Cossacks 3
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Strategy, RTS, war strategy, historical, 18th century, 17th century, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
The third installment in a real-time strategy series, set in a historical setting of the 17th and 18th century. The game was created by the reactivated GSC Game World studio, known for such titles as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. or American Conquest. In terms of the plot, this game is a remake of the first installment, originally released in 2000.
Cossacks 3 for PC is a historical real-time strategy game set between the 17th and 18th century. It is the first production of GSC Game World, the creators of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Cossacks series, since its reactivation in 2014. Despite the fact that the studio didn't manage to assemble the previous team in its entirety, Cossacks 3 was developed mostly by people who worked on the first and second installment of the series. The lead producer role was entrusted to Evgeniy Grigorovich, the creator of the original Cossacks.
Gameplay
Cossacks 3 is, to a large extent, a remake of Cossacks: European Wars from 2001, the first game in the series, which was well-received by players and critics alike, especially in Eastern Europe. The game takes place between the 17th and 18th century. There are twelve different nations to choose from: France, England, Ukraine, Russia or Prussia/Austria, among others. Each country has a unique set of buildings, units and technologies which in total gives 70 types of troops to train, 100 inventions to devise and over 140 various structures to erect. The single player mode offers five extensive campaigns that allow the players to familiarize with the most important events of the aforementioned historical period. Apart from that, we can also perform individual missions in the skirmish mode, in which we can adjust a number of parameters ofthe randomly generated map.
Cossacks 3 is a classical real-time strategy game, so the player’s primary tasks include gathering resources, developing the base and its fortifications, as well as training and commanding the military. One of the title's hallmarks is the possibility of leading grand armies – up to ten thousand units can participate in a single battle. What's important, the production offers a unique AI – instead of simply treating entire squads like single units, as in many games of the genre, we can issue commands to every individual troop on the battlefield. While one or two soldiers cannot win a battle, smaller groups are much more effective in reconnaissance and taking over enemy artillery, workers or buildings. What's more, all combatants are characterized by individual parameters, such as health, morale, combat training, experience or fatigue.
The battles can be fought both on land and at sea. The terrain shape is an important variable for every skirmish. Thanks to skillful use of environment, even a smaller or less armed unit can beat a significantly stronger opponent. For example: mountains and hills provide great cover against artillery fire, whereas placing our ranged troops on higher ground increases their range. Furthermore, the developers implemented a realistic physics system which is responsible for the behavior of cannonballs and standard bullets.
Game modes
The multiplayer of Cossacks 3 for PC allows up to seven people to play simultaneously. They can compete divided into teams or simply on a “free-for-all” basis. It is also possible to let the computer AI control selected factions. The players who are not keen on rushed gameplay and repelling attacks in the initial phases of a match can make use of a counter that prevents any offensive actions for a given period since the start of the game – this gives us a chance to develop our base as well as technology required to send more advanced units into battle.
Technical aspect
The action is presented in a classical isometric view as in many typical real-time strategy games of the 21st century. All models and effects were made in accordance with current standards, so the title looks impressive and appealing.
Cossacks 3 for PC supports modifications and fan expansions of various kinds. The production comes with an editor that was used by the developers themselves. Its capabilities allow to virtually redesign the game by adding new content or remodelling the interface, AI, balance, rules, etc.
Last updated on November 26, 2015
Last Update: October 9, 2016
Cossacks 3 Game Guide
This guide contains a breakdown of all the units, buildings and nations appearing in Cossacks 3. You'll find here useful advice and strategies of running your economy and a detailed description of each of the campaigns.
September 21, 2016
Cossacks 3 review – a sad return to the past
The Cossacks are back, marking their return with the sound of pipes and the roar of cannons. Unfortunately, the third game in the series that is especially popular in Europe comes with the same advantages and disadvantages as it did 16 years ago.
