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Gauntlet Legends

2025-10-11T23:40:14Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:84AE:7493:1949:FC13:

{{short description|1998 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Gauntlet Legends
| image = Gauntlet Legends Coverart.png
| caption = North American arcade flyer
| developer = [[Atari Games]]
| publisher = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|Atari Games}}|'''Arcade'''{{vgrelease|WW|Atari Games|JP|[[SNK]]}} '''Nintendo 64'''{{vgrelease|NA/PAL|[[Midway Games|Midway]]|JP|[[Epoch Co. Ltd.]]}} '''PlayStation, Dreamcast''' Midway}}
| composer = John Paul [[Barry Leitch]]
| producer = Mike Hally
| artist = Steve Caterson
| series = ''[[Gauntlet (series)|Gauntlet]]''
| platforms = [[Arcade video game|Arcade]], [[Nintendo 64]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Dreamcast]]
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|October 1998}}|'''Arcade'''{{vgrelease|NA|October 1998<ref>{{cite web|title=Production Numbers|url=http://www.atarigames.com/atarinumbers90s.pdf|publisher=[[Atari]]|year=1999|access-date=2021-04-09|archive-date=2017-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612044948/http://www.atarigames.com/atarinumbers90s.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>|JP|December 1998<ref>{{cite book |last1=Akagi |first1=Masumi |title=アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005) |trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971-2005) |date=13 October 2006 |publisher=Amusement News Agency |language=ja |location=Japan |isbn=978-4990251215 |page=20 |url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n19}}</ref>}} '''Nintendo 64'''{{vgrelease|NA|September 29, 1999<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/23/gauntlet-legends-5|title=Gauntlet Legends (N64 Preview)|author=IGN staff|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 22, 1999|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413235246/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/23/gauntlet-legends-5|archive-date=April 13, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>|PAL|December 1, 1999|JP|April 7, 2000}} '''PlayStation'''{{vgrelease|NA|March 30, 2000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.midway.com/rxpage/mpr_1232.html|title=Midway's Popular Gauntlet Legends™ Launches on the Playstation [sic] Game Console|website=[[Midway Games]]|date=March 30, 2000|access-date=March 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109145307/http://www.midway.com/rxpage/mpr_1232.html|archive-date=November 9, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>|PAL|June 28, 2000}} '''Dreamcast'''{{vgrelease|NA|June 6, 2000<ref name=DCRelease>{{cite web|url=http://www.midway.com/rxpage/mpr_1213.html|title=Arcade Perfection Comes Home With Midway's Gauntlet Legends For Sega Dreamcast|website=Midway Games|date=June 6, 2000|access-date=March 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110003747/http://www.midway.com/rxpage/mpr_1213.html|archive-date=November 10, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>|PAL|July 21, 2000}}
}}
| genre = [[Hack and slash]], [[dungeon crawl]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| arcade system = Midway Vegas
}}

'''''Gauntlet Legends''''' is a 1998 [[hack and slash]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Atari Games]] for [[arcade video game|arcades]]. It is a sequel to 1985's ''[[Gauntlet (1985 video game)|Gauntlet]]'' and 1986's ''[[Gauntlet II]]'', and the final game in the ''Gauntlet'' series to be produced by Atari Games. It has many unusual features for an arcade game, including [[Password (video games)|passwords]] and characters that can be saved, enabling players to play over the course of a long period.

The game was later ported to the [[Nintendo 64]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], and [[Dreamcast]]. In 2000, it was followed by ''[[Gauntlet Dark Legacy]]'', which featured new characters and levels.

