Mortal Kombat 3

Mortal Kombat 3
Download Mortal Kombat 3 and return to the classic fighting tournament with more characters, stages, and brutal moves! Test your might, master the combos, and prove you're the ultimate warrior. Finish them and play now!
a game by Probe Software, Sculptured Software, Midway, Acclaim, and Sony Imagesoft
Genres: Action, Arcade Classics, Fighting Games, Multiplayer/Hotseat
Platforms: PC (1995), Sega GenesisGenesis, SNESSNES, Sega Master SystemSega Master System, Playstation, GameGear, GameBoy
Editor Rating: 8.7/10, based on 12 reviews, 18 reviews are shown
User Rating: 7.9/10 - 28 votes
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See also: Download Fighting Games, Arcade Games, Mortal Kombat Games
Mortal Kombat 3
Mortal Kombat 3
Mortal Kombat 3

Taking the honors away from Acclaim, Williams brings us the biggest Super NES version of MK yet -- 32 Mortal megs are packed into MK 3. Fans of the series will definitely be pleased with the game, though it does have a few deficiencies.

Round 3 -- Fight!

Contentwise, MK3 is extremely faithful to the arcade version: All the fatalities, Animalities, Friendships, and Babalities are here. Several built-in codes (including half life for fighters, hidden characters, and more) add variety to the battle scenarios.

The two-player matches are exciting enough, but the A.I. has a split personality in the one-player mode. One round, your opponent will stand there and put up a brief fight; other rounds, they're all over you!

ProTip: Use the Run button to avoid attacks that can't be blocked -- like Sheeva's stomp from above.

As in the arcade version, three paths lead to the top, each differing in length. Pick carefully, though -- you have only five continues.

Getting accustomed to the control pad takes a bit of practice (this game adds a sixth button), but all the multi-hit combos (like Kabal's eight-hit, 45 percent damage assault) are here and executable -- thanks to the very responsive controls.

To perform a Mercy move, proceed to Pound 3. When Ore words "Finish Him!" appear, hold Pun, lap Horn three limes, and then release Run.

Looks like The Arcade

The 16-bit graphics hold their own with only minor hitches. MK 3's fighters are approximately the same size as MK II's for the SNES. The characters are well animated, though a little pixilated. Some moves that were lightning fast in the arcade, like Kabal's Ground Saw, suffer from slowdown here. However, most of the details have been retained, such as the way Sonya's Ring Toss projectile melts into the ground. The few obvious changes -- the screen fades to black between battle grounds on multi-tiered stages -- are kept to a minimum.

Each fighter has an inclose standing combo. For Subzero, tap High Punch twice, Low Punch, Low Kick, High Kick, hold Away on the directional pad, and tap High Kick.

The entire audio track, however, is muted as if someone were playing the arcade machine in the next room. Collisions, screams, and even the announcer sound like they were recorded through a pillow. Just the same, the stereo separation is excellent, and the sound of fireballs and other projectiles whizzes from one ear to the other.

A Kombat Klassic?

Converting a mammoth arcade game like MK 3 to the 16-bit Super NES is no easy task, and Williams has done a respectable job of keeping all the key elements intact. With more games of this quality, the SNES will go out with a bang, not a wimper.

Don't use projectiles against Motaro. He deflects them right back at you.

Download Mortal Kombat 3

PC

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
Genesis

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
  • Game modes: Single game mode

Player controls:

  • Up, Down, Left, Right - Arrow keys
  • Start - Enter (Pause, Menu select, Skip intro, Inventory)
  • "A" Gamepad button - Ctrl (usually Jump or Change weapon)
  • "B" button - Space (Jump, Fire, Menu select)
  • "C" button - Left Shift (Item select)

Use the F12 key to toggle mouse capture / release when using the mouse as a controller.

SNES

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
  • Pentium II (or equivalent) 266MHz (500MHz recommended), RAM: 64MB (128MB recommended), DirectX v8.0a or later must be installed
Sega Master System

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
Playstation

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
GameGear

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
Gameboy

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP

Game Reviews

MK fanatics (and we know who you are because we send the FBI your names when you write threatening letters), rejoice! MK 3 is finally here, and it's everything the arcade version was, minus some sound and graphics.

Immortal Kombat

What's the matter? Couldn't save the planet the first time? What about the second? Shang Tsung is getting to be a real pain, isn't he? Well, now you have your third shot at the Tournament, and if you don't make it this time, you should join the Peace Corps.

