| Cossacks 3 | |
| Developer: | GSC Game World |
| Publisher: | GSC Game World |
| Platforms: | Microsoft Windows, Linux |
| Released: | 20 September 2016 |
| Genre: | Real-time strategy |
| Modes: | Single-player, multiplayer |
Cossacks 3 is a real-time strategy video game for Microsoft Windows by the Ukrainian developer GSC Game World.[1] It is a remake of the 2001 game and is once again set in 17th and 18th century Europe.
The main differences from the old game are the modern 3D graphics capabilities, updated models and textures, dynamic lighting and full support for mods.
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. 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.[3]
Beta testing began in April 2016,[4] and the game was available worldwide on Microsoft Windows on 20 September the same year.[5] A Linux version was released on 20 June 2017.[6]
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.
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.
German magazine 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 original does not contribute to the development of the game.[9]