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 little known computer game developed by Reality Pump and produced by JoWood Productions. The player takes the role of Iraq, Russia or the United States. The player starts out with a basic unit and must use it to construct shafts which pump oil from underground reservoirs. The oil is automatically converted into monetary units used to fund the players' war effort. The player must then build a landing zone and airport to get more advanced units, as well as a supply depot to resupply his units with ammunition. Notable gameplay features include air strike capabilities and underground tunnels.
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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
As a political and economical crisis caused by widespread fears of worldwide depletion of fossil fuel resources continues to grow, waves of demonstrations break out around the globe.
In a secret session of the Central Geological UN Commission, it is revealed that worldwide oil stocks have plummeted to dangerously low levels. Projections indicate that 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, international banking system and, finally, ushers in a period of anarchy and chaos.
In October 2001, the UN General Assembly drafts a resolution calling for the takeover of all world oil reserves, placing their control firmly in UN hands. The stated goal is to bring mankind out of the oil crisis with a minimum of pain.
The OPEC's response is to call for a Jihad, and the member countries begins stockpiling arms supplies.
The UN then passes 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 hits the shores of the Persian Gulf.
[edit] USA
The U.S. is a leading economic and military power. It's 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 a surprisingly short time. 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. However, their campaign is hampered by the fact that the war takes place thousands of miles away from US soil, making the US war effort primarily a question of transport and supply.
[edit] Russia
Despite immense internal problems, Russia still retains its status as a military superpower. Its huge military potential, built up during the Cold War, still poses a serious danger, and thus makes Russia one of the few nations 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 neglection of 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 their hated enemy, the USA, as well as Iraq's former ally, Russia, would like to turn Iraq into a pawn and use its resources 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 guerilla tactics. Furthermore, the Iraqis know the terrain better than anybody, have implemented their camouflage perfectly, and also know how to locate oil reserves and quickly exploit them.
[edit] US military units
The USA is a leading economic and military power, and as such, its military assets are the most advanced.
[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 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's military units
Despite immense economic difficulties, Russia remains a military superpower. Its primary charectaristic its its cheap but effective units.
[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 camoflauged Iraqi units.*Communication Center
- Spy Center
- Bomb Control
- Air Attack Control
[edit] Iraqi military units
Iraq the smallest and least advanced combatant, and instead relies upon subterfuge and sabotage, i.e. guerilla tactics.
[edit] Armed Units
- Willis
- Scorpion
- T-72
- Astros
- Type 63
- Roland II
- Gazelle
- 40 Ford Pickup
- Ural-375
- Al Hussein
[edit] Unarmed units
- Fuchs A4
- Mi-6
- SA-330 PUMA
- Dachs
- EPG
- Miner
[edit] Armed structures
- Anti Tank Cannon
- Turret
- Nest
- Missile Defense
- L.R. Artillery
[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 bases and defense/tactical strike positions.
- Air Port
A structure that allows the creation of large and heivily armored units such as tanks.
- Landing Zone
A small and inexpensive landing zone which allows the spawning of small lightly armored units such as trucks and jeeps.
- Supply Center
An ammunitions supply building, also the home base of supply helicopters.
- Radar
A structure that allows the viewing of hidden units such as camouflaged Iraqi units.
- Radio
- Saboteur Center
- Spy Center
[edit] See also
World War III/ World War I/ World War IV/ JoWooD/ Reality Pump Studios
http://worldwar3.jowood.de - Main Website
World War III: Black Gold Manual
