The story of Tekken 3

Tekken 3 is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighting games of all time and a pinnacle entry in the Tekken series. Released in arcades in 1997 and later on the PlayStation in 1998, Tekken 3 redefined the 3D fighting game genre with its fast-paced, fluid combat, deep mechanics, and highly memorable roster of characters. It is often credited with solidifying Tekken as a premier fighting game franchise and bringing it into mainstream gaming.

Overview:

Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation, PlayStation 2 (via Tekken 5 arcade history mode), PlayStation Classic
Genre: 3D Fighting Game
Developer: Namco
Release Dates:
- Arcade: March 1997
- PlayStation: March 1998 (Japan), September 1998 (North America/Europe)

Story:

The story of Tekken 3 takes place 19 years after the events of Tekken 2. It introduces new characters and passes the torch to a new generation while maintaining ties to the Mishima family saga. The plot centers around the new main protagonist, Jin Kazama, the son of Kazuya Mishima and Jun Kazama.

After the events of Tekken 2, Heihachi Mishima has rebuilt the Mishima Zaibatsu and formed the Tekken Force, a military unit tasked with safeguarding his interests. However, after an expedition to uncover an ancient power known as the Ogre, the Tekken Force is destroyed, and Ogre begins attacking the world’s best fighters, including Jun Kazama. In the wake of his mother’s disappearance, Jin trains under his grandfather Heihachi to seek revenge on Ogre, setting up the story for the third King of Iron Fist Tournament.

Gameplay & Mechanics:

Tekken 3 retains the core mechanics of its predecessors but introduced several key changes and innovations that made it stand out in the fighting game genre.

Key Features and Innovations:

Faster and More Fluid Gameplay:
- One of the most notable changes in Tekken 3 was the significant increase in game speed. Movements, attacks, and animations were faster and more fluid than in previous entries, resulting in a more dynamic and fast-paced combat experience.
- The game’s responsiveness and fluidity made combos and special moves easier to execute, contributing to its popularity among both casual and hardcore players.
Introduction of Sidestepping:
- Tekken 3 was the first game in the series to truly embrace the 3D aspect of movement by introducing sidestepping. This allowed players to move into and out of the foreground, dodging linear attacks and opening up new offensive opportunities. This mechanic added depth to the combat system, encouraging strategic use of space and positioning.
- Sidestepping was a revolutionary addition that made Tekken 3 stand out from other 3D fighting games of the time.
Jump Height Adjustment:
- In previous Tekken games, characters could jump very high, leading to more floaty, unrealistic aerial battles. Tekken 3 drastically reduced the jump height, making jumps more grounded and realistic. This, in turn, led to a stronger focus on ground-based combat, giving the game a more tactical and fluid feel.
Improved Combo System:
- Tekken 3 introduced a more refined combo system, allowing players to chain together more complex and devastating combos. The inclusion of juggle combos—where opponents could be kept airborne and vulnerable for extended periods—added a new layer of skill and precision to the game.
- The balance between basic attacks, launchers, and follow-ups created an exciting and rewarding system that was accessible for beginners yet deep enough for competitive play.
Revolutionary Character Roster:
- Tekken 3 featured a mix of old and new characters, with several iconic fighters making their debut. The roster had a total of 23 playable characters, each with their own unique fighting styles, moves, and personality. The new characters fit seamlessly into the game’s universe and became instant fan favorites.

New Characters:

Jin Kazama: The son of Kazuya and Jun, Jin became the main protagonist of the series in Tekken 3. He adopts his father’s Mishima fighting style combined with his mother’s Kazama martial arts.
Hwoarang: A Taekwondo practitioner and rival to Jin, Hwoarang was a flashy, fast striker who became a beloved character for his aggressive, stylish combat style.
Ling Xiaoyu: A cheerful, young martial artist with a playful fighting style, Ling Xiaoyu was one of the most agile and unique characters introduced in Tekken 3.
Eddy Gordo: A capoeira fighter, Eddy became an instant hit for his distinct acrobatic style. His flashy kicks and unpredictable movement made him a fun yet dangerous character to master.
Bryan Fury: A resurrected former cop turned cyborg, Bryan brought a brutal brawling style to the game, known for his powerful punches and savage moves.
Julia Chang: The adoptive daughter of Michelle Chang, Julia inherited Michelle’s fighting style and became a well-rounded character with strong grappling and striking moves.

Returning characters such as Paul Phoenix, Nina Williams, Yoshimitsu, King, and Heihachi Mishima were all updated with new moves and improved animations, making them feel fresh despite their familiarity.

Game Modes:

Tekken 3 featured a variety of game modes that added to its replay value and made it a standout title on the PlayStation.

Arcade Mode:
- This is the traditional single-player mode where players fight through a series of opponents before facing the final boss, Ogre, followed by True Ogre. Each character had their own ending cinematic, giving players an incentive to complete the mode with multiple characters to see their unique stories.
Versus Mode:
- A standard 1v1 mode where players could battle against friends or the AI. This mode became the staple for competitive play and casual matches.
Team Battle Mode:
- In this mode, players could select a team of up to eight characters and fight against another team in elimination-style battles. It added a new strategic element as players needed to manage their team’s health and matchups.
Time Attack & Survival Modes:
- In Time Attack, players aim to complete battles as quickly as possible, while Survival Mode challenges players to defeat as many opponents as possible with a single life bar. These modes were great for practicing or testing endurance.
Tekken Force Mode:
- A unique beat-'em-up mode where players could fight waves of enemies in side-scrolling stages. This mode was a fun diversion from the standard 1v1 fighting, offering a fresh way to enjoy the game.
Tekken Ball Mode:
- One of the most memorable and quirky modes in Tekken 3, Tekken Ball was a volleyball-style mini-game where players could hit a large ball at their opponent using attacks. The ball would deal damage based on the strength of the hit, and players could either knock out their opponent or win by making them fail to return the ball. This mode was a fun and surprisingly competitive addition that fans loved.

Graphics and Sound:

Graphics:
- Tekken 3 was a graphical powerhouse for its time. The game featured detailed character models, fluid animations, and smooth transitions between moves. The PlayStation version was especially praised for pushing the hardware to its limits, delivering a near-arcade-quality experience at home.
- The game’s stages were diverse and featured dynamic environments that added visual appeal. From ancient temples to city streets, the stages reflected the global scope of the tournament.
Sound:
- The soundtrack of Tekken 3 was a mix of electronic, rock, and techno, perfectly complementing the fast-paced nature of the game. Each stage had its own unique track, setting the mood for intense battles.
- Sound effects, from the impact of punches and kicks to the distinct voices of the characters, were top-notch and contributed to the overall atmosphere of the game.

Reception:

Critical Acclaim:
- Tekken 3 was universally acclaimed upon release, with many praising its fast and fluid combat, deep roster, and various game modes. It received numerous Game of the Year awards and is frequently listed as one of the greatest video games of all time.
- IGN gave it a 9.9/10, calling it the best 3D fighter of its generation. GameSpot rated it 9.9/10 as well, praising its accessible gameplay and depth.
- The game's reception was even more impressive considering it was a late PlayStation title, showing that the console still had the power to deliver blockbuster games.
Sales:
- Tekken 3 was a commercial success, selling over 8 million copies on the PlayStation alone, making it one of the best-selling games on the platform and the highest-selling Tekken game to date.

Conclusion:

Tekken 3 is a landmark title in the fighting game genre and is often seen as the definitive Tekken experience. Its combination of fast-paced, fluid combat, deep mechanics, and memorable characters solidified its place in gaming history. The introduction of the sidestepping mechanic, a refined