Best-two-out-of-three matches still rule here. As in the arcade version, you pick from 14 fighters, and of course, there's a bevy of hidden characters and bosses. Some vets made the cut this time (Sonya and Kano), while others took a hike (Scorpion, Mileena, Baraka, and Kitana).

Special moves? Cot 'em. Gory, gut-busting fatalities? Got 'em. Deep and intricate gameplay as in Street Fighter? Sorry. Ain't got it.

Find something constructive to do with your time, like going to programming school so you can come up with something more original than this rehashed fighter.

The Tsung Remains The Same

The graphics are nowhere near the arcade's quality, but what do you expect from your 16-bit systems? The speedy character sprites lack detail. The dull, washed-out backgrounds still remain true to the arcade's dark flair.

The sounds are worse than expected. Lots of punching smacks and groans are mixed in with some unintentionally funny screams (mostly from the male fighters). Toasty? Got it. Good, symphonic music? Nope.

Control is everything it should be, but forget about using a three-button controller. On a sixer, the game does everything it's supposed to do. The capable controls are the only part of the arcade version that were kept intact.

Less Than Sub-Zero

MK 3 is not a bad game (critics, take note). It's just not original enough (like Tekken) or deep enough (like SF) to warrant space on the casual Genesis gamer's shelf. Diehard fans will also notice the flaws in this version right away. But for those of you getting your pens ready to write in, consider this- if you were deserted on an island with only one game to play, would this be the one? If the answer is yes, you deserve to be deserted on an island.

ProTips:

  • Sektor is a pain in the missile. If you're playing as him, target an opponent and continually press the Shoot button for multiple hits.
  • If playing Sub-Zero against Kabal, block his run, then immediately freeze him.

En una misteriosa isla, internada en los mares de China y desconocida para el resto del mundo, los guerreros sobrehumanos pelean por el destino de la Tierra.

El gran Torneo conocido como Mortal Kombat, fue por años una competencia de honor y gloria.

Aproximadamente hace mil años, un hechizero llamado Shang Tsung, ingreso al Gran Torneo e inmediatamente lo ganó, convirtiéndose en el Campeón Supremo.

Una vez más es tiempo que el Gran Torneo Shaolin sostenido cada generación por los más grandes luchadores de Earhtrealm se enfrentan contra los adversarios del Outworld...

Teniendo que enfrentar su ejecución por su fracazo y la aparente muerte de Goro, Shang Tsung convence a Shao Kahn para que le conceda una segunda oportunidad.

El nuevo plan de Shang Tsung es atraer a sus enemigos para competir en el Outworld, donde ellos se encontarán con su muerte en las manos del propio Shao Kahn...

Pero Kahn, frustado por las constantes derrotas e intentos perdidos, comenzó un plan que data de 10,000 años atrás.

Durante este tiempo, Kahn tuvo una reina. Su nombre era Sindel y su muerte fue inexplicable. Su espíritu vuelve pero no en el Outworld, sino en Earhtrealm.

Este temible acto le da el poder a Shao Kahn de pasar a través de los portales dimensionales y reclamar a su reina. Usando esto para finalmente tomar Earhtrealm.

Abriendo un portal encima de la Tierra, Shao Kahn lentamente transforma el lugar en una parte del Outworld. Kahn va quitando toda vida humana, declarando que cada alma le pertenece...

Esta es la trilogía de eventos por la cual Shao Kahn ha tratado de tomar Earhtrealm en sus manos.

Mortal Kombat 3 is this year's hot two-player head-to-head fighting game. The PC version preserves all the arcade features, including all the Kom-batants and hidden fighters. Armed with special moves, killer kombos, and the infamous finishing moves, the merciless fighters move courtesy of a new extended control panel. A special six-digit encryption code is also hidden in the game. Discover it, and you're rewarded with additional special power-ups and abilities for your fighters.

People say:

9.0

Mortal Kombat 3 for the PlayStation is as good a translation as I have ever seen. The graphics are amazingly close to the arcade and the control is just like I remember it. Some of the combos that I used to do are different because the distance that punches and kicks knock a player back is farther. This causes timing problems as well, but timing is a learned thing and adjusting to it is just part of playing games. Everyone who liked it at the arcade should like this version as well.

8.0

Uh, Shang what? What did they do to the morphing abilities of Shang Tsung? The slowdown during transformation into other characters irritates me. On another note, the graphics are clean and crisp. I almost thought I was playing the arcade version. This is a darn near perfect translation. That is. of course, with the morphing exception (moan and groan). The control is tight, and the game itself has enough secret stuff to keep you playing for quite some time.

