World War III: Black Gold
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For more topics on World War III, please use World War Three (disambiguation)
World War III: Black Gold is a computer game that is not heard of much by Reality Pump and JoWood Productions. You can play as Iraq, Russia, or the United States. You start out with a basic unit and buy shafts to pump oil which automatically turns into money which can be used to fund your war. You then build a landing zone and airport to get more advanced units and a supply depot to give your units ammunition. Then you mass up and war. There are many features like air strikes, bomber strikes, underground tunnels, and many interesting campaigns.
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[edit] System requirements
- Windows 95 or higher
- Pentium II or higher
- 64 RAM
- Mouse
- 3D Graphic Accelerator
- 4x CD ROM Drive
- Direct X 8.0
- 800 MB hard drive
[edit] Plot
The political crisis has been growing for months. A wave of demonstrations has broken out around the world. The pieces of information released through the mass media hardly reveal half of the seriousness of the situation. And it’s all because of...
In a secret session of the Central Geological UN Commission it is revealed that worldwide oil stocks have plummeted to dangerously low levels. If consumption remains at current levels, oil reserves will run out within 10-15 years. This proves too short for even the most highly industrialized countries to switch their economies over to alternative energy sources. Lack of oil leads to a total crash of the world economy, transportation systems, and international banking system and, finally, ushers in a period of anarchy and chaos.
In October 2001, the UN General Assembly drafted a resolution calling for the takeover of all world oil reserves and placed their control firmly in UN hands. The stated goal was to bring mankind out of the oil crisis with a minimum of pain.
The OPEC countries response was to call for a Jihad or holy war and quickly began building up their arms supplies.
The UN then passed another resolution calling for the forcible capture of all oil reserves, starting with those in the Middle East. In November 2001 the first NATO fleet hit the shores of the Persian Gulf...
[edit] USA
The US is a leading economic and military power. Her capacity for production and war making is huge. With a well-organized General Staff, most actions are meticulously planned and thought out. A large group of scientists and engineers are always ready and waiting to work on the latest technologies and can turn ideas into reality in surprisingly short times. Thanks to a network of diplomatic contacts and a well-staffed secret service, the Americans can study future battle areas well in advance of the fighting. The biggest problem is conducting a war thousands of kilometers away from the homeland. This calls for logistics of the first order. Indeed, the American war effort is primarily a question of transport, supply and movement.
[edit] Russia
Despite immense internal problems, Russia is still a military power, which must be treated with respect. Its huge military potential, built up during the Cold War, still poses a serious danger, and thus makes Russia one of the few great powers capable of decisively influencing world politics. The Russians currently possess inexpensive, reliable weaponry. In more than just a few cases, Russian equipment can measure up with that used by NATO. Constant shortages of money for equipment repair and modernization, as well as the neglected scientific research have led to organizational problems in the general staff and a freeze on new armaments. Russian vehicles are uncomplicated in their construction and operation, as neither evacuation nor repair has been planned for. If possible, vehicles are fixed on the spot by the crew, which means that all Russian tank drivers need to be good repairmen as well.
[edit] Iraq
Iraq is no great power. It is part of the conflict thanks to its geographical location. Both the hated USA as well as Iraq's former ally, Russia, would like to turn Iraq into a pawn and use her to further their own interests. The Iraqi army is large, but suffers a shortage of modern equipment, and, in many cases, any equipment at all. What little it possesses dates back to an earlier epoch. Only in very isolated instances can it compare to what the Russians and Americans are using. Up until Desert Storm Iraq was one of the largest weapon buyers in the world. Back then, Iraq had a number of contacts to leading arms producers from Russia, Germany, France, Great Britain and the USA. After the war, there were still enough foreign companies willing to break the embargo for the right price. The strength of the Iraqi army lies in its incomparable fanaticism and pure hatred for the enemy (best example - the kamikaze units). Furthermore, the Iraqis know the terrain better than anybody, have implemented their camouflage perfectly, know how to locate oil reserves and quickly exploit them.
[edit] US
The USA is a leading economic and military power. However, in the game, the enemy units are a formidable match. The Russians have cheaper units which aren't as good. The Iraqis have developed camouflage nets which can be a pain when you don't have radar.
[edit] Armed Units
- M1025A2 HMMWV
Basic Unit in the US arensal. Fast and mobile, it can attack small enemy vehicles and unarmed vehicles. It can even provide a crude anti-air barrier. For better AA, you can build hummers equipped with FIM-92s or for long range bombing, use the mortar. It can even be a portable jammer with the electronic warfare device.
- M2 Bradley
The infantry fighting vehicle of the US Army, these can be mass produced and sent to attack the enemy base from lakes/oceans. This tank should always be used in large numbers or sent in small numbers to scout. I would recommend the Camcopter or the Hummer to scout.
- M1A2 Abrams
The backbone of the US Army, this tank packs enough firepower to take out a base. When used nicely, it will cause severe damage to the enemy. Can be equipped with FCR to extend the visibility range.
