Mortal Kombat 3: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox Arcade Game | title = Mortal Kombat 3

{{Original research|date=July 2019}}

|image = [[Image:Mk3.png|250px|Logo of Mortal Kombat 3]]</br>[[Image:Mk3-select.png|250 px|Mortal Kombat 3 select screen]]

{{More citations needed|date=July 2019}}

|developer = [[Midway Games|Midway]]

}}

|publisher = [[Midway Games|Midway]]

{{Other uses|Mortal Kombat 3 (disambiguation)}}

|designer =

{{Short description|1995 video game}}

|release = [[1995]]

{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}{{Infobox video game

|genre = [[Fighting game|Fighting]]

| title = Mortal Kombat 3

|modes = Up to 2 players simultaneously

| image = File:Mortal Kombat 3 cover.JPG

|ports = [[Super Nintendo]], [[Sega Mega Drive|Mega Drive/Genesis]], [[Game Boy line|Game Boy]], [[Sega Game Gear]], [[Sega Master System]], [[Sony PlayStation]], [[IBM PC compatible|PC]]

| caption = Cover artwork for the home versions

|cabinet = Standard

| developer = {{collapsible list|title=[[Midway Games]]|[[Leland Corporation|Leland Interactive Media]] ([[Personal computer|PC]], [[PlayStation]])<br>[[Sculptured Software]] ([[Sega Genesis|Genesis/Mega Drive]], PC, [[SNES]])<br>[[Software Creations]] ([[Game Boy|GB]], [[Game Gear|GG]], [[Master System|SMS]])}}

|arcade system = [[Midway Wolf Unit hardware]]<br>Sound CPU: ADSP2150<br>Midway Digital Compression System (DCS) - Amplified Mono<br>Latest Game Version : Revision 2.1

| publisher = {{collapsible list|title=[[Midway Games]]|'''Genesis, SNES, Game Boy (NA)'''<br>[[WMS Industries|Williams Entertainment]]<br>'''PlayStation'''<br>[[Sony Computer Entertainment]]<br>'''Game Boy, Game Gear, Mega Drive, SNES (PAL)'''<br>[[Acclaim Entertainment]]<br>'''PC'''<br>[[GT Interactive]]<br>'''Master System'''<br>[[Tectoy|Tec Toy]]}}

|monitor = [[Raster graphics|Raster]] resolution 400 x 254

| designer = [[Ed Boon]]<br>[[John Tobias]]

|input = 8-way [[Joystick]], Buttons: 6 (HP, LP, BLOCK, HK, LK, RUN)

| programmer = Ed Boon

|notes =

| artist = John Tobias<br>Steve Beran<br>Tony Goskie

| composer = [[Dan Forden]]

| release = {{collapsible list|title={{Nobold|April 15, 1995}}|'''Arcade'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|April 15, 1995}}'''Genesis/Mega Drive''', '''Super NES''', '''Game Boy'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|October 13, 1995<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-074-september-1995_202301/page/n22/mode/1up|title=THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO DIE. ONLY ONE CAN MAKE YOU IMMORTAL. MK3. BE CAREFUL. IT'S COMING HOME. FRIDAY 13, OCTOBER 1995|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=74|date=September 1995|page=23|accessdate=January 10, 2022}}</ref><ref name="release">{{Cite news |last=Gelmis |first=Joseph |date=September 23, 1995 |title=The Wired Wired West and Other Fall Games |pages=67 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/645509769/?terms=%22I%20Have%20No%20Mouth%20and%20I%20Must%20Scream%22&match=1 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |quote=Among the main events in the season's lineup for martial arts aficionados are Mortal Kombat 3 (Oct. 13, PlayStation, PC/DOS, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis)}}</ref>|EU|October 1995<ref name="MortalKombat3-SM22">{{cite web|title=Mega Drive Review - Mortal Kombat 3|url=https://archive.org/details/sega-22/page/5/mode/2up|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine#History|Sega Magazine]]|publisher=[[EMAP]]|accessdate=9 March 2025|date=October 1995|pages=92–93}}</ref>}}'''PC'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|October 13, 1995<ref name="release"/>}}'''PlayStation'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|October 13, 1995<ref name="release"/>|UK|December 8, 1995<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 8, 1995 |title=Top of the Tree |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/751993860 |access-date=January 30, 2024 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |pages=17 |quote=Just Arrived//''Mortal Kombat 3''}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 8, 1995 |title=Bag Yourself a PlayStation for Christmas at HMV |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/790518652|access-date=January 30, 2024 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |pages=65|quote=''Mortal Kombat 3''//Available from today}}</ref>}}'''Game Gear'''<br />{{vgrelease|EU|1995}}'''Master System'''<br>{{Video game release|BRA|1996}}}}

| genre = [[Fighting game|Fighting]]

| series = ''[[Mortal Kombat]]''

| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]

| platforms = {{collapsible list|title=[[Arcade game|Arcade]]|[[Sega Genesis|Genesis/Mega Drive]]|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]]| [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]| [[Game Boy]]| [[Game Gear]]| [[MS-DOS]]| [[R-Zone]]| [[Master System]]}}<!---Do not list systems that only include the game on a compilation disc like "Midway Arcade Treasures 2"--->

| arcade system = Midway Wolf Unit hardware

}}

'''''Mortal Kombat 3''''' is the third game in the ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' series, released in [[Video arcade|arcades]] in [[1995]]. It was updated into ''[[Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3]]'', and later ''[[Mortal Kombat Trilogy]]''.

'''''Mortal Kombat 3''''' is a 1995 [[fighting game]] developed and published by [[Midway Games]] for [[Arcade video game|arcades]]. It is the third main installment in the ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' franchise and a sequel to 1993's ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]''. 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. The game avoids the tournament storyline of its predecessors, as various warriors instead fight against the returning [[Shao Kahn]], who has resurrected his bride [[Sindel]] and started an invasion of [[Earthrealm]].

==Characters and cast==

===Returning characters===

* Maj. Jackson Briggs a.k.a. [[Jax (Mortal Kombat)|Jax]]: John Parrish

*[[Kano (Mortal Kombat)|Kano]]: [[Richard Divizio]]

*[[Kung Lao]]: Tony Marquez

*[[Liu Kang]]: Eddie Wong

*[[Shang Tsung]]: [[John Turk]]

*[[Smoke (Mortal Kombat)|Smoke]]: Sal Divita (accessible only via secret code)

* Lt. [[Sonya Blade]]: [[Kerri Hoskins]]

*[[Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat)|Sub-Zero]]: [[John Turk]]

The third installment of ''Mortal Kombat'' retains the blood and gory attacks that defined the series. It introduces new types of [[Fatality (Mortal Kombat)|Fatality]] finishing moves, including [[Fatality_(Mortal_Kombat)#Animality|Animalities]]. Other features new to the series are [[combo (video gaming)|combos]], predefined sequences used to perform a series of consecutive attacks. {{anchor|kombatkode}}The new "Run" button allows players to briefly dash toward the opponent, and the new "Kombat Kodes" system allows players to enter various symbols before two-player matches to [[unlockable (gaming)|unlock]] certain additional features of the game.

