"Tekken 3" is the third installment in the popular Tekken fighting game series, developed and published by Namco. It was first released in arcades in March 1997 and later ported to the PlayStation in 1998.
Gameplay and Features:
Storyline: The game takes place 20 years after the events of "Tekken 2." The protagonist, Jin Kazama, enters the King of Iron Fist Tournament 3 to avenge his mother, Jun Kazama, who was attacked by the demonic entity known as Ogre. Heihachi Mishima, having reclaimed the Mishima Zaibatsu, also seeks to capture Ogre to gain ultimate power.
Gameplay Mechanics: "Tekken 3" introduces significant improvements in gameplay, including three-dimensional movement, allowing characters to sidestep in and out of the background. The game also features quicker recoveries from knockdowns, more escapes from tackles and stuns, and newly created combo throws.
Characters: The game features a mix of returning characters and new additions, including Jin Kazama, Ling Xiaoyu, Hwoarang, and Bryan Fury. A total of 25 characters are available, with Heihachi Mishima being playable from the start.
Modes: In addition to the standard fighting modes, the PlayStation version includes a beat 'em up mode called "Tekken Force," where players navigate through stages, defeating enemies in a side-scrolling fashion.
Reception:
"Tekken 3" was a major hit, praised for its high-energy gameplay, improved mechanics, and memorable characters. It sold approximately 35,000 arcade units and 8.36 million PlayStation copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling PlayStation games.
Legacy:
"Tekken 3" is often considered one of the greatest fighting games of all time and has had a lasting impact on the genre. It was followed by "Tekken Tag Tournament" and "Tekken 4," and its arcade version was included in "Tekken 5" for the PlayStation 2. The game has been re-released on various platforms, including the PlayStation Classic.