- AMX Leclerc
This is the most modernized tank in the game. Its automatic reload system allows it to rapidly punch shells into the enemy, turning them into useless scrap. It is also the only tank able to fire upon aircraft. The only drawback is that it is very expensive and cannot be massed. It can easily be used to take out small light armor divisions as for most shells bounce harmlessly off.
- M109 Paladin
US slef-propelled, it packs a large punch to the enemy structures. If used effectively, it can even take out heavily armed units. The operators use sight to see their targets and attacks from extremely long range.
- MIM-104 Patriot
The the anti-missile missile unit of the US, it is a mobile AM launcher. However, it requires power plants nearby to operate. It usually is a moving vehicle and when a missile is detected, it can be used into SEIGE mode to attack incoming missiles. Carries 4 Patriot missiles.
- AH-1 Cobra
A light gunship, this helicopter can be used as a recon unit or massed up as a very effective AA unit capable of wrecking havoc onto the enemy lines and base. Very vulnerable to AA fire and will be shot down after taking 2-3 missiles.
- AH-64D Apache
The most modernized helicopter, it packs the biggest and baddest missiles ever. Capable of using ATGMs to track and take out moving land targets (homes) or FFARs to take out non-moving structures. Is still vulnerable and can be shot down after taking 2-6 missiles.
- RAH-66 Comache
The stealth heicopter, it cannot be detected unless a radar is nearby. It can use AGM and AGR missiles too but not as much capabilities as the AH-64.
[edit] Unarmed Units
- Challenger
This unit repairs friendly units. It is very vulnerable. Can upgrade filter on your troops.
- M113 APC
This unit can be massed and be used as an amphibious troop assault. Just send them to the enemy and activate auto capture. Can be destroyed after 2-4 shell hits. After assaulting the enemy structure a few times, it becomes yours.
- Miner
Plants and destroys enemy mines. Has no arms.
- Engineering Unit (Challenger)
Can be used to raise/lower the terrain, flatten/ roughen the ground and even build a wall around your base.
- Camcopter
The spy unit of the US, it is cheap to use and effective.
- UH-60 Blackhawk
Supplies your troops with ammo by carrying it from the supply depot to the designated unit(s).
- CH47D Chinook
Carries units over lakes/mountains. Can also air-bridge all units in an area to another area. Can also drop the unit (poor thing :() over another enemy to cause some splash damage.
[edit] Armed Structures
- Pillbox
Fires AGM missiles at incoming land targets wrecking havoc and chaos upon the enemy lines. Heavy armor makes it resistant to some of the most persistent attacks.
- Turret
This is the AA structure of the USA. Fires STINGER missiles at enemy air targets and shoots em down fast. Very vulnerable and can be destroyed by rockets/missiles/or just plain shell/MG fire.
- Nest
A classic barricade used for years, it is a MG mounted inside a lightly fortified structure. Good for light MG carrying units. Cannot withstand much fire. Can be massed to create a good effect and be placed next to enemy bases for siege effect.
[edit] Unarmed Structures
- Shaft
This structure pumps oil to make money. America's oil pumpers are efficient.
- Power Generator
This structure generates power to supply your base and defense/tactical strike positions.
- Air Port
This structure allows the creation of large and heivily armored units such as tanks.
- Landing Zone
A small and inexpensive landing zone allows spawning of small lightly armored units such as trucks and jeeps.
- Supply Center
A must for ever player, this structure supplies ammo, also the home base of supply helicopters.
- Radar
This structure allows the viewing of hidden units such as camoflauged Iraqi units.
- Jammer
Blocks signals and limits communication for the enemy.
- Rocket Control
This is a high tech unit which has the ability to charge up a tactical missile launch (aka nuke). It is very vulnerable and needs a local power genenerator to functionion.
- Bomb Control
This is a high tech unit which has the ability to charge up a bombing run. It is very vulnerable and needs a local power generator.
- Air Attack Control
This is a high tech unit which has the ability to charge up an air strike.. It is very vulnerable and needs a local power generator.
[edit] Russia
Despite immense internal problems, Russia is still a military power, which must be treated with respect. The large amount of equipment and the good men to use then can come in handy. The troops are very cheap and effective. I would recommend for you to use Russia first. Russia also has a good artillery system.
[edit] Armed Units
- UAZ-469
The Russian version of the Jeep, this vehicle is durable in any weather condition and carries a light MG mount.
- 2S3 Akatsia
This self propelled artillery piece can lob shells over 4 kilometers.
- T-80
This tank serves as the backbone of the Russian army. It can be mass produced and will be devastating to the enemy.
- BTR-60PB
This tank is the amphibious assault craft in the Russian army. It carries a light turret with an MG mounted on top.
- BM-21 Rocket Artillery
This is the medium range artillery piece with a rapid rate of fire. It can be fitted with biological/conventional rockets.
- ZRK-SD Romb
This can be considered as one of the world's most advanced anti-air missiles capable of striking mental fear into pilots. It is an alround good vehicle. Its only drawback is its limited munition capacity.
- ZSU-23-4 Shilka
This is a rather old version of the classic flak cannon used as anti-aircraft.