===New characters===

*[[Cyrax]]: Sal Divita

*[[Kabal (Mortal Kombat)|Kabal]]: [[Richard Divizio]]

*[[Nightwolf]]: Sal Divita

*[[Sektor]]: Sal Divita

*[[Sheeva]]: None ([[Claymation]])

*[[Sindel]]: [[Lia Montelongo]]

*[[Kurtis Stryker]]: Michael O'Brien

''Mortal Kombat 3'' was a commercial success and received generally positive reviews, but drew criticism for omitting several popular characters from previous games. It is the only main installment to not feature franchise mascot [[Scorpion (Mortal Kombat)|Scorpion]]. Characters omitted from this game were included in the two titles produced to update it, ''[[Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3]]'' (1995) and ''[[Mortal Kombat Trilogy]]'' (1996).

===Non-playable characters===

*[[Motaro]]: [[Stop-motion]]

*[[Shao Kahn]]: [[Brian Glynn]]

*[[Noob Saibot]]: [[Richard Divizio]] (accessible only via secret code)

*[[Raiden (Mortal Kombat)|Raiden]]: [[Carlos Pesina]] (cameo: Nightwolf's Friendship)

==Gameplay==

==Boss and Sub-Boss==

[[File:Mortal Kombat 3 gameplay.png|thumb|left|[[Liu Kang]] vs. [[Shang Tsung]] in ''MK3'']]

===Boss===

*[[Shao Kahn]]

===Sub-Boss===

*[[Motaro]]

''Mortal Kombat 3'' builds further on the [[gameplay]] of the previous game. A "Run" button, accompanied by a corresponding meter, was introduced. This was primarily to address concern from fans who thought that the previous games gave too much of an advantage to the defending player. The Run meter is drained both by running (the character cannot run backward, only forwards) and by performing [[Combo (video gaming)|combos]].

==New to the series==

* ''MK3'' introduced the "Run" button, accompanied by a "Run" meter, allowing the character to run. This was primarily to address concern from fans who thought that the previous games gave too much of an advantage to the defending player. The Run meter is drained by running (the character cannot run backwards, only forwards) and by performing combos.

[[Image:Mk3-1.png|thumb|Sheeva performing a combo on Nightwolf]]

* ''MK3'' introduced "Kombat Kodes" which were 6 digit codes entered at the VS screen in a two player game to modify gameplay, fight hidden characters or display certain text messages.

* ''MK3'' also introduced the "Ultimate Kombat Kode" which was a 10 digit code that could be entered after a game was over in single player mode. If the correct code was entered, Smoke would become a permanent playable character on the character select screen. The arcade owner, however, could reset this code by accessing the game's diagnostic menu by hitting a [[DIP switch]] within the ''MK3'' cabinet.

* ''MK3'' also introduced "chain combos", also known as pre-progammed combos (labelled "dial-a-combos"). These supplement the existing juggle combo system, but critics contend that dial-a-combos are redundant and needlessly add to the learning curve of the game. Chain combos are preprogrammed button presses that are unblockable once one hit connects (e.g., one of Sonya's chain combos is HK-HK-HP-HP-LP-b+HP). Some chain combos end with an uppercut or other move that knocks the opponent into the air, so that more punishment can be dealt via a traditional juggle combo.

* ''MK3'' introduced the long-rumored Animality, where the character transforms into an animal in order to kill your opponent.

* ''MK3'' also introduced "Mercy", where, if a player wins two rounds, he can perform a "Mercy" move instead of a Fatality. This allows a beaten foe to recover a sliver of life and continue fighting. This is necessary to perform an Animality.

* ''MK3'' characters had more Fatalities and special moves, and there were now three stage Fatalities: the Subway, the Bell Tower and the Pit 3.

[[Image:Mk3-2.png|thumb|The "Choose Your Destiny" screen]]

*The arcade version of ''MK3'' also introduced the "Choose Your Destiny" screen. This new feature allowed player-selectable difficulty; previous games' difficulty settings were set by the machine operator.

* ''MK3'' was the first game of the series to use distinct blood colors depending on the character; the human characters and Shao Kahn had traditional red blood, Sheeva and Motaro had green blood, while the three robotic ninja had black blood (oil).

* ''MK3'' was the first game of the series to have a playable [[Mortal Kombat species#Shokan|Shokan]] character; Sheeva possessed unique corpse sprites (skeletons, etc.) that other player characters shared.

* Characters could be uppercutted through the ceiling of certain stages to continue the battle in a different stage. For example, if the round started in the Soul Chamber stage, if a character was uppercutted, both characters would fly up to the Balcony stage and continue the round there. This could alter the game's level cycle. Both normal uppercuts and uppercuts that are part of a ground combo would result in a level change. Kung Lao's "Whirl Wind Spin" move would also have the same effect. However, if the final hit of a round happens to be an uppercut (i.e., the character is defeated by an uppercut), there is no level change.

"Chain combos", also known as pre-programmed combos (labeled "dial-a-combos") were also introduced. Chain combos are button sequences that cannot be interrupted once one hit connects; some chain combos end with an uppercut or another move that knocks the opponent into the air so that more damage can be dealt via a traditional [[juggle combo]]. To please players of various skill levels, a "Choose Your Destiny" screen appears in the single-player mode to allow player-selectable difficulty.

==Art style==

For the first time, certain levels were interactive by allowing characters to uppercut each other through the ceiling where both characters would continue the battle in a different stage. This could alter the game's level cycle. Both normal uppercuts and uppercuts that are part of a ground combo would result in a level change. Kung Lao's "Whirl Wind Spin" move would also have the same effect. However, if the character is defeated by an uppercut, there is no level change.

As opposed to the heavily Oriental themes of ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' and ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'', ''MK3'''s theme is much more contemporary. The game's stages are set in modern locations, and traditional character designs (such as Sub-Zero's or Kano's) have been dropped or modified in favour of modern replacements. The overall game has a much darker tone then its predecessors, and uses a noticible darker and less vibrant colour palette. Characters are now heavily digitised (as opposed to the hybrid digitised/hand-drawn style of ''Mortal Kombat II.'') Many of the game's backgrounds are now created using pre-rendered 3D graphics. This change is also reflected in the sound track, in which all Oriental motifs have been dropped in favour of modern instrumentation.