==Gameplay==
In ages past, a corrupt mage named Garm used a set of Runestones to summon a demon named Skorne. However, Skorne crushed Garm and imprisoned his soul in the Underworld. Skorne, fearing the power of the Runestones, scattered them throughout the four realms, so that they could never be used against him. The player(s) must defeat the end bosses of each of the four kingdoms to obtain the four keys which allow access to the desecrated temple and be able to banish Skorne to the Underworld. While traveling through each realm, they must also collect the Thirteen Runestones from where they have been scattered. The complete set of Runestones allows them to pursue Skorne to the Underworld in order to finally destroy him. The players must find three rune stones on each kingdom in order to defeat Skorne in the Underworld (in the arcades only), and one from the battle grounds (home versions only). The initial arcade version had a contest by which the first 500 players to complete the game and send in the supplied validation code would win a free ''Gauntlet Legends'' shirt. This game will not end unless the player runs out of health.

A new aspect of the ''Gauntlet'' series is established in ''Legends'': the ability to [[Experience level|level up]] the player's character(s) as the game is played, increasing their abilities through [[experience point|experience]] earned by slaying enemies and acquiring treasure, similar to the character progression methods in many [[role-playing video game]]s. The four primary attributes are:
*'''Strength''' - Determines damage dealt by physical attacks.
*'''Speed''' - Determines character movement and attack rates.
*'''Armor''' - Determines amount of damage character takes from enemy attacks.
*'''Magic''' - Determines the range and effectiveness of magic potion attacks

Attributes increase with each level attained; increases can also be purchased from the Items menu with gold acquired in gameplay.

The stock fantasy characters from the original ''Gauntlet'' return for ''Legends''; as before, each has greater starting ability in a single attribute than their fellows.
*'''Warrior/Minotaur''' - Strength
*'''Wizard/Jackal/Sumner''' - Magic
*'''Archer/Tigress''' - Speed
*'''Valkyrie/Falconess''' - Armor

Character progression is saved through a password system; a player can progress all four characters to a maximum level of 99, and each of their attributes to a maximum of 999.

==Ports==
The first [[Home video game console|home console]] [[Porting|port]] of ''Gauntlet Legends'' was released for the [[Nintendo 64]] in September 1999 in North America. This port saw a European release by the end of the year, and it was the exclusive platform for the Japanese release in the following year, on April 7, 2000.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/14591/|title=ガントレットレジェンド (ニンテンドウ64)|language=ja|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419155623/https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/14591/|archive-date=April 19, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> It can support up to four players by using the [[Nintendo 64 accessories#Expansion Pak|Expansion Pak]], or up to three when using the standard [[Nintendo 64 accessories#Jumper Pak (NUS-008)|Jumper Pak]]. It requires a [[Nintendo 64 accessories#Controller Pak|Controller Pak]] to save game progress, and it is compatible with the [[Rumble Pak]].

Though it was originally planned to be released in 1999 alongside the Nintendo 64 version,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/f/f0/EGM_US_106.pdf|title=Quartermann: Video Game Gossip & Speculation|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|publisher=Ziff Davis|issue=106|date=May 1998|page=24|access-date=April 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701200259/https://retrocdn.net/images/f/f0/EGM_US_106.pdf|archive-date=July 1, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] port was released in 2000 for North America and Europe. Unlike the other versions, this release only supports one or two players, as it omitted [[PlayStation Multitap|multitap]] support.

