Board Game Arena

I played this game several years ago. My brother and me both thought Japan ist definetly the weakest faction. The others are approximately equal strong. (Without Expansions)

Did we play Japan wrong or does anyone also think this?

We think that Japan is quite strong in a 1 vs 1 match.
This faction suffers a lot when more players are around.
More players mean more swords — and you quickly become the most favorable target.

In a 1 vs 1, always go for trade agreements; they will get you your victory points.
Never deploy a single samurai — it’s not worth the resources.

seems like the Romans require significant interference to keep them from running away with the game. razing might work early, but later only gives them free wood. Egypt would run away with the late game except their deck is burdened with a number of significant interactive cards seemingly meant as a direct check on Rome. Chariot Builders or Oasis are strong early, but almost dead weight to Egypt late game. Temple of Ra and Desert could potentially shut down Rome's explosive last turn, but Egypt has to spend resources on those. resources that could otherwise have gone to actions that actually gain points. and drawing them at the wrong time can slow their economy.

it might be that it all comes down to not allowing anyone to enact their strategy unchallenged.