All of the different styles of finishing moves featured in ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'' ([[Fatality (Mortal Kombat)|Fatalities]], including the non-lethal [[Babality]] and [[Friendship (Mortal Kombat)|Friendship]] moves) return in ''MK3''. Additionally, Animalities, where the character transforms into an animal in order to kill their opponent, are featured for the first time. To perform an Animality, the player must first perform a Mercy, another new feature where the character can restore a tiny amount of their opponent's health bar after winning two rounds. If the opponent is defeated again, an Animality can be performed. Finally, three new Stage Fatalities can be performed in the Subway, the Bell Tower and the Pit 3.

The game has received criticism for an overall lack of attention given to its art direction [http://www.game-rave.com/psx/playstation_perfect_guide/releasedgames/mortal_kombat_3/index.html], [http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=101759].

Another concept introduced in this game is the "Kombat Kode", a six-symbol code entered at the VS screen in a two-player game to modify gameplay, fight hidden characters or display certain messages. Also introduced in this game was the "Ultimate Kombat Kode", a 10-character code using symbols, that could be entered on the [[game over]] screen after the continue screen disappears in single player mode. It was used to unlock a robotic version of the character [[Smoke (Mortal Kombat)|Smoke]]; it can be done by either the player or the arcade operator. The arcade owner could reset this code by accessing the game's diagnostic menu and resetting the game to the factory settings within the ''MK3'' cabinet (except in version 2.1, which can only be done by accessing the EJB menu). 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.

==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.

==Plot==

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 [[Raiden (Mortal Kombat)|Raiden]] 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.

Weary of continuous losses in tournament battle, [[Shao Kahn]], who lost to [[Liu Kang]] in the Outworld tournament in the [[Mortal Kombat II|previous game]], 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 would not be revived in the Outworld, but in Earthrealm. This would allow Shao Kahn to cross the boundary lines and reclaim his queen. When Sindel is reincarnated in Earthrealm, Shao Kahn reaches across the dimensions to reclaim her and, as a result, Earthrealm gradually becomes a part of Outworld, stripping billions of their souls. Only a few are spared, protected by [[Raiden (Mortal Kombat)|Raiden]]. He tells them that Shao Kahn must be stopped, but he cannot interfere; due to his status, he has no power in Outworld, and Earthrealm is partially merged with Outworld. Shao Kahn has unleashed extermination squads to kill any Earthrealm survivors. Also, Raiden's protection only extends to the soul, not to the body, so his chosen warriors have to fight the extermination squads and repel Shao Kahn. With his final defeat, every human on Earthrealm is restored.

The game also contains several subplots:

Shao Kahn has unleashed extermination squads to roam throughout the Earth Realm and kill any survivors. Also, Raiden's protection only extends to the soul, not to the body, so his chosen warriors have to fight the extermination squads and repel Shao Kahn.

* Having defeated Shao Kahn in Outworld, Liu Kang now finds himself as the prime target of Shao Kahn's extermination squads. In response to the upcoming threat, he aligns himself with [[Kung Lao]] and leads the rebellion against Shao Kahn and his Outworld minions. However, he also has an ulterior motive: he seeks to free [[Kitana]]'s home realm of Edenia.

* With the latest advancements in human technologies, the Lin Kuei decide to automate their human assassins into soulless machines. Four ninjas, [[Cyrax]], [[Sektor]], [[Characters of the Mortal Kombat series|Smoke]], and [[Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat)|Sub-Zero]], are selected to serve as the first automation prototypes, but Sub-Zero and Smoke refuse to participate, forcing them to leave the clan. Unfortunately, Smoke is captured and is automated along with Sektor and Cyrax and all three are programmed to hunt down and kill Sub-Zero. Meanwhile, learning of the looming Outworld threat, Sub-Zero joins the rebellion against Shao Kahn.

* [[Jax (Mortal Kombat)|Jax]] discovers the ___location of both [[Sonya Blade|Sonya]] and [[Kano (Mortal Kombat)|Kano]] while in Outworld and, in freeing Sonya, he also frees Kano. Knowing that his near future means arrest, Kano uses this opportunity to escape into the depths of Outworld and ultimately joins Shao Kahn's forces. Sonya and Jax return to Earth and try to warn their government about the looming Outworld threat, but when their pleas are ignored, Sonya and Jax instead prepare themselves for the upcoming war by joining the rebellion.

* Despite both serving Shao Kahn, the Centaurians and Shokan have been at war with each other for years. Suspicions arise when Sheeva, who is appointed Sindel's bodyguard, learns that Motaro is appointed as Kahn's general in his armies. With the apparent, yet unconfirmed, "deaths" of both Kintaro and [[Goro (Mortal Kombat)|Goro]], Sheeva begins to fear for her own race and makes plans to turn against Kahn should her suspicions prove to be true.

* Largely dependent on a respirator and an undying thirst for revenge against the Black Dragon clan (who he believes was responsible for his brutal attack), Kabal joins the rebellion upon learning of Kano's survival.

* Though he realizes that he is the lone survivor of New York City following the Outworld Invasion, Stryker remains ignorant as to why he survived the attack. However, upon receiving a vision from Raiden and being informed of what has transpired, Stryker decides to find and join the other Earthrealm warriors.

* For many years, Nightwolf received visions that foretold and warned him of the upcoming invasion. Largely ignoring them, he feels guilty for not preventing it, and so joins the human offensive against Kahn by casting a magical protection over his ancestors' traditional homeland in North America. This region becomes a threat to Kahn's occupation of Earth.

* [[Johnny Cage]] was hunted down by one of Shao Kahn's extermination squads and killed, apparently by Motaro.

==Characters==

''Mortal Kombat 3'' follows ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'' and shares continuity with both ''[[Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3]]'' and ''[[Mortal Kombat Trilogy]]'' which were both updates of this game. The next game in the series was ''[[Mortal Kombat 4]]''.

{{Main|List of Mortal Kombat characters}}

[[File:John Parrish (36371631072).jpg|thumb|John Parrish (Jax) with Lia Montelongo (Sindel), [[Kerri Hoskins]] (Sonya Blade) and Phillip Ahn (Shang Tsung in ''[[Mortal Kombat II|MKII]]''), reuniting in 2017|alt=|250x250px]]

The game includes 14 playable characters, with one additional secret character.

New characters:

==Ports==

* [[Cyrax]] (Sal Divita) - Yellow-colored Lin Kuei cyber assassin, and second of the three cyber assassins.