- 9P117 SCUD
A well known missile that is capable of mass destruction.
- Ka-50 Kamov
This is the main body of the Russian air assault capable of destruction behind enemy lines.
- Mi-28
This plane has many AGR and AGM rockets mounted to attack enemys.
[edit] Unarmed Units
- Ka-29 TB
This is the para-assault helicopter.
- Mi-26
This massive helicopter is used to transport vehicles with its hook.
- Mi-8
This helicopter is used to transport ammunition to you troops.
- GMZ-3
- IMR-2M
[edit] Armed Structures
- Anti Tank Cannon
- Dzwina Anti-Rocket System
- Turret
- Nest
[edit] Unarmed Structures
- Shaft
This structure pumps oil to make money. America's oil pumpers are efficient.
- Power Generator
This structure generates power to supply your base and defense/tactical strike positions.
- Air Port
This structure allows the creation of large and heivily armored units such as tanks.
- Landing Zone
A small and inexpensive landing zone allows spawning of small lightly armored units such as trucks and jeeps.
- Supply Center
A must for ever player, this structure supplies ammo, also the home base of supply helicopters.
- Radar
This structure allows the viewing of hidden units such as camouflaged Iraqi units. *Communication Center
- Spy Center
This structure allows some temporary viewing of enemy territory.
- Bomb Control
This is the main control for Russia’s bombers.
- Air Attack Control
This is the main control for Russia’s F/A fighters.
[edit] Iraq
Iraq is no great power. Its tanks are weak against the enemy. The good thing is that the Iraqis are crafty and have SCUD missile launchers and can cause massive damage. They can also sabotage their enemies. They can camouflage and cannot be seen without radar’s help.
[edit] Armed Units
- Willis
This is a jeep used as scout and light assault units, good against enemy unarmed units and light defensive structures.
- Scorpion
This is a small imported tank, which has been upgraded to suit desert battle’s needs. It has a standard 75mm cannon mount with a lighter machine gun on mounted on top.
- T-72
A tank imported from Russia, which is fairly modernized. It can be used as a main ground assault unit. Its heavy armor can make sure it takes on enemy fortifications. They are best used in numbers or spread out to extend cover range when the enemy is weak.
- Astros
A Brazil imported tank, it fires rockets up to 4 miles away. It lack of extra munitions space can be a problem however and a supply helicopter should be ready.
- Type 63
A Chinese imported medium ranged rocket assault unit, it can stay just out of heavy fortification’s range. It fires at a fairly quick interval and carries a good payload.
- Roland II
This is an AA unit, which has been modified to fit on a mobile platform. It is fairly good against light enemy assault aircrafts.
- Gazelle
Iraq’s air support is always lacking fund and the Gazelle is all it has. It comes in AGM, AGR, and AA.
- 40 Ford Pickup
A regular pickup truck filled to the brim with CO2 and other explosives.
- Ural-375
A larger version of the ford pickup truck with a large container at the back for maximum impact damage.
- Al Hussein
This is a modified version of the SCUD missile launcher. The Iraqis have greatly increased is range.
[edit] Unarmed Units
- Fuchs A4
This is an armored assault unit built to assault enemy structures.
- Mi-6
This is a heavy lifter, which can carry extremely heavy loads such as tanks and building modules.
- SA-330 PUMA
A light aircraft, it is used to carry ammunition to your troops on the battlefield.
- Dachs
This is the Iraqi’s engineering unit, which can build walls, trenches and even smooth terrain.
- EPG
This unit is the maintenance unit, which are used tow heavy units. In the game, it is used to repair vehicles.
- Miner
The name says it all. It can carry up to 20 mines, which is an improvement.
[edit] Armed Structures
- Anti Tank Cannon
Heavy armor keeps lasting to even the most heavy of fire.
- Turret
The standard AA unit. It has a fairly missile launch rate.
- Nest
A small machine gun nest which has a small range and light armor and damage.
- Missile Defense
The anti-missile of the Iraqis.
- L.R. Artillery
Using technology dating back to World War II, the Iraqis erected a massive artillery unit capable of lobbing shells over 15 miles away.
[edit] Unarmed Structures
- Shaft
This structure pumps oil to make money. America's oil pumps are efficient.
- Power Generator
This structure generates power to supply your base and defense/tactical strike positions.
- Air Port
This structure allows the creation of large and heavily armored units such as tanks.
- Landing Zone
A small and inexpensive landing zone allows spawning of small lightly armored units such as trucks and jeeps.
- Supply Center
A must for ever player, this structure supplies ammo, also the home base of supply helicopters.
- Radar
This structure allows the viewing of hidden units such as camouflaged Iraqi units.
- Radio
The communication system. Used worldwide.
- Saboteur Center
Capable people are selected and sent to bomb enemy installations. Volunteers come endlessly.
- Spy Center
This system allows temporary viewing of enemy troops and structures.
[edit] For More Information
World War III
World War I
World War IV
JoWooD
Reality Pump Studios
[edit] External Links/Other Referense
Main Website
World War III: Black Gold Manual (Found on World War III website