The [[Dreamcast]] port was also released in 2000 for North America and Europe. It incorporated much of the features from ''[[Gauntlet Dark Legacy]]''.<ref name=DCRelease/>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| SDC = true
| N64 = true
| PS = true
| na = true
| GR_SDC = 74%<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/197430-gauntlet-legends/index.html|title=Gauntlet Legends for Dreamcast|website=[[GameRankings]]|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=April 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505071308/https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/197430-gauntlet-legends/index.html|archive-date=May 5, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GR_N64 = 71%<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/n64/197431-gauntlet-legends/index.html|title=Gauntlet Legends for Nintendo 64|website=GameRankings|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=April 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512180729/https://www.gamerankings.com/n64/197431-gauntlet-legends/index.html|archive-date=May 12, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GR_PS = 60%<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197432-gauntlet-legends/index.html|title=Gauntlet Legends for PlayStation|website=GameRankings|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=April 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529213317/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197432-gauntlet-legends/index.html|archive-date=May 29, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| MC_PS = 59/100<ref name=MCPS>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/gauntlet-legends/|title=Gauntlet Legends (PS) [mislabeled as "Dreamcast"]|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]]|access-date=April 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070717051423/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/psx/gauntletlegends|archive-date=July 17, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Allgame_SDC = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=22716&tab=review|title=Gauntlet Legends (DC) - Review|last=Thompson|first=Jon|website=[[AllGame]]|publisher=All Media Network|access-date=December 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114030803/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=22716&tab=review|archive-date=November 14, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Allgame_N64 = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19206&tab=review|title=Gauntlet Legends (N64) - Review|last=Hurth|first=Scott|website=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network|access-date=December 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114030644/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19206&tab=review|archive-date=November 14, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Allgame_PS = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20035&tab=review|title=Gauntlet Legends (PS) - Review|last=Woods|first=Nick|website=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network|access-date=December 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114030722/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20035&tab=review|archive-date=November 14, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| CNG_SDC = 7/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Dreamcast/Gauntletlegends/|title=Gauntlet Legends (DC)|last=Franklin|first=Eric|website=Gamecenter|publisher=[[CNET]]|date=June 7, 2000|access-date=April 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818085249/http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Dreamcast/Gauntletlegends/|archive-date=August 18, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| CNG_N64 = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Nintendo/Gauntleg/|title=Gauntlet Legends (N64)|last=D'Aprile|first=Jason|website=Gamecenter|publisher=CNET|date=November 5, 1999|access-date=April 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815075641/http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Nintendo/Gauntleg/|archive-date=August 15, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| CNG_PS = 3/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Sony/Gauntletl/|title=Gauntlet Legends (PS)|last=Ham|first=Tom|website=Gamecenter|publisher=CNET|date=April 28, 2000|access-date=April 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818085226/http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Sony/Gauntletl/|archive-date=August 18, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EGM_SDC = 6.83/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/5/54/EGM_US_132.pdf|title=Gauntlet Legends (DC)|last1=Johnston|first1=Chris|last2=Kujawa|first2=Kraig|last3=MacDonald|first3=Mark|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=Ziff Davis|issue=132|date=July 2000|page=140|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508050531/https://retrocdn.net/images/5/54/EGM_US_132.pdf|archive-date=May 8, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|Three critics of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' gave the Dreamcast version each a score of 8/10, 7/10, and 5.5/10.}}
| EGM_N64 = 6/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/d/d6/EGM_US_123.pdf|title=Gauntlet Legends (N64)|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=Ziff Davis|issue=123|date=October 1999|page=224|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003015641/https://retrocdn.net/images/d/d6/EGM_US_123.pdf|archive-date=October 3, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
| EPD_SDC = 8/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2793&full=1#mr_toppy|title=Gauntlet Legends (DC)|last=Steinberg|first=Scott|website=[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]]|publisher=Greedy Productions Ltd.|date=July 28, 2000|access-date=April 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020823150430/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2793&full=1#mr_toppy|archive-date=August 23, 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EPD_N64 = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=1692&full=1#mr_toppy|title=Gauntlet Legends (N64)|last=Miller|first=Sean|website=The Electric Playground|publisher=Greedy Productions Ltd.|date=December 7, 1999|access-date=April 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020823162400/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=1692&full=1#mr_toppy|archive-date=August 23, 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EPD_PS = 6.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2451&full=1#mr_toppy|title=Gauntlet Legends (PSX)|last=Hudak|first=Chris|website=The Electric Playground|publisher=Greedy Productions Ltd.|date=May 3, 2000|access-date=April 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030705211019/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=2451&full=1#mr_toppy|archive-date=July 5, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GI_SDC = 7.75/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Gauntlet Legends (DC)|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[FuncoLand]]|issue=86|date=June 2000}}</ref>