Though mainly released for the [[Sega Mega Drive|Mega Drive/Genesis]], [[Super Nintendo]], and [[Sony PlayStation]] upon home system release, a scaled-down version for the [[Game Boy]] was completed, only containing nine of the original fifteen fighters (Kano, Sonya, Sub-Zero, Cyrax, Sektor, Sheeva, Sindel, Kabal, and the robotic Smoke as both a hidden fighter and a playable character unlocked with a Kombat Kode), five stages, no button-link combos and no Motaro sub-boss, and Shao Kahn uses his moves from [[Mortal Kombat II]]. Though rated M for mature, this version does not include much of the overt gore and violence seen in its parent systems, despite keeping some of the "burning" fatalities (immolating a defeated opponent down to just a burnt skeleton). However, the graphics are superb for a Game Boy title, with smoother animation and greater attention to detail on the fighters than the older MK titles for Game Boy. There was also a scaled down [[Game Gear]] version of MK3, but it was never released in the US. Only Europe and Japan saw a release, and it is rare to find; a complete packaged version can be seen on Internet auctions for as much as $90.

* [[Kabal (Mortal Kombat)|Kabal]] (Richard Divizio) - Former Black Dragon warrior.

* [[Nightwolf]] (Sal Divita) - Native American shaman.

* [[Sektor]] (Sal Divita) - Red-colored Lin Kuei cyber assassin and also the first of the three cyborgs.

* [[Sindel]] (Lia Montelongo) - Resurrected Queen of Edenia who is being controlled by Shao Kahn. Sindel was originally named Mushasha in the early versions of the game.

* [[Sheeva]] ([[stop motion]]) - Female Shokan whose loyalty lies in the hands of Shao Kahn, and is also the protector of Sindel.

* [[Kurtis Stryker|Stryker]] (Michael O'Brien) - Riot control officer.

Returning characters:

There were 2 different versions of MK3 for the PC. The first was a DOS version. It is a unique version, not closely resembling any of the other ports of MK3. It features very good animation, sound, graphics, and it implements the gameplay of the arcade with a high level of precision. The second version was a Windows version. It is a direct port of the PlayStation version of the game, featuring the same menus, identical sprite sizes and qualities and the same gameplay as the PlayStation version.

* [[Jax (Mortal Kombat)|Jax]] (John Parrish) - Special Forces major who works with Sonya to apprehend Kano.

* [[Kano (Mortal Kombat)|Kano]] (Richard Divizio) - Black Dragon thug who escaped arrest by Sonya and Jax.

* [[Kung Lao]] (Tony Marquez) - Shaolin monk who seeks to stop what Kahn is planning.

* [[Liu Kang]] (Eddie Wong) - Returning Mortal Kombat champion who defeated Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn in the two previous Mortal Kombat tournaments.

* [[Sonya Blade]] ([[Kerri Hoskins]]) - Special Forces lieutenant setting out again to capture Kano.

* [[Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat)|Sub-Zero]] (John Turk) - Rogue Lin Kuei ninja who fled the clan after refusing to be converted to a cybernetic unit.

* [[Shang Tsung]] (John Turk) - Shao Kahn's devious sorcerer.

* [[Smoke (Mortal Kombat)|Smoke]] (Sal Divita) - Indigo-colored cyber assassin from the Lin Kuei and last of the three cyborgs, who was once a close friend of Sub-Zero (unlocked by the Ultimate Kombat Kode).

Boss characters:

MK3 for Windows and for PlayStation is also the base for [[Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3]] for the Sega Saturn. These games feature the same sprite sizes and qualities and almost identical menu systems. But, the Sega Saturn version has the additional content from UMK3 roughly added in as well.

* [[Motaro]] (stop-motion) - A Centaur and the game's sub-boss.

* [[Shao Kahn]] (Brian Glynn, voiced by [[Steve Ritchie (pinball designer)|Steve Ritchie]]) - Emperor of Outworld and the game's final boss.

[[Noob Saibot]] (Richard Divizio) also returns as a hidden opponent.<!--He is a palette-swapped Kano, owing to the lack of availability of the masked ninja characters until the ''Ultimate'' version of the game. (We should work this in once we're able to with a source.)-->

==Trivia==

* In the arcade version, Kung Lao lacked a character bio during [[attract mode]]. Midway created one for the home versions of ''MK3''.

* Noob Saibot is not a fully black 'ninja' palette swap, but is actually a completely black version of Kano, because there were no 'ninjas' in this game until ''Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3''. He also has no special moves but uses some of Kano's combos. It should be noted that when Noob wins a round, the announcer says, "Kano shows mercy!" This is most likely a programming glitch. In the Super NES version, upon defeat, the announcer says "You Suck".

* MK3 was the first mainstream Mortal Kombat game to lack the traditional palette-swapped masked ninjas. (Sub-Zero is not counted due to his new appearance, though he is considered a top-tier character in the game) This proved to be very unpopular with fans of the series, which lead to the ninja concept being reinstated in UMK3.

* The Graveyard stage contains gravestones with the last names of ''MK3'''s entire design team: [[Ed Boon]], [[John Tobias]], [[Dan Forden]], [[John Vogel]], Steve Beran, Tony Goskie, and Dave Michicich. For each round, four of these names will appear randomly on each of the four closest gravestones. Each gravestone also has each person's date of birth as well as the "alleged" date they died, which is [[April 1]], [[1995]], the day the first version of ''MK3'' was released in the arcades. A gravestone in the background can also be seen reading "Cage", making reference to [[Johnny Cage]] being deceased (at the time).

* The Subway stage has a sign in the background that reads: "BOON/TOBIAS". These are the last names of ''Mortal Kombat'' co-creators, Ed Boon and John Tobias.

*Many of the new characters weren't officially named till late in the production of the game. During production, Sektor and Cyrax's names were [[Ketchup]] and [[Mustard]] (respectively), due to their coloration, while Sindel bore the name "The Bride" as well as the odd moniker of "Muchacha." Kabal, meanwhile, was nicknamed "Sandman".

*The early names for the Graveyard and the Bell Tower stages were "The Boonyard" and "Tobias Tower," respectively, but criticism regarding the oversaturation of Boon's and Tobias' names in the game soon surfaced, resulting in both levels being quickly renamed with their generic descriptions.

*First Mortal Kombat game to feature [[Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat)|Sub-Zero]] unmasked. He was unmasked to not only give him a new look, but to also convince the fans that this was in fact the younger brother of the original Sub-Zero (who died in the first [[Mortal Kombat]]).

*Also the first (and only) Mortal Kombat not to feature very popular characters [[Scorpion (Mortal Kombat)|Scorpion]] & [[Raiden (Mortal Kombat)|Raiden]].

*When Smoke was unlocked via Ultimate Kombat Kode upon beating Shao Kahn he did not stay in the CPU's memory for the Arcade version.

