wide variety of trade goods, among the game’s innovations58.
Mechanics
| Mechanic | Kind | How |
|---|---|---|
| Action points | Fixed orders | three orders in the base country and one in each directly controlled country per season |
| Commodity trading | three merchants and 17 goods; one market rate that changes each season | |
| Dynastic succession | Son heir | a son aged 10 or older may inherit in World Conquest |
| Character aging | Lifespan | everyone ages each spring and dies on reaching the end of a lifespan |
| Random events | ||
| Turn order | Side by side | the attacker orders all his units, then the defender, and a day ends |
Every claim about this game, by concept (59)
References
- ^ abcThe computer version's manual opens with a foreword by producer Shibusawa Kō that names Koei's "historical trilogy" (Nobunaga no Yabō Zenkokuban, Aoki Ōkami to Shiroki Mejika, and Sangokushi), calls them simulation war games, and presents this game as Aoki Ōkami to Shiroki Mejika "reborn" as Genghis Khan.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan X1turbo manual (JP)
How we know
光栄が発売している歴史三部作「信長の野望・全国版」「蒼き狼と白き牝鹿」「三国志」などは、…シミュレーション・ウォーゲームです。 … そして、そのひとつ「蒼き狼と白き牝鹿」が、いま、「蒼き狼と白き牝鹿・ジンギスカン」として新たに生まれかわりました。
foreword (はじめに), unnumbered; scan leaf 1 · archived copy ↗ プロデューサー：シブサワ・コウ
foreword (はじめに), signature · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^Koei's Genghis Khan came out on the Famicom in Japan on 20 April 1989 and on the NES in North America in January 1990.WikidataWikidata
How we know
+1989-04-20T00:00:00Z … +1990-01-00T00:00:00Z
Q17190863, P577 statements A94A7FA3 (P400 Q172742, P291 Q17) and DF7306C9 (P400 Q172742, P291 Q49) · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
- ^Wikidata dates Aoki Ōkami to Shiroki Mejika Genghis Khan, the home-computer game the Famicom and NES versions port, to 1987.WikidataWikidata
How we know
+1987-00-00T00:00:00Z
Q17190863, P577 statement 61755FD5 (unqualified, one reference; year precision) · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
- ^ abGenghis Khan has two scenarios. Mongol Conquest starts in winter 1174, with the goal of uniting the 14 Mongol tribes; World Conquest starts in winter 1205, with the goal of unifying 27 Eurasian countries.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
There are two scenarios in Genghis Khan: Mongol Conquest and World Conquest. … Starting Date: Winter of 1174 … To unify the 14 tribes that make up all the Mongol Plains. … Starting Date: Winter of 1205 … unifying the 27 Eurasian countries will be your goal.
p. 5, Scenarios · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^World Conquest offers four rulers, Genghis Khan of the Mongol Empire, Richard I of England, Alexius III of the Byzantine Empire, and Minamoto no Yoritomo of Japan.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Remake history as Genghis Khan of the Mongol Empire, Richard I of England, … III of the Byzantine Empire or Shogun Minamoto Yoritomo of Japan.
p. 5, Scenarios · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^Uniting the 14 tribes advances Mongol Conquest to World Conquest, where Temujin becomes Genghis Khan.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Once you have unified the 14 tribes of Mongolia, you will automatically advance to the World Conquest mode, and become the legendary Genghis Khan, leader of the Mongol Empire.
p. 5, Scenarios · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^ abMongol Conquest is for one player, and World Conquest is for up to four, who take turns as different rulers.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual · Koei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP) · Nintendo Power 10, “Genghis Khan”
How we know
In Mongol Conquest only one may play, in World Conquest up to four.
p. 9, Number of Players · archived copy ↗ ※世界編では最高４人までマルチプレイができます。
p. 5 (PDF p. 7) · archived copy ↗ Up to four players can take turns, assuming the roles of different rulers.