9.0

I was very impressed with the quality of translation. All of the characters, sounds, stages and moves are there. Of course, the all-important fatalities and animalities made it as well. Yes. Mortal freaks will appreciate the presence of blood and violence aplenty--unabridged from the arcade. The control was superb, partially due to the inherent quality of a PlayStation controller. Overall. I enjoyed reviewing this one. despite the butchering of Shang Tsung's morphing.

8.5

I guess I couldn't escape the inevitable review. Well, it looks and plays very close to the arcade version with combos and little nuances intact. As a port of the arcade, it is an excellent job. I personally have a slight problem with the PlayStation controller and had some difficulty on some of the combos, but that's just me. Access time is tight and the game is as close as any MK fan could wish for (except for Shang's lag time in the morphs). If you like the original, you'll love it.

Welcome back all you kombatants! No sooner had Mortal Kombat 3 hit the arcades, when players asked: "Will this be converted for any home systems?" That question was answered at E3. The arcade smash is going to rocket itself onto three systems: the Super NES, Genesis and most notably the PlayStation. Other questions have been raised as well, such as "Will all the graphics be ported over?" and "Will all the moves be included?" The pictures shown here were from an earlier version of MK 3 that didn't have all the special moves (like Sub-Zero's old ice blast), but you can be sure that all the moves and secrets will be transferred to the home systems as much as the hardware can handle. The home version is supposed to have a few things that will separate it from the arcade and vice versa!

Well, since you've been waiting so patiently for MK 3 to come to your favorite system, we thought we would do what we could to give you an idea of what you can expect, and the truth is that you've got quite a bit to expect. As you probably already know, the PlayStation version is damn-near arcade perfect, but what you may not know is that the 16-bit versions are not far behind. That's right, this month we thought we would give you a more thorough look at what's coming for the Super NES and Genesis. And by the way, we think you'll be impressed.

Just as sure as I am covered in chocolate ice cream as I write this, Mortal Kombat 3 (MK3) has hit the arcades with at the force of a supercharged uppercut. There was some question about the viability of a 2-D fighter in the midst of the emerging 3-D frenzy coming from games like Tekken and Virtua Fighter II, but if we are to take the initial buzz as a sign of the games future, MK3 will do just fine.

The following list of moves was gathered from several different sources and in an effort to get them out as quickly as possible, we unfortunately cannot guarantee 100% accuracy. We can, however, promise that aside from a possible handful of exceptions, these are bona fide moves. We know this because we've tested them ourselves at Malibu Golf & Games in Redwood City, CA. So, if your friends have been kicking your ass over and over again and you're just about ready for it to stop, we suggest that you bring along your copy of Game Players. At the very least you can use it to hide your shame if you still can't beat your friends.

  • Manufacturer: Acclaim for PlayStation
  • Machine: Super NES, Genesis

With Mortal Kombat 3 hitting the arcades just a few short months ago there was little doubt that the console versions would be quick to follow. Now, that they are on the verge of release, it's time to take a close look at what they've got for us to play at home. Undoubtedly, the fact that this version will be showing up on the new 32-bit systems has escaped the attention of very few people. It is also likely that many will be examining the difference in these versions to help in deciding whether to make the jump to 32-bit or not.

The facts are that the PlayStation version is very, very close to arcade perfect, and with Sony securing a six month, 32-bit exclusive on MK 3 it will be a little while before we know what Saturn can do with their version (if they choose to do one at all). There is, however, no reason to expect anything less than near-arcade perfection from them. The 16-bit versions are shaping up nicely as well, and will probably be in line with what we've seen in the past with MK, and MK A. That's the story for right now, look for full reviews next month.

Like its counterpart on the SNES, MK3 on the Genesis soon became obsolete. Slow and graphically inferior to the newly arrived PSX fighting games, as well as lacking originality, the game failed to be as big a hit as previous MKs. This also marked the period when Williams took over the development and distribution of the MK series from Acclaim.

The SNES version of MK 3 was plagued by slowdown, a complicated new Run button, and a more aggressive computer A.I. But more importantly, it came at a time when more impressive fighting games (like Tekken and Toshinden) were being released for higher-end 32-bit systems. The game's engine was being used to its fullest, but with more fighters and fewer improvements in the actual gameplay, the wear and tear on the MK franchise was becoming more apparent to fight fans everywhere.

When Mortal Kombat 3 hits all the game platforms this fall, the PlayStation version will be the one to watch. Based on-what else?-the arcade game of the same name, MK 3 will feature identical gameplay that's a nearly pixel-perfect copy of the original.

The seven new warriors will be armed with their individual special moves, finishing moves, Animalities, Friendship moves, Babali-ties, and more.