*There are many similar voices for the characters in this game, but there are differences in the different versions. In the arcade, the characters: Shang Tsung, Jax, and Kano all have the same voice, the characters: Stryker and Kabal both have the same voice, the characters: Sub-Zero and Kung Lao both have the same voice, the characters: Sonya and Sindel both have the same voice, the characters: Cyrax, Sektor and Smoke all have the same voice, and the characters: Liu Kang, Nightwolf and Sheeva each have their own unique voice. In the Super NES version, the characters: Shang Tsung, Jax, Kano, Stryker, Sub-Zero, Kung Lao and Kabal all have the same voice, the characters: Sonya, Sindel and Sheeva all have the same voice, the characters: Cyrax, Sektor and Smoke all have the same voice, and Liu Kang and Nightwolf each have their own unique voices. In the Sega Genesis version, the characters: Shang Tsung, Jax, Kano, Liu Kang, Stryker, Sub-Zero, Nightwolf, Kung Lao and Kabal all have the same voice, the characters: Sonya and Sindel have the same voice, the characters: Cyrax, Sektor and Smoke all have the same voice, and Sheeva has her own unique voice.

==External linksDevelopment==

The development team considered making ''Mortal Kombat 3'' using [[3D computer graphics|3D graphics]], but opted to stick with the [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprite graphics]] of the previous games.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://gameological.com/2012/10/interview-mortal-kombat-cocreator-john-tobias/index.html |title=John Tobias, Mortal Kombat co-creator &#124; Interview &#124; the Gameological Society |access-date=2018-12-24 |archive-date=2019-09-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913152519/http://gameological.com/2012/10/interview-mortal-kombat-cocreator-john-tobias/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<!-- Editor's note: Add a link here ONLY to the MK3 page on the site being added - any pages not explicitly about MK3 will be removed! -->

*{{moby game|id=/mortal-kombat-3|name=''Mortal Kombat 3''}}

The game has a different tone overall than its predecessors and uses a noticeably more muted color palette. Characters were heavily digitized, as opposed to the hybrid digitized/hand-drawn style of ''MKII''. Many of the game's backgrounds were created using pre-rendered 3D graphics for the first time. Its overall style was also differentiated from the previous ''Mortal Kombat'' games; instead of the heavy ancient East Asian influences the first two games had, the imagery of ''MK3'' is more Western and contemporary: the game's stages are set in modern locations such as urban highways, bank buildings, and rooftops; three of the characters are cyborgs; and traditional martial art clothing designs, such as Sub-Zero's garb, have been replaced by modern clothing. This change is also reflected in the soundtrack, in which all Asian motifs have been dropped in favor of electronic music instrumentation.

Some of the characters from previous ''Mortal Kombat'' games who returned in ''Mortal Kombat 3'' were portrayed by new actors since their original portrayers left Midway due to royalty disputes over the use of their likenesses in console versions. [[Ho Sung Pak]] (Liu Kang in the first two games, as well as Shang Tsung in the first ''Mortal Kombat''), Phillip Ahn (Shang Tsung in ''Mortal Kombat II''), [[Elizabeth Malecki]] (Sonya Blade), Katalin Zamiar (Kitana/[[Mileena]]/[[Jade]]) and [[Daniel Pesina]] ([[Johnny Cage]] and [[Scorpion (Mortal Kombat)|Scorpion]]/Sub-Zero/[[Reptile (Mortal Kombat)|Reptile]]/Smoke/Noob Saibot) were not involved in the production of ''MK3''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipcounselors.com/19970616.htm#a2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513160817/http://www.ipcounselors.com/19970616.htm#a2 |archive-date=2008-05-13 |title=Epstein Drangel Bazerman & James, Intellectual Property, Technology and Media Law |access-date=2013-08-11}}</ref> Prior to the release of ''Mortal Kombat 3'', Daniel appeared in an advertisement for another fighting game, ''[[BloodStorm]]'', which resulted in a false rumor that it got him fired by Midway. All this led to the use of new actors for Liu Kang (Eddie Wong), Sonya Blade ([[Kerri Hoskins]]), and Shang Tsung and Sub-Zero (both played by John Turk) in ''MK3''. Richard Divizio (Kano) also took over the role of Noob Saibot (as the character was a recolored Kano in this version). Carlos Pesina, who played [[Raiden (Mortal Kombat)|Raiden]] in the first two games, did not appear in ''MK3'' as a penalty for his involvement in the rival game ''BloodStorm'', but was still employed by Midway and his character would return in ''Mortal Kombat Trilogy'', although through the use of recycled sprites from ''MKII'' and new sprites performed by Sal Divita.

==Release==

{{quote box|width=30%|quote=Q: The abandonment of icons like [[Scorpion (Mortal Kombat)|Scorpion]] and [[Kitana]] ultimately provoked revisions to the ''MK3'' game. What was the impetus for leaving them out, and did you feel it was the right move to add them back in? <br> A: Actually, leaving them out had nothing to do with provoking ''[[Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3|UMK3]]''. ''UMK3'' was done to appease arcade operators and make up for the sooner than usual release of ''MK3'''s home version by keeping the arcade version fresh. |source=—[[John Tobias]] for Mortal Kombat Online<ref name=mko>[http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1725 In Konversation: Mortal Kombat Online vs John Tobias - Part 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530075007/http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1725 |date=2013-05-30 }}, Mortal Kombat Online, 09/17/2012.</ref>|}}

Accompanied by a massive promotional campaign (given the world record for the "largest promotional campaign for a video game" in the 2011 ''Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition''), ''Mortal Kombat 3'' was originally released to the North American arcades in April 1995.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111310168/arcade-fans-ready-for-mortal-kombat-3/ |title=Arcade fans ready for Mortal Kombat 3 |first=Paul |last=Chapman |newspaper=[[Calgary Herald]] |date=April 23, 1995 |page=B13 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=October 14, 2022 |archive-date=October 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014193742/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111310168/arcade-fans-ready-for-mortal-kombat-3/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The game was soon ported to three home consoles, namely the [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]], [[Super NES]], and [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. The PlayStation version was described as identical to the arcade original by [[Ed Boon]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/noobde/status/304302358471516160 |title=Twitter / noobde: The PS1 version was identical |publisher=Twitter.com |date=2013-02-20 |access-date=2014-05-25 |archive-date=2014-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327185829/https://twitter.com/noobde/status/304302358471516160 |url-status=live }}</ref> As part of a deal with Midway, [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] gained exclusive worldwide rights for the 32-bit version of the game up through the end of the first quarter of 1996 (hence why the [[Sega Saturn]], [[3DO]], and [[Atari Jaguar]] versions were all slated for release in the second quarter of 1996).<ref>{{cite magazine|title=At the Deadline|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=86|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=November 1995|page=190}}</ref> According to a [[Sega]] spokesperson, Sony paid Midway $12 million for these [[timed exclusive]] rights.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Company Wars|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=88 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=January 1996|page=16}}</ref> Continuing a tradition of simultaneous home version releases from the first two games in the series, it was announced that the Genesis, Super NES, [[Game Boy]], and [[Game Gear]] versions would all be released on "Mortal Friday", October 13, 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Prepare Your Home for MK 3|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=85|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=October 1995|page=170}}</ref> However, the Game Gear version was never released in North America at all. The publishing for the 16-bit console ports and portable versions in North America was handled by [[WMS Industries|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. Although [[Sculptured Software]] did the 16-bit and DOS versions, the PlayStation and PC versions were developed by its San Diego development division [[Leland Corporation|Leland Interactive Media]], which Midway's owner [[WMS Industries]] had bought the previous year.<ref name=":0">{{cite magazine |date=June 1994 |title=Midway Takes Project Reality to the Arcades, Williams Buys Tradewest |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |page=182 |issue=59}}</ref>