p. 84 · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^ abA year has four turns, one per season; each turn the player gives three orders in the base country and one in each directly controlled country.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual · Koei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
You have one turn for every season of the year, thus four turns per year. You may issue three orders from your base country per turn, one order from each vassal state under direct control.
pp. 5–6, How to Play · archived copy ↗ １年に春・夏・秋・冬の４回、ターン（命令を出す順番）がまわってきます。１ターンにつき、本国では３回、直轄地では１回の命令を出すことができます
p. 5 (PDF p. 7) · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^The computer issues the orders in a prince-controlled country, following the policy the player sends; a directly controlled country takes one order per turn and cannot issue War or Move.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
The computer issues orders. … You may send government policy to these countries with Command <Policy>, but you do not rule them directly. … Some orders, such as War and Move may not be issued from these states. … Only one order may be issued per turn.
p. 6, Types of Countries · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^The NES main display lists 14 commands, Tax, Assign, Give, Train, Trade, People, View, Move, Policy, Treaty, Spy, War, Pass, and Other.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
1 Tax … 5 Trade … 12 War … 13 Pass … 14 Other
pp. 13–14, Main Display Commands table · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^Every command needs minimum levels of the lord's abilities, and a lord who lacks them cannot carry it out.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Every command depends upon several different abilities of your lord, and if he is lacking in any of those abilities, he will be unable to carry out the order.
p. 13, Main Display Commands · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^Lords and princes have six abilities, Leadership, Judgment, Planning, Charm, Body, and Battle, each with a maximum of 999.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual · Koei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
The maximum ability value is 999. There are six types of abilities:
p. 8, Abilities · archived copy ↗ なお、能力の最高値はいずれも999です。
p. 10 (PDF p. 12) · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^Abilities fall each time the lord carries out an order, and the Train command raises them.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Use Command <Train> to increase the value of these abilities, since they will decrease every time you carry out an order.
p. 8, Abilities · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^A lord or prince who wins a war gains Leadership 30, Judgment 15, Planning 10, Charm 10, Body 20, and Battle 25; a lost war changes nothing.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
When a lord or prince goes to war and wins, all his abilities will increase by the following amount: Leadership: 30, Judgment: 15, Planning: 10, Charm: 10, Body: 20, Battle: 25. Ability levels will not change if a war is lost.
p. 20, Command <War> · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^ abEach spring the peasants receive food equal to half the population, everyone ages a year, children may be born, gold taxes come in, and each soldier is paid 1 gold; a food shortfall shrinks the population and a gold shortfall shrinks the army.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
An amount of food equal to half of the total number of people in your country will be distributed to the peasants. If you do not have enough food, the number of people will decrease. … One unit of gold must be paid per soldier. If you don't have enough gold the number of troops will decrease.
p. 22, Game Events, Spring · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^Each fall, food and specialty items come in as taxes, in amounts that depend on the number of laborers in each group.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
In fall, both specialty items and food will be collected as taxes. The amount received will depend on the number of laborers in each group.
p. 22, Game Events, Fall · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^ abThe drafted population works in five groups, townspeople, masons, food producers, artisans, and soldiers; townspeople set the economy, masons the defenses, food producers the fall food tax, and artisans the specialty items.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
townspeople, masons, food producers, artisans and troops
p. 14, Command <Assign> · archived copy ↗ This number influences the amount of food you receive each year in fall as taxes.
p. 12, Country Data · archived copy ↗ The number of masons influences the defensive strength of your country. … The number of artisans influences the number of specialty items produced. … It influences the amount of gold collected in spring and depends on the amount of townspeople.
pp. 12–13, Country Data · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^The tax rate can be set from 1 to 100, and changing it affects morale.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
You may set this level at any rate between 1 and 100, but whether it stays at this rate will depend on your ability levels. Tax rate changes will also affect your morale.
