Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tekken 3 refines the one-on-one fighting formula established by its predecessors, delivering a faster and more engaging combat experience. The introduction of true 3D movement allows fighters to sidestep into the foreground or background, adding a tactical layer rarely seen in earlier entries. This mechanic transforms clashes into dynamic duels where positioning and timing matter as much as button inputs.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The combat system sees significant enhancements with the addition of chain throws, extended combo strings, and juggle mechanics. Skilled players can now launch opponents into the air and keep them aloft with precise follow-up attacks, rewarding careful timing and creativity. Jump heights are lowered compared to previous titles, resulting in more grounded exchanges and a deliberate pace that emphasizes footwork and well-timed counters.

Beyond the core Arcade and Versus modes, Tekken 3 introduces two memorable bonus modes: Tekken Force and Tekken Ball. Tekken Force plays like a side-scrolling beat ’em up, pitting you against hordes of enemies with branching paths and boss encounters. Tekken Ball, on the other hand, turns the fighters into makeshift volleyball players, where slamming a giant ball across the net requires both offensive precision and defensive anticipation.

With a roster of over 20 characters—mixing veterans like Heihachi Mishima and Nina Williams with fresh faces such as Jin Kazama, Hwoarang, and Eddy Gordo—there’s no shortage of playstyles to explore. Each fighter boasts unique move lists, stances, and special techniques, ensuring that newcomers and series veterans alike will find a combatant that suits their preferred approach. The variety keeps local multiplayer sessions lively and encourages players to master multiple characters for a fuller experience.

Graphics

Tekken 3 was a visual tour de force on the PlayStation, showcasing what the hardware could achieve in terms of 3D character models and animated backgrounds. The polygonal fighters are impressively detailed for their era, with smooth animations that make each punch, kick, and throw feel weighty and impactful. Frame rates remain steady even in the most chaotic matches, preserving responsiveness during intense exchanges.

The stages themselves are vibrant and full of personality, ranging from neon-lit city streets and bamboo forests to industrial yards and a ghostly graveyard. Each arena features interactive elements—crumbling walls, breakaway platforms, dynamic camera angles—that add drama to climactic match moments. Lighting effects and particle details, such as sparks when weapons clash, further enhance the spectacle.

Character design in Tekken 3 strikes a balance between realism and stylization. Costumes sport intricate textures and distinct color palettes, making it easy to identify fighters at a glance. Special transformations—most notably True Ogre’s menacing form—showcase the engine’s ability to handle rapid model changes without sacrificing performance. These graphical flourishes contribute to a visually cohesive and engaging fighting game.

Even today, Tekken 3’s presentation holds up as a testament to clever art direction and technical prowess. While modern hardware can render far more polygons and effects, the core aesthetic of bold colors, fluid motion, and stage variety continues to resonate, reminding players why this installment was such a breakthrough in its time.

Story

The narrative of Tekken 3 revolves around the aftermath of the second King of Iron Fist Tournament and the rise of Jin Kazama, the grandson of series stalwart Heihachi Mishima. Raised in isolation by his mother Jun, Jin is thrust into the world of martial arts only after a monstrous entity known as Ogre destroys his home and kidnaps his mother. This tragic opening sets a darker, more personal tone than previous installments.

Heihachi’s complicated relationship with Jin drives the story forward. Believing that his grandson may hold the key to defeating Ogre, Heihachi trains Jin in secret, even as he plots to use the boy’s latent power for his own ends. The tale unfolds through character-specific endings in Arcade mode and a handful of cutscenes that reveal shifting alliances, betrayals, and the true identity of the tournament’s enigmatic final boss.

While the core plot focuses on Jin’s journey from innocent youth to formidable fighter, the expanded roster allows many side stories to emerge. Each character has a personal motivation for entering the third tournament—ranging from revenge and redemption to simple glory—adding layers of context to each matchup. These tangential narratives give the game surprising depth, encouraging players to explore every fighter’s campaign.

Though storytelling in Tekken 3 remains secondary to its gameplay, the well–crafted lore and memorable cast make for compelling motivations. The sense of legacy, honor, and familial conflict weaves a tapestry that veteran fans will appreciate and newcomers can enjoy without prior knowledge of the series.

Overall Experience

Tekken 3 stands as one of the most influential 3D fighters of its generation, offering both accessible pick-up-and-play appeal and a deep combat system that rewards long-term mastery. Its robust multiplayer mode has fueled countless local tournament nights, while the single-player content—bolstered by Tekken Force and Tekken Ball—provides a refreshing break from standard arcade runs.

The learning curve strikes a fine balance: newcomers can execute basic combos and special moves with relative ease, yet dedicated players can delve into frame data, unblockable setups, and intricate juggle sequences. This duality ensures that Tekken 3 remains approachable without sacrificing competitive integrity, making it a staple in fighting-game communities for decades.

Replayability is high thanks to the diverse character roster, multiple game modes, and unlockable content. Discovering hidden characters like Gon or mastering the nuances of each fighter fosters a sense of progression that keeps players invested long after the credits roll. The soundtrack’s energetic themes and fitting battle tracks further amplify the excitement during every match.

Even in the context of modern fighters, Tekken 3 retains its charm through polished mechanics, memorable characters, and inventive bonus modes. For anyone seeking a historical touchstone in the 3D fighting genre—or simply a thrilling combat experience—Tekken 3 delivers enduring entertainment that remains worthy of its legendary status.

Retro Replay Score

8.6/10