On the Game Boy, only nine of the original 15 fighters (Kano, Sonya, Sub-Zero, Cyrax, Sektor, Sheeva, Sindel, Kabal, and Smoke) are available, only five stages exist, there are no button-link combos, and no finishers outside of Fatalities and Babalities. Shao Kahn uses his moves from ''Mortal Kombat II'', and Motaro is not included. The sole Game Boy game to be [[Entertainment Software Rating Board#Restricted ratings|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).

A scaled-down Game Gear version of ''Mortal Kombat 3'' was released only in Europe. It is very similar to the Game Boy version, although it is in color and features Noob Saibot as a hidden character. It is the only Game Gear ''Mortal Kombat'' game to not have blood and gore. There is also a port for the [[Master System]], which is nearly identical to the Game Gear version with the addition of blood and a wider view of the stage and fighters, although it was only released in Brazil by [[Tectoy|Tec Toy]], distributor of Sega's products in that country.

There are two different versions of ''Mortal Kombat 3'' for [[IBM PC compatible]]s. The first is an [[MS-DOS]] version, which does not closely resemble any of the other ports. This version contains a hidden redbook audio track ([[commons:File:TRACK47.ogg|Track 47]]) with a narration of a story in reverse. The second is a port of the PlayStation version to [[Microsoft Windows]].

''Mortal Kombat 3'' was originally slated to be released for the Atari Jaguar in the second quarter of 1996, according to a joint press release issued by [[Atari Corporation|Atari]] and [[Williams Entertainment]] on March 13, 1995,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://host.fptoday.com:80/melek/Jaguar/jag-94.htm|title='MORTAL KOMBAT III' WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE ATARI JAGUAR|website=Nine Lives|date=March 13, 1995|access-date=2018-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725214612/http://host.fptoday.com/melek/Jaguar/jag-94.htm|archive-date=2018-07-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> but was never released.<ref>{{cite web|last=Vendel|first=Curt|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/jaguar/jagfiles/jag64-payments.PDF|title=Payment Schedule for Jaguar games to Developers|website=atarimuseum.com|date=August 26, 1995|access-date=2018-09-22|archive-date=2014-12-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211091716/http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/jaguar/jagfiles/jag64-payments.PDF|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Gore|first=Chris|url=https://archive.org/stream/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_79_August_1995#page/n13/mode/1up|title=The Gorescore - Industry News You Can - Upcoming Jaguar Software Titles|magazine=[[VideoGames & Computer Entertainment#VideoGames - The Ultimate Gaming Magazine|VideoGames - The Ultimate Gaming Magazine]]|issue=79|publisher=[[Larry Flynt Publications|L.F.P., Inc.]]|date=August 1995|page=14}}</ref> A port for the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer was also announced for an early 1996 release, touted on magazine covers, and reportedly complete, but was also never released.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Matthews|first=Will|date=December 2013|title=Ahead of its Time: A 3DO Retrospective|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|issue=122|page=26}}</ref> A port for the Sega Saturn was also announced for early 1996,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Kombat 3|magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine|issue=1|date=November 1995|page=12}}</ref> but was canceled in favor of a port of ''Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3''.

''Mortal Kombat 3'' is also included in ''[[Midway Arcade Treasures 2]]'' for the [[GameCube]], [[PlayStation 2]], and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]; ''[[Midway Arcade Treasures Deluxe Edition]]'' for the Windows (this title includes a 'making of' documentary about the game); and ''[[Midway Arcade Treasures: Extended Play]]'' for the [[PlayStation Portable]].

In 2021, Mortal Kombat 3 was re-released by [[Arcade1Up]] along with Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 on one of their Countercades.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arcade1Up |title=Mortal Kombat 2 Player Countercade |url=https://arcade1up.com/products/mortal-kombat-2-player-counter-cade |access-date=2022-07-21 |website=Arcade1Up |language=en |archive-date=2022-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721210734/https://arcade1up.com/products/mortal-kombat-2-player-counter-cade |url-status=live }}</ref>

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first Mortal Kombat game, Arcade1Up released in 2022 an arcade machine with Mortal Kombat 3 along with Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, [[Toobin']], [[Rampage (1986 video game)|Rampage]], [[Joust (video game)|Joust]], [[Tapper (video game)|Tapper]], [[Wizard of Wor]], [[Gauntlet (1985 video game)|Gauntlet]], [[Defender (1981 video game)|Defender]], [[Bubbles (video game)|Bubbles]], [[Paperboy (video game)|Paperboy]], and [[Klax (video game)|Klax]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arcade1Up |title=Midway Legacy Arcade Machine Mortal Kombat 30th Anniversary Edition |url=https://arcade1up.com/products/midway-legacy-arcade-machine-mortal-kombat-30th-anniversary-edition |access-date=2022-07-21 |website=Arcade1Up |language=en |archive-date=2022-08-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815005020/https://arcade1up.com/products/midway-legacy-arcade-machine-mortal-kombat-30th-anniversary-edition |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==