p. 14, Command <Tax> · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^A peasant uprising occurs when the tax rate is high or morale is low.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
This occurs when the tax rate is high or morale is low.
p. 23, Rebellions · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^The draft can mobilize at most 50% of the people not yet drafted, and drafting lowers arms, skill, and morale.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
The maximum percentage of not drafted people available for mobilization is 50%.
p. 15, Command <Train>, People · archived copy ↗ Since these are mostly untrained children and old people, your arms value, skill and morale will decrease with this command.
p. 17, Command <People>, Draft · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^Severe cold waves strike northern countries in winter, major storms strike southern countries in summer, and epidemics strike any country at random in spring and fall.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
This event often occurs in northern countries in winter. … This event often occurs in southern countries in summer. … Sickness will occur randomly in spring and fall, in all countries.
pp. 22–23, Natural Disasters · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^Princes are generals chosen for loyalty and skill as well as the lord's sons, and a lord can have at most five.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Princes are not only sons of the king. They are also generals chosen for their loyalty and skill, capable of ruling a country for their lord. … You may have up to a maximum of 5 princes.
p. 7, Princes · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^A son 10 years or older can be promoted to prince.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Use this command to promote one of your sons, 10 years or older, to the position of prince.
p. 17, Command <People>, Promote · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^A daughter 8 years or older can marry a prince, who then carries the family flag; princes with the family flag never rebel.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual · Koei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
To ensure the loyalty of a prince, marry him to one of your daughters 8 years or older. A family flag will then appear next to his name.
p. 17, Command <People>, Marry · archived copy ↗ Princes who are part of your family (shown by a family flag *) will never rebel against you.
p. 7, Children · archived copy ↗ ８歳以上の女の子は、血縁がない将軍候補に嫁がせることができます。結婚して血縁となった将軍候補は、決して裏切りません
p. 7 (PDF p. 9) · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^The NES manual says children are born at random each spring, less often as the lord ages, and that a lord can have at most five children.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Children will be born randomly every year, but your chances of having children will decrease with old age.
p. 22, Game Events, Spring · archived copy ↗ You may have a maximum of 5 children.
p. 7, Children · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^If the lord dies in World Conquest, a son 10 years or older can succeed him; without one, the game ends.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual · Koei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
If your lord dies in World Conquest while attacking another country, or because of natural causes, you may select an heir from among his children if he has a son ten years or older. Of course if he does not have an heir, the game will end at this point.
p. 7, Lords · archived copy ↗ 世界編において、寿命で死ぬか他国で戦死した場合、10歳以上の息子がいれば、あとを継がせることができます。
p. 7 (PDF p. 9) · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^The Famicom manual says an heir who takes the throne has no empress and no children.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
ただし、あとを継いだ国王には后も子どももいません。
p. 7 (PDF p. 9) · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^ abcThe Famicom manual lists 15 commands, with Ordo seventh; the NES manual lists 14 and has no Ordo.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP) · Koei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
7. オルド：后との間に子供をつくる … 15. その他
p. 24 (PDF p. 26), command list · archived copy ↗ 13. Pass Skip one turn 14. Other Game options
pp. 13–14, Main Display Commands table · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^The Famicom manual lists an Ordo (オルド) command, a night in the tent with the lord's empress, with four approaches that each need different abilities; the more often he goes, the likelier she bears a child, up to five children.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
7. オルド：后との間に子供をつくる
p. 24 (PDF p. 26), command list · archived copy ↗ 従順なとき … 愛を語る … 強引に口説く … 金で歓心を買う … オルドとは帳殿のことで、ここで后と一夜をともにします。オルドの回数が重なると、后が子どもを生む可能性は高まります。
p. 32 (PDF p. 34), 7. オルド · archived copy ↗ オルドでの后との回数に応じ、子どもが誕生します。子どもは最高５人まで持つことができます。
p. 40 (PDF p. 42), events, spring · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
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- ^The Famicom manual says each country taken in war is a chance to bring a new empress into the lord's Ordo, though the country may have none.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
国を攻めとると新しい后を自国のオルドへ迎え入れるチャンスができますが、その国に后がいないこともあります
p. 7 (PDF p. 9) · archived copy ↗ 戦争で国を手に入れるたびに新しい后を迎え入れるチャンスが生じます。
p. 32 (PDF p. 34), 7. オルド · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^The computer version's manual describes the same Ordo command and names it, with promotions and demotions, among the game's "human" commands.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan X1turbo manual (JP)
How we know
オルドとは帳殿のことで、ここで后と一夜をともにします。オルドの回数が累積されると、その后は子供を生む可能性が高まります。
p. 31, 7. オルド · archived copy ↗ 将軍の抜擢や降格などの人事、後継者づくりのためのオルドなど、「人間」に焦点をあててシミュレートしたコマンドを数多く設定して
foreword (はじめに), unnumbered · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^ abThe Treaty command asks a country to become a vassal, to pay tribute, or to ally, and success depends on both countries' conditions and the lords' abilities.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Success will depend on conditions in both states and the ability of the lords.