Videos and Screens
[1:33] Cossacks 3 Diplomacy
[1:39] Cossacks 3 Prussia on the defensive
Gamepressure Review
Cossacks 3
The Cossacks are back, marking their return with the sound of pipes and the roar of cannons. Unfortunately, the third game in the series that is especially popular in Europe comes with the same advantages and disadvantages as it did 16 years ago.
PLAY Zine: 6.5 / 10
There’s an inescapable feeling that in a sea of retro titles and remakes the team that made this game felt compelled to offer such an experience to new players, while drawing on the nostalgic memories of the veterans. Compared to what today’s RTS games have to offer, especially when it comes to polish and production, Cossacks 3 feel at the level of browser-based strategy games.
Gaming on PC: 7 / 10 by David Dominguez
Cossacks 3 is a faithful remake of the original game, and strategy fans looking for an old school RTS will enjoy it enormously. Sadly, the game’s AI isn’t as good as one would expect, and massive battles lead to performance issues, even on systems that exceed the game’s recommended system requirements.
NoobFeed: 73 / 100 by Bogdan Robert Mate?
Cossacks 3 is a remake that captures the essence of the original Cossacks but is dragged down by a handful of issues. At the end of the day, Cossacks 3 captures the charm of the original and will definitely tug at some nostalgia strings. If the issues present in this build transfer over to the full release, the gameplay experience will be marred at times.
The main pros of the game
- Classic RTS Experience: Many users appreciate the nostalgic feel and mechanics reminiscent of classic RTS games, particularly the original Cossacks.
- Fun Gameplay: Players find the game enjoyable with engaging mechanics, such as the ability to quickly conquer buildings and manage unlimited armies.
- Variety of Campaigns: The game offers diverse campaigns and allows players to choose from multiple civilizations.
- Economy System: Users praise the game's economy system, which allows for efficient resource management and quicker military focus compared to other RTS games.
- Multiplayer and Team Play: The ability to team up with friends online is a highlight for many players.
The main cons of the game
- Technical Issues: Frequent crashes and bugs are reported, particularly related to the multiplayer functionality and performance on certain systems.
- Pathfinding Problems: Users note that the pathfinding for units can be erratic, leading to frustration during gameplay.
- Limited Innovation: Some players feel that the game does not offer enough new features compared to its predecessor, Cossacks 2, making it feel like an HD remake rather than a new title.
- AI and Unit Diversity: The AI is criticized for being inadequate, especially for artillery and naval units. Additionally, some nations lack unique units, making them feel redundant.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Map Generation and Diversity: There are calls for improved map generation and greater variety in map design.
- Interface Improvements: Some players find the interface cumbersome and suggest enhancements for better usability.
- Resolution and Graphics Options: Users report issues with changing resolution and window mode, particularly on specific hardware setups.
- Accessibility of Information: Recommendations include reworking how bonuses for nations are presented and improving the accessibility of game information for players.
Summary
- Overall, while Cossacks 3 has a solid foundation and a dedicated fan base, it faces challenges with technical stability and a perceived lack of innovation.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 830 votes. 525 players anticipated the game.
Cossacks 3 Summary
Cossacks 3 System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 GHz/Athlon 3000+ 1.8 GHz, 1 GB RAM, graphic card 512 MB GeForce 8800 GT/Radeon HD 2600 or better, 4 GB HDD, Windows XP/7/8/10
Recommended: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2 GHz/AMD FX-6300 3.5 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 560/Radeon 7900 or better, 6 GB HDD, Windows XP/7/8/10
Cossacks 3 to Launch on September 20
Cossacks 3, the next installment in the classic RTS franchise from the creators of S.T.A.L.K.E.R., is coming out on September 20, 2016.
video games
July 20, 2016
The Creators of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Are Working on Cossacks 3
Studio GSC Game World that reactivated late last year is currently working on Cossacks 3. The game will be a classic real-time strategy modelled largely on the first installment in the series. The title is slated for a PC release later this year.
video games
May 19, 2015