Cossacks 3
Cossacks 3 is a real-time strategy video game for Microsoft Windows made by the Ukrainian developer GSC Game World.[1] The game is a remake of the 2001 game Cossacks: European Wars and is once again set in 17th and 18th century Europe.
Cossacks 3 | |
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Developer(s) | GSC Game World |
Publisher(s) | GSC Game World |
Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, Linux |
Release | September 20, 2016 |
Genre(s) | Real-time strategy |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
The main differences from the old game are the modern 3D graphics capabilities, updated models and textures, dynamic lighting and full support for custom modifications.
Gameplay
The original 12 nations make a return, as well as 70 types of unit, 100 technologies, and over 140 historical buildings.[2] The game features support for up to 8 players (1 more than the original) with armies numbering in the thousands.[3] Revamped game mechanics, a vast selection of unit types, ranged and close quarters combat, terrain bonuses, and a realistic ballistics engine provide the player with an unlimited number of tactical opportunities against both human and AI opponents. The game also reintroduces the flexible customization of random maps.[4]
Development and release
Beta testing began on 22 April 2016,[5] and the game was available worldwide on Microsoft Windows on September 20, 2016.[6] A Linux version was released on June 20, 2017.[7]
The developers have mentioned official modding support and their intention to release the tools used to make the game. They have also stated that they will be working closely with the modding community and aim to add more content to the game after release.
Downloadable content
Days of Brilliance - Released on 13 December 2016, provides a new Polish campaign, new mission, 5 additional historical scenarios, new units for the old nations and two new nations: Denmark and the Netherlands.[8]
Rise to Glory - Released on February 16, 2017, provides second Prussian and Swedish campaigns, new units, snow-covered landscapes, new scenarios, and nations: Bavaria and Saxony.[9]
Guardians of the Highlands - Released on April 12, 2017, it provides the third Scottish campaign, new units, "Personal Assistant" and Scotland for multiplayer game. Add a new soundtrack. Not part of Deluxe Edition.[10]
Path to Grandeur - Published on May 16, 2017, allows to play Turkish and Spanish campaigns, adds sandy landscapes, also add Hungary and Portugal for multiplayer game.[11]
The Golden Age - Released on August 24, 2017. Add a replay of historical battles involving up to 8 players, a Dutch campaign, new single scenarios, a new soundtrack. Also, provide Switzerland and Piedmont for multiplayer game. This DLC was the last of the Deluxe Edition.[12]
Reception
Reception | ||||||
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Cossacks 3 received "mixed or average" reviews from professional critics according to review aggregator website Metacritic - the average mark was 63 out of 100 points.[13]
German GameStar held the same opinion, scoring game at 68 points out of 100. It was said that the new game relies on nostalgia and that the imitation of the first game does not contribute to the development of the game.[14]
References
- "GSC Game World is back in game with popular Cossacks III - May. 28, 2015". KyivPost. 2015-05-28. Retrieved 2020-02-26.
- World, GSC Game. "Cossacks 3". Cossacks 3.
- Content, Saving (2015-05-19). "GSC Game World announces Cossacks 3 for release in late 2015". Saving Content. Retrieved 2020-02-26.
- GSC Game World. "Cossacks 3". Cossacks 3. Retrieved 2020-02-26.
- http://www.cossacks3.com/index.php?lang=en&tab=blog
- Scammell, David (July 19, 2016). "Cossacks 3 releases on PC in September". VideoGamer.com. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
- "Linux version release". steamcommunity.com. June 20, 2017. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
- "Deluxe Content - Cossacks 3: The Golden Age on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 2020-02-26.
- "Steam :: Cossacks 3 :: Cossacks 3: Rise to Glory - Announcement". steamcommunity.com. 2017-01-26. Retrieved 2020-02-26.
- "Expansion - Cossacks 3: Guardians of the Highlands on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 2020-02-26.
- "Deluxe Content - Cossacks 3: Path to Grandeur on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 2020-02-26.
- "Steam :: Cossacks 3 :: Cossacks 3: The Golden Age - Announcement". steamcommunity.com. 2017-08-03. Retrieved 2020-02-26.
- "Cossacks 3 for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
- "Cossacks 3 - Relikt oder Renaissance?". www.gamestar.de (in German). 2016-08-28. Retrieved 2020-02-26.