p. 19, Command <Treaty> · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^An alliance lasts five years, during which neither ally may attack the other.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
This treaty will last for five years, and during this time you may not attack or be attacked by your ally.
p. 19, Command <Treaty>, Ally · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^Spying costs gold, 10 to scout a country, 50 to wreck an enemy's town and castle, and 100 to attack a lord, which halves his abilities if it succeeds.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
For 10 units of gold send a spy to a rival country so you may later use Command <View> to see that country's data. … This spy will destroy the enemy's town and castle, lowering the country's defensive and economic strength. For 50 units of gold the spy will carry out this command once. … The spy will attack an enemy lord for 100 units of gold. If he is successful, that lord's ability levels will be reduced by half.
p. 20, Command <Spy> · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^Three merchants trade in Genghis Khan, Chinese, Islamic, and Uighur, each working independently along its own sales routes.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
There are three types of merchants: the merchants from China, Islam and Uighur. These three types work independently of each other, with different sales routes.
p. 15, Command <Trade> · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^ abWhen a merchant is in the country, the player can sell food and specialty items for gold, buy food, specialty items, and weapons, or hire mercenaries, at the current market rate; weapons raise the arms value and cannot be resold.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
If one or more of these merchants is in the country you wish to trade in, you may deal with him at the current market prices. … b) Buy: You may buy food, specialty items, or weapons from the merchant. Weapons will raise your troops' arms value, but they may not be resold.
p. 16, Command <Trade> · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^Mercenaries are hired at the current market rate; they add soldiers but lower morale, arms, and skill.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Hire mercenaries at the current market rate. This will increase your number of soldiers, but will decrease your morale, arms and skill levels.
p. 16, Command <Trade>, Hire · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^The merchants deal in 17 goods, from fur and silk to pikes and bombs.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual · Koei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
Fur, Ceramics, Daggers, Silk, Glass, Swords, Jewels, Textiles, Axes, Metals, Perfume, Lances, Medicines, Food, Pikes, Woodworks, Bombs
p. 21, Merchant's List · archived copy ↗ 商品は全部で17品目です。
p. 28 (PDF p. 30) · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^Weapons bought from merchants raise the arms value, which falls every winter and whenever new recruits join.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Your arms value will increase when you buy these weapons. It will decrease every winter, and any time you take in fresh recruits.
p. 13, Country Data, Arms · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^The Famicom manual says the rise in arms level from buying weapons depends on the whole population, not on the number of soldiers, and that bought weapons cannot be resold.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
一度買った武器を売ることはできません。また兵士の人数はコマンド２：割当の住民（26ページ）によって変えることができますので、武器を買うことで上昇する武装度は、兵士数ではなく全体の住民数に影響されます。
p. 28 (PDF p. 30), (2) かい · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^The main display shows the current market rate.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
7.Current market rate.