| GI_N64 = 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=3235|title=Gauntlet Legends (N64)|last1=McNamara|first1=Andy|last2=Fitzloff|first2=Jay|last3=Reiner|first3=Andrew|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=FuncoLand|issue=80|date=December 1999|access-date=November 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000522135703/http://www.gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=3235|archive-date=May 22, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GI_PS = 6.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Gauntlet Legends (PS)|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=FuncoLand|issue=85|date=May 2000}}</ref>
| GameFan_SDC = 72%<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_07/page/n13/mode/2up|title=Gauntlet Legends (DC)|last1=Mylonas|first1=Eric "ECM"|last2=Ngo|first2=George "Eggo"|last3=van Stone|first3=Matt "Kodomo"|magazine=[[GameFan]]|publisher=Shinno Media|volume=8|issue=7|date=July 2000|page=12|access-date=April 20, 2024}}</ref>{{efn|In ''[[GameFan]]''{{'}}s viewpoint of the Dreamcast version, three critics gave it each a score of 69, 64, and 82.}} (J.W.) 70%<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_07/page/n35/mode/2up|title=Gauntlet Legends (DC)|last=Weitzner|first=Jason "Fury"|magazine=GameFan|publisher=Shinno Media|volume=8|issue=7|date=July 2000|page=35|access-date=April 20, 2024}}</ref>
| GSpot_SDC = 4.2/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gauntlet-legends-dc-review/1900-2582793/|title=Gauntlet Legends DC Review|last=Stahl|first=Ben|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=Fandom|date=June 6, 2000|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709225740/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gauntlet-legends-dc-review/1900-2582793/|archive-date=July 9, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot_N64 = 4.3/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gauntlet-legends-review/1900-2544469/|title=Gauntlet Legends Review (N64)|last=Stahl|first=Ben|website=GameSpot|publisher=Fandom|date=September 15, 1999|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709222911/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gauntlet-legends-review/1900-2544469/|archive-date=July 9, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot_PS = 3.9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gauntlet-legends-review/1900-2547684/|title=Gauntlet Legends Review (PS)|last=Stahl|first=Ben|website=GameSpot|publisher=Fandom|date=March 16, 2000|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709222915/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gauntlet-legends-review/1900-2547684/|archive-date=July 9, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpy_SDC = 8/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/gauntletlegends/|title=Gauntlet Legends|author=Sunskin|website=[[GameSpy|PlanetDreamcast]]|publisher=GameSpy Industries|date=June 21, 2000|access-date=November 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303105436/http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/gauntletlegends/|archive-date=March 3, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Hyper_N64 = 86%<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/hyper-073/page/n59/mode/2up|title=Gauntlet Legends (N64)|author=DMC|magazine=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]|publisher=[[nextmedia|Next Media Pty Ltd]]|issue=73|date=November 1999|pages=64–65|access-date=April 20, 2024}}</ref>
| IGN_SDC = 8.4/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/07/gauntlet-legends-review|title=Gauntlet Legends Review (DC)|last=Dunham|first=Jeremy|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=June 6, 2000|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406223239/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/07/gauntlet-legends-review|archive-date=April 6, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN_N64 = 7.7/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/01/gauntlet-legends-4|title=Gauntlet Legends (N64)|last=Boulding|first=Aaron|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=September 30, 1999|access-date=April 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210152129/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/01/gauntlet-legends-4|archive-date=December 10, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN_PS = 7.2/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/08/gauntlet-legends|title=Gauntlet Legends (PS)|last=Perry|first=Douglass C.|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=April 7, 2000|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406223239/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/08/gauntlet-legends|archive-date=April 6, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
| N64_N64 = 81%<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-517-84.jpg|title=Gauntlet Legends|last=Bickham|first=Jes|magazine=[[NGC Magazine|N64 Magazine]]|publisher=[[Future US|Future Publishing]]|issue=36|date=Christmas 1999|page=84|access-date=April 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420020903/https://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-517-84.jpg|archive-date=April 20, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NGen_SDC = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=NGen>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen68Aug2000/page/n89/mode/2up|title=Gauntlet Legends (DC)|last=Orlando|first=Greg|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|NextGen]]|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|issue=68|date=August 2000|page=88|access-date=April 18, 2024}}</ref>
| NP_N64 = 7.8/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-366-141.jpg|title=Gauntlet Legends|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]]|volume=124|date=September 1999|page=141|access-date=April 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416075352/https://www.nintendo64ever.com/scans/mags/Scan-Magazine-366-141.jpg|archive-date=April 16, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
| OPM_PS = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Official_U.S._Playstation_Magazine_Issue_32_May_2000/page/n91/mode/2up|title=Gauntlet Legends|last=Baker|first=Chris|magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]|publisher=Ziff Davis|volume=3|issue=8|date=May 2000|page=92|access-date=April 19, 2024}}</ref>
}}