===Commercial===

In the United States, ''RePlay'' reported ''Mortal Kombat 3'' to be the most-popular arcade game in May 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Player's Choice - Top Games Now in Operation, Based on Earnings-Opinion Poll of Operators: Best Video Software|magazine=RePlay|volume=20|issue=8|publisher=RePlay Publishing, Inc.|date=May 1995|page=6}}</ref> ''Mortal Kombat 3'' was one of three 1995 recipients of the [[American Amusement Machine Association]]'s Diamond Awards (which are based strictly on sales achievements), along with [[Sega]]'s ''[[Daytona USA]]'' and [[SNK]]'s [[Neo Geo MVS]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=And the Winner Is ...|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=17 |date=May 1996|page=21}}</ref> It was the highest-grossing [[arcade conversion]] kit of 1995 in the United States.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Coin Machine: AMOA Jukebox, Games Awards Winners Announced At Expo '95 |magazine=[[Cash Box]] |date=October 7, 1995 |page=26 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1995/CB-1995-10-07.pdf#page=34 |access-date=2021-10-13 |archive-date=2021-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010194036/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1995/CB-1995-10-07.pdf#page=34 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Coin Machine: AMOA JB And Games Awards Nominees Announced |magazine=[[Cash Box]] |date=July 22, 1995 |page=30 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1995/CB-1995-07-22.pdf#page=30 |access-date=2021-10-13 |archive-date=2021-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010194034/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1995/CB-1995-07-22.pdf#page=30 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Williams Entertainment, which published the Super NES and Genesis versions, reported combined sales of 250,000 copies in the first weekend they were available, placing them among the best-selling games of 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Industry Rebounds|magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=88 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=January 1996|pages=22–23}}</ref> The Super NES version had sold more than one million copies by November 23, 1995.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jim|last=Carlton|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/175595843/|title=Fans remain loyal to 16-bit machines|date=November 23, 1995|agency=The Wall Street Journal|newspaper=The Hartford Courant|access-date=December 7, 2020|page=E2|via=Newspapers.com|quote="Nintendo's 'Killer Instinct' has sold more than 1 million copies since it was introduced in September, as has the Nintendo version of 'Mortal Kombat III' and the company's recently released 'Super Mario World: Yoshi's Island.'"|archive-date=October 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014193742/https://www.newspapers.com/image/175595843/|url-status=live}}</ref> It went on to be the best-selling home video game of 1995 in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. Top 20 Best-Selling Games in 1995-1999 ranked on dollar sales |url=https://twitter.com/npdgames/status/1217971911973658625 |access-date=11 October 2021 |website=[[Twitter]] |publisher=[[The NPD Group]] |date=January 17, 2020 |archive-date=17 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117023530/https://twitter.com/npdgames/status/1217971911973658625 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Mortal Kombat 3'' was nominated for the [[Video Software Dealers Association]]'s "Video Game of the Year" for 1995,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=News Bits|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=96 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=September 1996 |page=21|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_086_September_1996/page/n22}}</ref> losing to ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Home Entertainment Awards – Video Games|url=http://www.entmerch.org/industry/awards/emavsda-home-entertainment-/home-entertainment-awards-v-2.html|publisher=[[Entertainment Merchants Association]]|access-date=5 February 2012|archive-date=1 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101201913/http://www.entmerch.org/industry/awards/emavsda-home-entertainment-/home-entertainment-awards-v-2.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Critical===

{{Video game reviews

| CVG = 92% (Mega Drive, SNES, PC) <br> 91% (PS)<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Computer and Video Games Christmas Buyers Guide |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[EMAP]] |issue=170 (January 1996) |date=10 December 1995 |pages=8–9 |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_170_1996-01_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n7/mode/2up}}</ref>

| EGM = 8.675/10 (PS)<ref name="EGM75"/><br>8.375/10 (SNES)<ref name="EGM78"/>

| IGN = 5/10 (PS)<ref name="IGNPS"/>

| rev1 = ''Maximum''

| rev1Score = {{rating|3|5}} (PS)<ref name="MaxPS"/>

| NGen = {{rating|4|5}} (PC, GEN)<ref name=ng/><ref name="NGen11"/><br>{{rating|3|5}} (arcade, PS)<ref name="NG7"/><ref name="NGen12"/>

| Allgame = {{rating|3|5}} (GEN)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brett Alan Weiss |title=Mortal Kombat 3 (Sega Genesis) Review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1648 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114123342/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1648 |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=July 3, 2022 |website=Allgame}}</ref><br>{{rating|2|5}} (ARC)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williamson |first=Colin |title=Mortal Kombat 3 (Arcade) Review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=10559&tab=review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114202143/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=10559&tab=review |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=July 3, 2022 |website=Allgame}}</ref><br>{{rating|2.5|5}} (GB)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williamson |first=Colin |title=Mortal Kombat 3 (Game Boy) Review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1083&tab=review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115021220/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1083&tab=review |archive-date=November 15, 2014 |access-date=July 3, 2022 |website=Allgame}}</ref>

}}

Although ''Mortal Kombat 3'' was commercially successful, many disliked the inclusion of arguably less-appealing new characters (especially Stryker) in place of established stalwarts such as Scorpion and Kitana.<ref name="mko" /><ref name="ng">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/nextgen-issue-010/Next_Generation_Issue_010_October_1995#page/n118/mode/1up/search/kitana |title=NEXT Generation Issue #10 October 1995 |date=1995-10-10 |access-date=2015-05-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/review/mortal-kombat-arcade-kollection-ps3-review/2/ |title=Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection PS3 review - Page 2 of 2 |publisher=Official PlayStation Magazine |access-date=2013-08-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013095840/http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/review/mortal-kombat-arcade-kollection-ps3-review/2/ |archive-date=2013-10-13 }}</ref> The new combo system was also often criticized, as were, to a lesser degree, the run mechanics and some finishing moves.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/Mortal-Kombat-Arcade-Kollection/Item3188.aspx |title=Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection - Review - by Cyril Lachel |publisher=Gaming Nexus |date=2011-09-16 |access-date=2013-08-11 |archive-date=2013-10-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013222430/http://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/Mortal-Kombat-Arcade-Kollection/Item3188.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-mortal-kombat-arcade-kollection-210908.phtml |title=Review: Mortal Kombat: Arcade Kollection |website=Destructoid |date=10 September 2011 |access-date=2013-08-11 |archive-date=2013-08-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821064034/http://www.destructoid.com/review-mortal-kombat-arcade-kollection-210908.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NGen11" /> According to ''[[PC Gamer]]'' in 1998, "While ''[[Mortal Kombat II|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."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/84.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000305223723/http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/84.html |archive-date=2000-03-05 |title=PC Gamer Online |website=[[PC Gamer]] |date=2000-03-05 |access-date=2014-01-19}}</ref> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|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."<ref name="NG7">{{cite magazine|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=7|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=July 1995|page=79}}</ref> 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 ... 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."<ref>''Retro Gamer'' 40, page 33.</ref>