p. 10, Main Display, item 7 · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^The Famicom manual says the base market rate changes every season and governs the merchants' trading rates, so a high base rate means high prices and a low one low prices.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
季節ごとに変動する基本相場。基本相場は商人との取り引きレートに影響し、高いときは物価が高く、低いときは物価が安いことを意味します。
p. 18 (PDF p. 20), main display, item 7 · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^The Famicom manual says each merchant has his own trading rate, merchants are not always present, trades follow the market rate of the moment, and the Sell and Buy screens show a table of rates.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
商人には中国商人・イスラム商人・ウイグル商人がおり、それぞれ独自の取引レートを持っています。国に商人がいるときには、食糧・特産品の売買と武器の購入、兵士の雇用ができますが、商人はいつもいるわけではありません。取引はそのときの相場にしたがっておこなわれ、⑴売、⑵買では相場の一覧表が表示されます。
p. 28 (PDF p. 30), 5. 商人 · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^Nintendo Power's screenshots of the NES version show the market rate at 101 on one screen and 150 on two others.MagazineNintendo Power 10, “Genghis Khan”
How we know
Rate 101 … Rate 150 … Rate 150
p. 84, screenshots · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
- ^Going to war costs gold equal to the number of soldiers taken, plus food for them.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Before going to war you must pay an amount of gold equal to the number of soldiers you take. You must also take food for your soldiers.
p. 20, Command <War> · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^The lord can lead a war himself or send a prince in his place.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
You may either go to war yourself, or send one of your princes to battle in your place.
p. 20, Command <War> · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^In battle the attacker gives orders to all of his units, then the defender to all of his, and one day ends.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual · Koei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
After both sides have deployed, the attacking side will issue orders to all of his units. The defending side then follows suit, with one day ending after both sides have given orders to all of their units.
p. 27, Combat · archived copy ↗ １ターンは１日にあたり、各部隊に命令を１回ずつ出せます。
p. 5 (PDF p. 7) · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^A battle may last 30 days for each order the attacker had left when he declared war, up to 90 days.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
You may battle 30 days for each order that remained, thus you could battle up to 90 days if you had 3 orders left.
p. 27, Combat · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^ abMoving onto a battlefield square costs 3 mobility on plains, 4 in forest or a town, 5 in mountains or a castle, 6 in desert, and 8 on oceans and lakes; forest, mountains, desert, and water also cost soldiers on the march.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual · Koei, Genghis Khan Famicom manual (JP)
How we know
Plains are simple flat land. Necessary mobility: 3. … Necessary mobility: 4. … Necesary mobility: 5. … Necessary mobility: 6. … Necessary mobility: 8.
p. 25, Topographical Map · archived copy ↗ (5)海（湖） 移動すると著しく兵士数が減少します。 必要機動力・８
p. 46 (PDF p. 48) · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^ abCavalry start a battle with 10 mobility and infantry and archers with 8; only infantry can ambush, and only archers can fire on an enemy one square away.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Initial mobility: 10. … This unit is the only one capable of ambushing. Its fighting ability is average. Initial mobility: 8. … archers are able to fire on an enemy one square away. Initial mobility: 8
p. 26, Unit Type · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^A unit that passes gains 1 mobility, up to 15 for cavalry and 13 for infantry and archers.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
Every time you give this order, the troops' mobility will go up by 1, since they will get a chance to rest. The maximum mobility value is 15 for cavalry and 13 for infantry and archers.
p. 31, Battlefield Command <Pass> · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^ abAn army wins when the enemy's command unit is destroyed, its commander flees, surrenders, or is captured in a duel, or it runs out of food; an attacker who reaches his last day loses, and if both armies die together the defender keeps the country.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
a) The other army's command unit is destroyed. b) The enemy commander flees. c) The enemy runs out of food. d) The enemy commander surrenders. e) The enemy commander is captured in a duel. … The attacking side will also lose the battle if it reaches its maximum number of allotted days for battle. … If both armies are destroyed simultaneously, the defending side will remain in possession of the country, and the attacking commander will be captured.