The arcade version received favorable reviews. Dan Elektro of ''[[GamePro]]'' said, "Overall, ''Gauntlet Legends'' takes advantage of the 3D space and uses it as much more than a gimmick. [...] ''Gauntlet'' deserved an update—and the legend has been treated with befitting respect."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/1/19/GamePro_US_124.pdf|title=Gauntlet Legends (Arcade)|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|issue=124|date=January 1999|pages=94–95|access-date=April 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829182130/https://retrocdn.net/images/1/19/GamePro_US_124.pdf|archive-date=August 29, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|''[[GamePro]]'' gave the arcade version two 4.5/5 scores for graphics and fun factor, and two 5/5 scores for sound and control.}} In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed the game in their March 1, 1999 issue as the sixth most-successful dedicated arcade game of the previous year.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - 完成品夕イプのTVゲーム機 (Dedicated Videos)|language=ja|magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]]|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]]|issue=582|date=March 1, 1999|page=25}}</ref>

The PlayStation version received "mixed" reviews according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name=MCPS/> Greg Orlando of ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|NextGen]]'' said of the Dreamcast version, "Four controllers and one ''Legends'' make for party-game excitement of the highest order."<ref name=NGen/>

Vicious Sid of ''GamePro'' said of the N64 version in one review, "''Gauntlet Legends'' is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it's an impressive port of a polished arcade game that manages to cram in some extra playability to boot. If role-playing with an arcade twist lights your fire, you'll combust with ''Gauntlet Legends''."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/1/10/GamePro_US_134.pdf|title=Gauntlet Legends (N64)|author=Vicious Sid|magazine=GamePro|publisher=IDG|issue=134|date=November 1999|page=116|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404043405/https://retrocdn.net/images/1/10/GamePro_US_134.pdf|archive-date=April 4, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|''[[GamePro]]'' gave the Nintendo 64 version two 4/5 scores for graphics and control, 3.5/5 for sound, and 4.5/5 for fun factor in one review.}} In another ''GamePro'' review, Ash said, "Die-hard fans of ''Gauntlet'' will especially want to own this game, but it's also a great one for gamers who love the idea of intense multiplayer action. It doesn't get much better than wasting line after line of grunts with a group of friends."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://gamepro.com/nintendo/n64/games/reviews/2974.shtml|title=Gauntlet Legends Review for N64 on GamePro.com|author=Ash|magazine=GamePro|year=1999|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041112092331/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/n64/games/reviews/2974.shtml|archive-date=November 12, 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{efn|''[[GamePro]]'' gave the Nintendo 64 version 3.5/5 for graphics, 4/5 for sound, 4.5/5 for control, and 5/5 for fun factor in another review.}} Boba Fatt later said that the PlayStation version "makes up for its crimes with a responsive, though complicated, interface and a strong two-player performance. Ultimately, this is a rental at best, unless you're a huge fan of the arcade version."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/0/0b/GamePro_US_140.pdf|title=Gauntlet Legends (PS)|author=Boba Fatt|magazine=GamePro|publisher=IDG|issue=140|date=May 2000|page=92|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822165928/https://retrocdn.net/images/0/0b/GamePro_US_140.pdf|archive-date=August 22, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|''[[GamePro]]'' gave the PlayStation version two 3/5 scores for graphics and fun factor, 2/5 for sound, and 3.5/5 for control.}} Dan Elektro said in one ''GamePro'' review, "With all the hidden stuff and the reworked sections, ''Gauntlet Legends'' on the Dreamcast feels as fresh as a newly minted quarter."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/1/16/GamePro_US_142.pdf|title=Gauntlet Legends (DC)|author=Dan Elektro|magazine=GamePro|publisher=IDG|issue=142|date=July 2000|page=90|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102013710/https://retrocdn.net/images/1/16/GamePro_US_142.pdf|archive-date=November 2, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|''[[GamePro]]'' gave the Dreamcast version all 4.5/5 scores for graphics, sound, control, and fun factor in one review.}} In another ''GamePro'' review, The D-Pad Destroyer said, "If you like mindless action, gather some friends and play ''Gauntlet Legends'' for a day or two. As long as you're not looking for depth, you'll enjoy walking thigh-deep in bad guys and knocking over barrels in a desperate quest for food."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/5821.shtml|title=Gauntlet Legends Review for Dreamcast on GamePro.com|author=The D-Pad Destroyer|magazine=GamePro|publisher=IDG|date=June 8, 2000|access-date=April 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041212233218/http://gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/5821.shtml|archive-date=December 12, 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{efn|''[[GamePro]]'' gave the Dreamcast version two 4/5 scores for graphics and control, and two 3.5/5 scores for sound and fun factor in another review.}}

