People's General focuses on modern conflict in Asia between 20 countries, principally the United States, China and Russia.

[citation needed] The original campaigns and scenarios expanded on this premise with a more detailed background story provided by SSI via an introductory video.

Most of these are based on the idea that China grows increasingly powerful, runs low on resources and sets out to conquer Asia.

The Western Alliance led by the USA hopes to stop China but the conflict becomes World War III covering all of Asia plus Russia.

[9] The game was named the best wargame of 1998 by CNET Gamecenter, whose staff highlighted its relevant subject matter, its ease of use, and its enjoyable gameplay.

[12] PC Gamer US and GameSpot both nominated the game in this category, but it lost the awards to The Operational Art of War Vol.

[13][14] The staff of PC Gamer praised The People's General's graphics, game's interface, and new aerial sub-routine.