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Story
Tekken 3, the third installment in the iconic fighting game series, was released in arcades in 1997 and later on the PlayStation in 1998. The story continues the epic saga of the Mishima Zaibatsu conglomerate and introduces new characters, each with their own unique backgrounds and motivations.
The central narrative revolves around the King of Iron Fist Tournament 3, organized by Heihachi Mishima. In this tournament, fighters from around the world gather to prove their prowess. However, beneath the surface lies a darker plot centered around the mysterious creature known as Ogre. After the events of Tekken 2, Heihachi seeks to capture Ogre, believing it will grant him unimaginable power.
One of the key protagonists is Jin Kazama, the son of Kazuya Mishima and Jun Kazama. Jin enters the tournament to avenge his mother’s supposed death at the hands of Ogre. This personal vendetta against the mythical creature forms the emotional core of the story. Alongside Jin, returning characters like Paul Phoenix, Nina Williams, and Yoshimitsu, as well as new faces like Hwoarang and Ling Xiaoyu, add depth and diversity to the storyline.
Gameplay
Tekken 3 is celebrated for its revolutionary gameplay mechanics that set new standards for the fighting game genre. It introduced several new features that enhanced both the strategic depth and accessibility of the game.
3D Movement
One of the most significant advancements in Tekken 3 is the introduction of true 3D movement. Players could now sidestep attacks, adding a layer of strategy to the fights. This feature allowed for more dynamic and fluid combat, moving away from the traditional 2D plane of earlier fighting games.
Extended Roster
The game features a robust roster of 23 characters, each with unique fighting styles and movesets. This diversity ensures that players can find a character that suits their play style, whether they prefer the brute strength of Paul Phoenix or the acrobatic agility of Ling Xiaoyu.
Combo System
The combo system in Tekken 3 is another standout feature. It allows for intricate and devastating combinations of attacks, rewarding skilled players with high-damage outputs. The introduction of “juggles,” where players can keep opponents airborne with successive hits, became a hallmark of the series.
Game Modes
Tekken 3 offers a variety of game modes that cater to both single-player and multiplayer experiences. The Arcade Mode lets players progress through a series of battles to reach the final boss, Ogre. The Versus Mode is perfect for head-to-head battles with friends. The game also introduces the Tekken Force mode, a side-scrolling beat ’em up that provides a unique twist on the traditional fighting game formula.
Graphics and Sound
The visual and auditory presentation of Tekken 3 was groundbreaking for its time, setting a high bar for future fighting games.
Graphics
Tekken 3’s graphics were a significant leap forward from its predecessors. The character models were more detailed and realistic, with fluid animations that brought each fighter to life. The backgrounds were richly designed, featuring interactive elements that added to the immersion. The transition to 3D graphics was seamless, and the game maintained a smooth framerate, ensuring that the fast-paced action never lagged.
Sound
The sound design in Tekken 3 complements its visual prowess. The soundtrack, composed by Nobuyoshi Sano and Keiichi Okabe, features a mix of electronic and rock music that perfectly matches the game’s intense battles. Each character has unique voice samples and sound effects for their moves, adding to the authenticity and excitement of the fights.
Legacy and Reception
Upon its release, Tekken 3 was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, cementing its place as one of the greatest fighting games of all time.
Critical Acclaim
Critics praised Tekken 3 for its innovative gameplay, diverse character roster, and impressive graphics and sound. It received numerous awards and accolades, including several “Game of the Year” titles from various gaming publications. The game’s accessibility for newcomers, combined with its depth for veterans, was particularly highlighted as a key factor in its success.
Commercial Success
Tekken 3 was a commercial juggernaut, selling over 8 million copies worldwide. It became one of the best-selling PlayStation games, a testament to its widespread appeal and enduring popularity.
Influence on the Genre
Tekken 3’s impact on the fighting game genre is immeasurable. Its innovations in 3D movement and combo systems influenced countless games that followed. It set a standard for character diversity and depth, inspiring developers to create more complex and engaging fighting games.
Conclusion
In summary, Tekken 3 is a landmark title in the history of video games. Its combination of engaging storylines, innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning graphics, and memorable soundtracks created an experience that resonated with players around the world. As a cornerstone of the Tekken series, it laid the foundation for future entries and left an indelible mark on the fighting game genre. Even today, Tekken 3 is fondly remembered and continues to influence new generations of gamers and developers alike.
