Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Reality Pump
- Publishers: JoWooD Productions Software, TopWare Interactive
World War III: Black Gold (2001)
Introduction
World War III: Black Gold is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Black Label Games and published by Ubisoft. It was released for Microsoft Windows in 2001. The game is set in a near-future where the world’s oil reserves have been depleted, leading to a global crisis and the outbreak of World War III.
Gameplay
World War III: Black Gold is a traditional RTS game in which the player controls a faction and must build a base, gather resources, and train units to defeat their opponents. The game features three playable factions: the United States, Russia, and China. Each faction has its own unique units and abilities.
The game’s campaign mode consists of 24 missions, each of which has different objectives. The player must complete the objectives in order to progress through the campaign. The game also features a skirmish mode in which the player can battle against AI opponents or other human players.
Setting
World War III: Black Gold is set in a near-future where the world’s oil reserves have been depleted. This has led to a global crisis and the outbreak of World War III. The game’s story follows the conflict between the United States, Russia, and China as they battle for control of the world’s remaining oil resources.
Reception
World War III: Black Gold received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s graphics, story, and gameplay, while others criticized its repetitive missions and lack of innovation. The game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
World War III: Black Gold is remembered as a solid RTS game with an engaging story and setting. The game’s graphics were also praised for their time. However, the game’s repetitive missions and lack of innovation prevented it from becoming a classic.
In-Depth Analysis
Gameplay
World War III: Black Gold’s gameplay is similar to that of other RTS games. The player must build a base, gather resources, and train units to defeat their opponents. The game’s three playable factions each have their own unique units and abilities.
The United States faction is focused on technology and firepower. Their units are well-equipped and powerful, but they are also expensive to produce. The Russian faction is focused on speed and mobility. Their units are fast and agile, but they are not as powerful as the United States units. The Chinese faction is focused on stealth and deception. Their units are difficult to detect and can inflict heavy damage with their special abilities.
The game’s campaign mode consists of 24 missions, each of which has different objectives. The player must complete the objectives in order to progress through the campaign. The game also features a skirmish mode in which the player can battle against AI opponents or other human players.
Setting
World War III: Black Gold is set in a near-future where the world’s oil reserves have been depleted. This has led to a global crisis and the outbreak of World War III. The game’s story follows the conflict between the United States, Russia, and China as they battle for control of the world’s remaining oil resources.
The game’s setting is well-realized and believable. The developers have done a good job of creating a world that is both familiar and strange. The game’s story is also engaging and suspenseful. The player is constantly on the edge of their seat as they follow the conflict between the three superpowers.
Graphics
World War III: Black Gold’s graphics were praised for their time. The game’s units and environments are all well-detailed and the game’s special effects are impressive. The game’s graphics still hold up well today.
Sound
World War III: Black Gold’s sound is also top-notch. The game’s music is suitably epic and the sound effects are realistic and immersive. The game’s voice acting is also excellent.
Overall
World War III: Black Gold is a solid RTS game with an engaging story and setting. The game’s graphics and sound are also top-notch. However, the game’s repetitive missions and lack of innovation prevented it from becoming a classic.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