p. 27, Conditions for Victory · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^ abA commander may challenge the enemy to one duel per battle; a refusal lowers the enemy's abilities, and a win that fails to capture him brings 20% of his soldiers over.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
but you may only challenge the enemy to a duel once per battle. … If the enemy refuses your challenge, his abilities will go down. … If you are unable to take him prisoner, 20% of the his soldiers will come over to your side.
p. 30, Battlefield Command <Attack>, Duel · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^The computer version's manual describes the same two scenarios, starting in winter 1174 and winter 1205, with the same 14 tribes, 27 countries, and four-player limit.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan X1turbo manual (JP)
How we know
○スタート：1174年冬 … プレイヤーは14の諸部族のひとつモンゴル族の族長（テムジン）を担当します。 ※モンゴル編はシングルプレイになります。 … ○スタート年：1205年冬 … プレイヤーは27ヶ国のうち … ※世界編では最高４人までのマルチプレイが可能です。
pp. 6–7, II-1 ゲームの概要 · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^The NES manual introduces Genghis Khan as "the latest in a trilogy of historical simulations" from Koei.ManualKoei, Genghis Khan NES manual
How we know
With Genghis Khan, the latest in a trilogy of historical simulations, Koei gives you the chance to make the legend reality.
p. 1, Introduction · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Checked by a second AI model, 2026-10-27.
- ^Wikidata numbers Genghis Khan second in the Aoki Ōkami to Shiroki Mejika series, after the 1985 Aoki Ōkami to Shiroki Mejika (Q55260124) and before Genghis Khan II (Q2345478).WikidataWikidata
How we know
Q842765 … P1545 … Q55260124 … Q2345478
Q17190863, P179 Q842765 with qualifiers P1545 (2), P155, and P156 · archived copy ↗ +1985-00-00T00:00:00Z
Q55260124, P577 · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
- ^Nintendo Power previewed the NES version in its January/February 1990 issue.MagazineNintendo Power 10, “Genghis Khan”
How we know
It is Spring in the year 1206. As the infamous warrior, Genghis Khan, you have taken it upon yourself to achieve World Conquest.
p. 84 · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
- ^Nintendo Power's 1993 feature on Koei's games counted populations that age and die and a wide variety of trade goods among Genghis Khan's innovations.MagazineNintendo Power 47, “The Koei Connection”
How we know
Other innovations include populations that age and die and a wide variety of trade goods.
p. 90, "Genghis Khan" box · archived copy ↗ The quote matches our archived copy.
Sources
Primary
- Koei. 1988. “蒼き狼と白き牝鹿・ジンギスカン (Aoki Ōkami to Shiroki Mejika: Genghis Khan), Sharp X1turbo manual.” Koei (光栄). original · archived · licence, all uses
- Corporation, Koei. 1990. “Genghis Khan: Instruction Manual (NES-GX-USA).” Koei Corporation (Burlingame, California). original · archived · licence, all uses
- Koei. 1989. “蒼き狼と白き牝鹿・ジンギスカン 取扱説明書 (Aoki Ōkami to Shiroki Mejika: Genghis Khan, Famicom manual, KOE-GX).” Koei (光栄). original · archived · licence, all uses
Secondary
- Wikidata contributors. 2026. “Wikidata.” Wikimedia Foundation. original · licence, all uses
- Nintendo Power editors. 1990. “Genghis Khan from Koei.” Nintendo Power, no. 10 (January/February 1990), p. 84. Nintendo of America. original · archived · licence, all uses
- Nintendo Power editors. 1993. “The Koei Connection.” Nintendo Power, vol. 47 (April 1993), pp. 86–90. Nintendo of America. original · archived · licence, all uses