Mortal Kombat 3 hits different when it boots instantly in your browser. Released in 1995 on the Super Nintendo, this retro classic from its publisher is ready the second you press start — no downloads, no setup.
Mortal Kombat 3 is a 1995 fighting game developed and published by Midway for arcades. As in the previous games, it has a cast of characters that players choose from and guide through a series of battles against other opponents.
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| Action | Keyboard | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad Up | ↑ | D-Pad up |
| D-Pad Down | ↓ | D-Pad down |
| D-Pad Left | ← | D-Pad left |
| D-Pad Right | → | D-Pad right |
| B (bottom) | X | Bottom face |
| A (right) | Z | Right face |
| Y (left) | S | Left face |
| X (top) | A | Top face |
| L | Q | Left shoulder |
| R | E | Right shoulder |
| Start | Enter | Start |
| Select | V | Select |
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The Story Behind Mortal Kombat 3
Shao Kahn uses his moves from Mortal Kombat II, and Motaro is not included. It is very similar to the Game Boy version, although it is in color and features Noob Saibot as a hidden character. The publishing for the 16-bit console ports and portable versions in North America was handled by Williams Entertainment, rather than Acclaim Entertainment (who handled the console ports of the previous titles), although Acclaim still handled the publishing for Mortal Kombat 3 in Europe.
This version supports up to 12 players on IPX LAN, and contains a hidden redbook audio track (Track 47) with a narration of a story in reverse. Mortal Kombat 3 is also included in Midway Arcade Treasures 2 for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox; Midway Arcade Treasures Deluxe Edition for Windows (this title includes a 'making of' documentary about the game); and Midway Arcade Treasures: Extended Play for the PlayStation Portable. The sole Game Boy game to be rated M by the ESRB, this version does not include much of the overt gore and violence seen in its parent systems but kept some of the "burning" Fatalities (immolating a defeated opponent down to a burnt skeleton).
How Mortal Kombat 3 Plays
Additionally, Animalities, where the character transforms into an animal in order to kill their opponent, are featured for the first time. Kung Lao's "Whirl Wind Spin" move would also have the same effect. Both normal uppercuts and uppercuts that are part of a ground combo would result in a level change.
A "Run" button, accompanied by a corresponding meter, was introduced. "Chain combos", also known as pre-programmed combos (labeled "dial-a-combos") were also introduced. The codes were revealed through gaming magazines, promotional material, and other Mortal Kombat media; three pinball machines released around this time by Williams/Bally/Midway, Jack-Bot, No Fear: Dangerous Sports, and Theatre of Magic, also provided codes, and some of the text messages in this game were intended to lead players to the hidden codes in those games.
Why Players Still Load It Up
Several more home versions followed between 2002 and 2010, including Mortal Kombat Advance for the Game Boy Advance and Ultimate Mortal Kombat for the Nintendo DS. While Midway had been constantly adding subtle gameplay tweaks to its franchise since the release of Mortal Kombat, its once exciting series was suddenly looking rather tired." Nevertheless, the game received largely positive reviews at the time. Characters omitted from this game were included in two titles produced to update it: Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) and Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996).
It is an update of Mortal Kombat 3, featuring altered gameplay, additional characters, and new arenas. According to PC Gamer in 1998, "While Mortal Kombat 2 managed to improve upon the fast-paced, gore-galore formula of the original, the third incarnation didn't fare nearly as well. MK3 suffered from monkeywrenched gameplay, needlessly stupid finishing moves like 'Animalities,' and unbearably campy character designs." Next Generation reviewed the arcade version of the game, and stated that "in an industry which depends on innovation to keep it fresh and interesting, MK III just doesn't deliver." A Retro Gamer article on the history of the series stated in 2007: "Although many hardcore fans will decree Midway's third Mortal Kombat game to be the best in the series, just as many felt it was beginning of the end for the still massively popular franchise ...
Mortal Kombat 3 — Frequently Asked Questions
What console was Mortal Kombat 3 released on?
its publisher shipped Mortal Kombat 3 for the Super Nintendo back in 1995, and this page runs that release.
Can I save my progress in Mortal Kombat 3?
Yes. Create a free account and the player unlocks save states — snapshot your progress at any moment and resume later on any device.
How many players does Mortal Kombat 3 support?
This browser version of Mortal Kombat 3 handles 1 player(s).
Can I play Mortal Kombat 3 online for free?
Yes — Mortal Kombat 3 runs directly in your browser on this page. There is nothing to download or install; the game boots in the player above.