Nevertheless, the game received largely positive reviews at the time. ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' (''EGM'') gave the PlayStation version their "Game of the Month" award.<ref name=EGM75>{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Mortal Kombat 3 |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=75|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=October 1995|page=32}}</ref> ''EGM'' and [[IGN]] both criticized the heavy lag during Shang Tsung's morphing while assessing the conversion overall as a near-perfect replication of the graphics, content, and controls of the arcade original. However, IGN gave it a negative assessment based on the shortcomings of ''Mortal Kombat 3'' itself, recommending ''[[Street Fighter]]'' 2D fighting games over it unless one is a "die-hard ''MK'' fan".<ref name=IGNPS>{{cite web |first=Adam |last=Douglas |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/1996/11/26/mortal-kombat-3 |title=Mortal Kombat 3 - IGN |publisher=Uk.ign.com |date=November 25, 1996 |access-date=2015-05-07 |archive-date=2022-10-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014193746/https://www.ign.com/articles/1996/11/26/mortal-kombat-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to a later IGN retrospective, "Despite the evolutions in gameplay, ''Mortal Kombat 3'' was simply not met with same kind of enthusiasm as its predecessor. While the new 'cyber-ninja' characters were popular, the loss of so many favorites from the roster left many players feeling left out. A new ''Mortal Kombat'' was impossible to ignore, but the response wasn't quite what Midway had hoped for."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://retro.ign.com:80/articles/919/919357p4.html|title=IGN Presents the History of Mortal Kombat - Retro Feature at IGN|date=2011-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319194829/http://retro.ign.com/articles/919/919357p4.html|access-date=2018-12-29|archive-date=2011-03-19|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Reviewing the Genesis version, a ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' critic remarked that the game actually looks better on a last-generation console, where it finds company with other 2D games and is better-looking than most of them, than it did in the arcade, where it seemed outdated against the increasingly prevalent [[polygonal modeling|polygon-based]] games. He complimented the game for delivering on the elements most important to the ''Mortal Kombat'' fanbase, but added as a final note that "as a whole, the ''MK'' series is getting stale and in dire need of some major reworking."<ref name="NGen11">{{cite magazine|title=Finished?|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=11|date=November 1995|page=185|quote=The fighting is still decent, but with the addition of a ''[[Killer Instinct (1994 video game)|Killer Instinct]]''-type combo system, there is less and less strategy.}}</ref> In their review, ''[[GamePro]]'' similarly said that ''Mortal Kombat 3'' is "just not original enough (like ''[[Tekken (video game)|Tekken]]'') or deep enough (like SF [''Street Fighter'']) to warrant space on the casual Genesis gamer's shelf." They also criticized the Genesis version as being a weak approximation of the arcade version, particularly the character sprites and sound effects.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=ProReview: Mortal Kombat 3|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=86|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=November 1995|page=76}}</ref> They assessed the PlayStation version as a much more accurate conversion aside from the lag during Shang Tsung's morphing, but concluded it to be "An awesome home version of a game that wasn't so great to begin with."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=ProReview: Mortal Kombat 3|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=87|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=December 1995|page=60}}</ref> ''Next Generation'' similarly felt the arcade-perfect quality of the PlayStation version was overshadowed by the game's lack of innovation: "There is little, outside of a few new, conspicuously uninspired characters, a run feature, and a new combo system, which simply mirrors its competition, to differentiate ''MK3'' from its predecessors."<ref name="NGen12">{{cite magazine|title=Mortal Kombat 3|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=12 |date=December 1995|page=176}}</ref> ''Maximum'' praised the PlayStation version's wealth of customization options and "eerie combat music tracks", but remarked that the game was outdated with ''[[Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3]]'' already out in arcades and slated for release on the Saturn. They also took strong issue with the lack of [[PAL]] optimization, saying that as a result "The characters move very slowly as if wading through treacle, and this detracts from the overall feel of the game as well as changing the timing for the special moves and combos."<ref name="MaxPS">{{cite magazine|title=Maximum Reviews: Firestorm|magazine=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|issue=3 |date=January 1996|page=145}}</ref>

Reviewing the SNES version, the four reviewers of ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' concurred it to be by far the best "16-bit version" of the game. They especially praised the challenging enemy AI, accurate graphics, and high number of special options.<ref name="EGM78">{{cite magazine|title=Mortal Kombat 3 Review|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=78|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=January 1996|page=39}}</ref> While they listed some problems with the AI and sound, ''GamePro'' had a similar reaction, concluding that "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."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=ProReview: Mortal Kombat 3|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=86|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=November 1995|page=84}}</ref> ''PC Gamer'' itself, despite the later negative opinion, gave the PC version of ''MK3'' a review score of 89% upon the release, calling it "yet another excellent arcade experience from the king of fighting games."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/1312.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000305150238/http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/1312.html |archive-date=2000-03-05 |title=PC Gamer Online |website=[[PC Gamer]] |date=2000-03-05 |access-date=2014-01-19}}</ref> ''Next Generation'' at the time called it "one of the best fighting games ever released for the PC" and "a title you must own" for the fans of the genre, awarding it four out of five stars.<ref name="ng" /> ''GamePro'' panned the Game Boy version in a brief review, venturing that "even portable power players will find the soft controls and eye-straining graphics unbearable."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=ProReview: Mortal Kombat 3 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=90 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=March 1996|page=69}}</ref> In 1996, [[GamesMaster (magazine)|GamesMaster]] ranked the Mega Drive version as the best game for the system.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 1996 |title=The GameMasters Mega Drive Top 10 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/c/cf/GamesMaster_UK_044.pdf |journal=GamesMaster |issue=44 |pages=74 |access-date=2022-07-04 |archive-date=2022-07-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705151248/https://retrocdn.net/images/c/cf/GamesMaster_UK_044.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In the same issue, GamesMaster rated the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] version 5th in its "The GamesMaster SNES Top 10."<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 1996 |title=The GamesMaster SNES Top 10 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/c/cf/GamesMaster_UK_044.pdf |journal=GamesMaster |issue=44 |pages=75 |access-date=2022-07-04 |archive-date=2022-07-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705151248/https://retrocdn.net/images/c/cf/GamesMaster_UK_044.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Legacy==

{{main|Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3|Mortal Kombat Trilogy}}

''Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3'' was released to arcades in 1995. It is an update of ''Mortal Kombat 3'', featuring altered gameplay, additional characters, and new arenas. Various home versions of the game were released soon afterward, although none of these were completely identical to the arcade version. 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]]. The DS version features the "Puzzle Kombat" minigame originally from ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]''.

''Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3'' itself was updated to include content from previous games in the series and serve as the basis for the console-exclusive title ''[[Mortal Kombat Trilogy]]'' in 1996. It was also remastered to be released as part of the ''[[Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection]]'' in 2011.

Plot elements from the game were used in the 1997 film ''[[Mortal Kombat Annihilation]]'', the sequel to the [[Mortal Kombat (1995 film)|first ''Mortal Kombat'' film adaptation]].

==References==

{{Reflist}}

==External links==

* {{moby game|id=/mortal-kombat-3|name=''Mortal Kombat 3''}}

* [http://www.arcade-history.com/?n=mortal-kombat-3&page=detail&id=1675 ''Mortal Kombat 3''] at Arcade-History

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{{Mortal Kombat series}}

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