Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Final Fight 3 stays true to the classic side-scrolling beat ’em up formula that defined its predecessors. You’ll still move from left to right, taking on thugs with a combination of punches, kicks, and powerful special attacks. The control scheme remains intuitive, allowing newcomers to pick up and play instantly, while seasoned veterans can master advanced techniques, such as juggling enemies and chaining together devastating combos.

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One of the major additions to this installment is the inclusion of two new playable characters, Dean and Lucia, each with their own unique fighting styles. Dean relies on a heavy-hitting grappling arsenal, whereas Lucia is quicker and more agile, using acrobatic maneuvers to evade and strike. This variety adds replay value, as you’ll approach crowds of goons differently depending on your chosen fighter.

Environmental weapons continue to play a central role, encouraging you to adapt your strategy on the fly. Common street items—bottles, pipes, even discarded trash cans—can be thrown or swung to clear space and deal extra damage. Learning when to drop an enemy with bare hands versus weaponizing the scenery is key to maintaining your health and conserving lives.

Challenges scale well across the six stages, with enemy placements and attack patterns that keep you on your toes. Boss fights, in particular, demand pattern recognition and smart positioning. Final Fight 3 strikes a fine balance between accessibility and challenge, ensuring that both casual players and hardcore beat ’em up fans find something to enjoy.

Graphics

Graphically, Final Fight 3 represents the pinnacle of SNES beat ’em up visuals. The sprite work has been refined, featuring more detailed character models and smoother animations compared to the first two entries. Punches land with satisfying impact, and the varied enemy designs—from street punks to oversized brutes—showcase the system’s expanded color palette.

Backgrounds are richly illustrated, capturing the gritty yet vibrant atmosphere of Metro City. Rain-soaked alleyways glisten under neon lights, industrial zones rumble with conveyor belts and machinery, and the climatic showdown in a rooftop shrine delivers a dramatic shift in tone. These varied locales not only look great but also enhance the mood of each level.

Special effects such as sparks, dust clouds, and dynamic lighting for certain special moves add extra flair to each encounter. While the SNES hardware imposes occasional slowdown when the screen fills with enemies, this technical hiccup is minor compared to the overall visual spectacle. The art direction remains consistent, providing a cohesive look that ties the entire experience together.

Character portraits during cut scenes offer close-ups that highlight expressions and add a touch of personality. The designers clearly took advantage of every graphical trick available, ensuring that Final Fight 3 stands out even among a library of visually impressive 16-bit titles.

Story

After the downfall of the notorious Mad Gear gang, Metro City should have enjoyed peace—unfortunately, the vacuum has been filled by the ruthless Skull Cross. This new criminal organization has escalated violence across the streets, pushing the city to the brink of chaos. Local law enforcement struggles to contain the mayhem, setting the stage for a new chapter in the never-ending battle against organized crime.

Mayor Mike Haggar and his old ally Guy return to the fray, driven by a personal vendetta against the Skull Cross leadership. Their motivations remain as straightforward as ever, but the addition of Dean, a mercenary with a score to settle, and Lucia, a police officer seeking to uphold justice, introduces fresh perspectives and motivations. Each character’s backstory is briefly touched upon, giving modest context to their involvement.

While the narrative doesn’t reinvent the genre—there’s no deep moral ambiguity or sprawling political intrigue—its simplicity works in its favor. You’re in a classic good-versus-evil scenario, and the linear progression of missions allows you to focus on visceral street clashes rather than convoluted plot twists.

The final confrontation ties back into the series’ roots, pitting your team against Skull Cross’s enigmatic leaders in a high-stakes showdown. Although the story may feel familiar to fans of arcade-style beat ’em ups, it provides just enough motivation to push through every perilous street corner.

Overall Experience

Final Fight 3 delivers a refined beat ’em up experience that stands tall among SNES classics. The tight controls, varied character roster, and diverse level design combine to create a game that’s both approachable and endlessly replayable. Whether you’re tackling it solo or teaming up in two-player mode, every session feels satisfying.

The learning curve is gentle, but true mastery requires dedication—especially if you aim to complete the game without continuing. The level of challenge is well-balanced, offering newcomers a chance to learn and veterans a chance to shine. Cooperative play further elevates the fun, as you coordinate attacks, share weapons, and revive each other when the fight gets tough.

Though somewhat similar to its predecessors, Final Fight 3 stands out with its polish and attention to detail. The graphical enhancements, fresh character movesets, and polished enemy AI breathe new life into the established formula. Fans of Double Dragon and Streets of Rage will find the action familiar yet fresh, making this title a worthy addition to any beat ’em up collection.

In the grand scheme of 16-bit era gaming, Final Fight 3 may not revolutionize the genre, but it refines it to near-perfection. For anyone seeking a classic coop brawler with depth, style, and punchy gameplay, Metro City’s streets await your justice.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10