The game will also include special Kom-bat Kodes and an encryption system that hides special secret powers. Expect the game's new Run button to ramp the gameplay to faster, more intense levels.

The PlayStation's processing power should provide gamers with the most authentic port of Mortal Kombat to a home system yet. Finish 'em!

Although it's an outstanding conversion of the arcade game, Mortal Kombat 3 for the PlayStation can't disguise what it really is: An awesome home version of a game that wasn't so great to begin with. Naturally, a few elements don't hold up well to the source material, but of all the home versions of the blood-gushing blockbuster, this one's by far the best.

The Good News

The controls are a breeze. The simple button-tapping combos are easy to execute as long as your fingers are fast. The special moves are also a breeze. Most of the game's several combos become second nature with enough practice.

Graphically, this version rivals the arcade game, except for a faint bit of distortion in the fighters' sprites. All the Ba-balities, Friendships, Animalities, and fatalities look great, as do the backgrounds (especially the double-decker effect when you uppercut an opponent through the ceiling to the room above).

The sound is nothing short of awesome, especially the music. The CD audio does ample justice to the soundtrack. Some tracks truly jam (like the Soul Chamber and the Tower) with haunting choruses and forbidding symphonies. The sound effects also shine, from the flourishes that accompany special moves to the grunts of kombatants as they run across the screen.

Wounded Gameplay

Don't get too excited. The conversion isn't perfect. One gigantic flaw - one that's more the fault of the system hardware than the programming -is the slowdown when Shang Tsung morphs. When he transforms into another character, the action freezes for a good four or five seconds. Ditto for when he morphs back into his usual form.

These pauses get seriously annoying - especially when they interrupt an intense fight. After a few of these delays, you'll wind up disabling the morphs altogether.

Upgrade on the Way?

Flaws aside, this port is good enough to convince fans of the arcade game to buy a PlayStation. But the conversion, excellent though it is, won't win over those gamers the arcade MK 3 failed to impress. They'll want to wait for the new fighters and stages of the forthcoming MK 3 Ultimate arcade upgrade.

ProTips:

  • To perform a Babality or Friendship, you cannot block on the deciding round.
  • For a nasty 54%-dam-age triple-hit combo with Cyrax, drop a bomb, uppercut an opponent onto it, and uppercut them again when they're blasted into the air.

MK 3 looked awesome and played pretty well for a game in development. It will be an exact port of the arcade version right down to the Kombat Kodes encryption system that unlocks secret powers for Mortal Kom-batants. You'll get the seven new fighters and the seven returning martial artists. Thanks to the PlayStation's button-rich controller, you'll even get a dedicated Run button.

When Mortal Kombat 3 hits all the game platforms this fall, the version to watch will be the one released for the PlayStation.

Based on (what else?) its namesake arcade game, MK 3 will feature nearly pixel-perfect gameplay. The seven new warriors have special moves, finishing moves, Animalities, Friendship moves, Babalities, and more. In addih'on, the game includes special Kombat Kodes and an encryption system that hides special secret powers. Plus, a Run button ramps the gameplay to faster, more intense levels.

The PlayStation's processing power has the ability to give gamers the most authentic port of Mortal Kombat to any home system to date. Finish 'em!

Unfortunately, I can't rave about the Genesis version of Mortal Kombat 3 as wildly as I can about the superb SNES cart. If this were the Pepsi challenge, this game would definitely be Brand X.

Actually, it's not surprising that when comparing the two the Genesis version comes across as being the weak sister. We've seen the same thing happen with Mortal Kombat II. It just had to happen this way.

However, if you own a Genesis and you're a Mortal Kombat fanatic, you shouldn't despair just yet. This version of MK3 isn't the video equivalent of cookies cream ice cream, but it's pretty plain vanilla with a few sprinkles. Mmm, tasty.

First, the good stuff: It has just about everything the arcade version had stuffed into its little chips, including the hidden shooter game, Toasty, Smoke and the code system which allows you to access special features in the game. Some of the features you might discover are right out of the arcade, and some (like the pause enabled feature) are specific to the home systems. Another possible cheat that we've been privy to is the possibility of Motaro and Shao Kahn being playable characters! Now that's exciting! Even though MK3 has everything that made the arcade version great, the limitations of the system prevent it from being a truly great game. The graphics are...okay. For a Genesis they're actually pretty good, but they fall far behind the SNES version and aren't even as colorful and detailed as a game like Comix Zone. I wasn't even vaguely impressed by the sound design or the soundtrack. Both the effects and the music lack depth, sounding remarkably like they were derived from recordings off a radio without an antenna. Sorry, but that's the way it is.

