Mortal Kombat 3

About Mortal Kombat 3

Mortal Kombat 3 dropped on April 15, 1995 as the third entry in Midway's brutal fighting series. It launched across Arcade, PC, SNES, PlayStation, DOS, and Genesis. This title pushed the 2D formula forward with multi-level stages that let fighters move between floors during a match. The roster expanded to include new warriors alongside veterans facing off against bosses like Motaro and Shao Kahn. Players can unlock hidden abilities using specific code sequences before a fight starts. The story sees Shao Kahn merging Earth with Outworld, forcing heroes to survive extermination squads led by Shang Tsung. It remains one of the most technically ambitious fighting games from the mid-nineties era.

Gameplay

Every match feels fast and violent compared to its predecessors. You use the Run button to close gaps instantly or retreat quickly across a multi-level arena. The Dial-A-Combo system lets you string together specific inputs to execute complex attacks without memorizing long sequences. Your goal is to deplete your opponent's health bar while learning their movement patterns. Matches often end in gruesome fatalities if you corner an enemy at the right moment. You can play through single-player modes where you fight a gauntlet of opponents or challenge friends locally on split screens. The controls respond sharply, rewarding quick reflexes and precise timing over button mashing.

What Players Think

The data shows mixed feelings from players who have tracked this title. IGDB lists an average score of 61.9 out of 100 based on 221 ratings. Most users spend around 4 to 6 hours completing the main campaigns before moving to multiplayer modes. Community moods often fluctuate between nostalgic appreciation for the mechanics and frustration with the difficulty spikes against boss characters like Shao Kahn. Review snippets frequently mention the game's high replay value due to unlockable fighters and secret moves. Some critics note that the PC version feels clunkier than the Arcade original. Completion rates hover around 70% for those who just want to see the ending.

PlayPile's Take

This game is worth a playthrough if you enjoy classic 2D fighters with high stakes. The price is often very low on retro markets or included in bundles, making it an easy add to your library. You will unlock roughly 15 achievements for mastering specific characters or finishing moves. It lacks the polish of modern titles but delivers raw combat that still holds up today. Do not expect a smooth experience if you are playing on emulated hardware without proper controller configuration. The multi-stage fights and unique code system offer enough variety to keep things fresh for a few months.

Storyline

Fed up with continuous losses in tournament battle, Shao Kahn who had lost to Liu Kang in the Outworld tournament, enacts a 10,000 year-old plan. He would have his Shadow Priests, led by Shang Tsung, revive his former Queen Sindel, who unexpectedly died at a young age. However, she wouldn't be revived in the Outworld. She would be resurrected in the Earth Realm. This would allow Shao Kahn to cross the boundary lines and reclaim his queen. When Sindel is reincarnated in Earth Realm, Shao Kahn reaches across the dimensions to reclaim her. As a consequence of his action, the Earth Realm becomes a part of the Outworld, killing billions instantly. Only a few are spared, as Rayden protects their souls. He tells them that Shao Kahn must be stopped, but he cannot interfere; due to his status, he has no power in Outworld, and Earth Realm is partially merged with Outworld. Shao Kahn has unleashed extermination squads to roam throughout the Earth Realm and kill any survivors.