Tekken 3

About

Tekken 3 sharpens the formula of its predecessors with deeper mechanics and expanded content. Play as Jin Kazama or one of 14 other fighters in 3D arenas that let you chain combos across vertical and horizontal planes. The story mode follows Jin’s quest to uncover his family’s secrets after his mother is killed in a lab attack. Matches play out in best-of-three rounds with adjustable difficulty. Single-player offers exhibition matches and training mode while local multiplayer lets two players square off head to head. This PlayStation exclusive adds three new characters including the returning Jun Kazama and overhauled stages compared to the arcade version. The 1998 release refined hit detection and added the “Crimson Twister” super move for Jin. Though not the first 3D fighter it remains a high watermark for the genre with mechanics that still feel responsive today. Many players credit it with solidifying Tekken as a competitive staple.

Storyline

After defeating Kazuya Mishima in the King of Iron Fist Tournament 2, Heihachi Mishima reclaimed the Mishima Zaibatsu and created the Tekken Force, a paramilitary organization dedicated to protecting the company. One day, a squadron of Tekken Force soldiers searches an ancient temple in Mexico as part of an excavation project and is almost wiped out by the mighty Ogre. Heihachi Mishima's only hope is his grandson Jin Kazama, who lives with his mother Jun, unaware of his heritage. When Ogre attacks his home and presumably kills his mother, Jin goes in search of his grandfather and learns the family martial arts. On his nineteenth birthday, Heihachi announces the King of Iron Fist Tournament 3, hoping to use Jin to get Ogre out of the way.