The last (and most glaring ) flaw in the game is the one thing which kills most beautiful-looking fighting games: the control. Your game could be the most stunning thing ever rendered on a 2-D screen, but if it doesn't control well, then the joke's on you. MK3 for the Genesis doesn't control well. You can make your character jump and do special moves, but for the most part it just doesn't feel like the arcade version feels.

Mortal Kombat 3 for the Genesis will have most gamers slavering and drooling like good little fans, but this reviewer just wasn't impressed. It lacks the all important X factor of playability which makes classics.

Released a mere six months ago, Mortal Kombat 3 has blown the doors off of every arcade that's been blessed with a copy. Not only did it improve on the amazing gameplay of its predecessors, it wowed legions of fans with its subtly improved graphics and amazing new characters and moves. Now you've been blessed with a home version for your SNES. Let me tell you something, buddy: It'll melt your eyeballs and leave you screaming at the abyss. It's awesome.

Sculptured Software impressed the gaming world last year with its incredible SNES conversion of MK2, but the company's programmers have really outdone themselves this time. Every nuance, every detail, every character and practically every move from the arcade version is in this game. Everything. Toasty makes his requisite appearance, as do Smoke and the new (and most terrifying) MK boss, Motaro. In addition to these features, the "codes" of the arcade version have survived intact. All the time you spent in the arcade trying to figure out combinations of symbols wasn't for nothing, you'll be able to use many of these codes on the SNES cart.

"Impressive" isn't a word I use often, but Mortal Kom-bat 3 did much more than impress me. It blew me away. It destroyed me. Where should I start? The animation of the characters is a good place to begin. Frankly, I couldn't believe that the developers could pack so much into a single gray cartridge. From Sheeva's fireballs to Mo-taro's mad trampling, it pushes the limits of what you thought possible with your SNES. The colors are richer than a slice of cheesecake with a fifty dollar bill baked inside. All of the characters' fatalities, babalities, animalities and friendship moves have survived the translation, as have all the stages and various details that made the arcade game great.

The drawbacks are few compared to the bonuses. The only valid criticism I can level at the game is that it is exceedingly difficult at all of the difficulty settings. I'd even go so far as to say the arcade version is easier than this version's 'Medium" setting. I can count the number of times on one hand that I was able to pull off Stryker's slide move against the computer-controlled opponent. I'm not complaining that the game's unfair, it's just that the computer is so darn good it's disgusting. At any rate, it's a mighty good way to train for matches against flesh-and-blood opponents.

Mortal Kombat 3 has everything a hard-core gamer like you could want from a fighting game and perhaps even a little bit more. Get it.

I don't know how much Sony paid for the exclusive 32-bit rights to Mortal Kombat 3, but it's going to be worth every penny. Sure, the 16-bit conversions may be decent, but Saturn, 3DO and Ultra 64 owners won't be able to play this game for six months!

After spending a week with the PlayStation version, I have to wonder if any other home version of the game could possibly be better than this. This game means business.

The graphics are dead-on, the sound is bone-jarring and the playability incorporates all of the subtleties and responsiveness of the $4,000 arcade machine. According to Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon, the PlayStation version includes the actual background graphic data from the original with no modifications; these are the arcade backgrounds.

The proportions of the characters had to be adjusted to make up for a difference in pixel size between the arcade and PlayStation, but--aside from that minor fix--it has the same number of "frames" for each move and the same number of colors. Then there's the soundtrack. All of the crunching sound effects and character voices are intact, and they sound as clear as a bell. Better yet, all of the game's music is reproduced in flawless, red-book audio, as is the voice of Shao Khan in most instances. To hear him growling "Motaro wins... flawless victory" in booming, razor-sharp digital audio is enough to make you cry tears of joy.

More importantly, fans of the science of video-game combat are going to be k in heaven when they see how the game plays. All of your favorite com-bos work beautifully; the timing is: arcade-perfect and the character balance is exactly what you're iJused to from the coin-op. The only thing I can knock is the disk access time; it's a little long for cartrid9e fans t0 bear- Shan Tsung's morphs are usually delayed by a few seconds while the CPU is loading the new character data into RAM, which is a shame. Hey, if Namco can load Ridge Racer into memory in its entirety, why can't MK3 have all of the characters load up the same way? These are very minor complaints. Overall, Sony has pulled off the coup of the century with this nearly flawless conversion.

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PC Screenshots

Playstation Screenshots

Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Screenshots

SNES/Super Nintendo/Super Famicom Screenshots

Sega Master System Screenshots

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