During the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]' [[3rd Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], the Nintendo 64 version was nominated for the "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Action Game of the Year|Console Action Game of the Year]]" award, which went to ''[[Crazy Taxi (video game)|Crazy Taxi]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interactive.org/iaa/finalists_console.html|title=Third Interactive Achievement Awards: Console|website=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]|access-date=April 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001011155228/http://www.interactive.org/iaa/finalists_console.html|archive-date=October 11, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref> Likewise, the same console version was a nominee for ''[[CNET|CNET Gamecenter]]''{{'}}s 1999 "Nintendo 64" award, which went to ''[[Rayman 2: The Great Escape]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecenter.com/Features/Exclusives/Awards99/ss01b.html|title=The Gamecenter Awards for 1999! (Nintendo 64)|author=Gamecenter staff|website=Gamecenter|publisher=CNET|date=January 21, 2000|access-date=April 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000603054101/http://www.gamecenter.com/Features/Exclusives/Awards99/ss01b.html|archive-date=June 3, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was also nominated for the "Best Console Multiplayer Game of the Year" at ''[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]]''{{'}}s Blister Awards 1999, which went to ''[[You Don't Know Jack (1999 video game)|You Don't Know Jack]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elecplay.com/features/blisters99/consolemultiplay.html|title=The Blister Awards 1999 (Best Console Multiplayer Game of the Year)|author=EP staff|website=The Electric Playground|publisher=ElecPlay.com Productions Inc.|year=2000|access-date=April 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000822153959/http://www.elecplay.com/features/blisters99/consolemultiplay.html|archive-date=August 22, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/3590/gauntlet-legends/}}
*{{KLOV game|id=7926}}

{{Gauntlet}}
{{Atari Games}}

[[Category:1998 video games]]
[[Category:Arcade video games]]
[[Category:Atari arcade games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Hack and slash role-playing games]]
[[Category:Dreamcast games]]
[[Category:Midway video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 64 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:Video games about valkyries]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games featuring black protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Barry Leitch]]

Mortal Kombat 3

2025-10-11T21:53:32Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:84AE:7493:1949:FC13:

{{Multiple issues|
{{Original research|date=July 2019}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2019}}
}}
{{Other uses|Mortal Kombat 3 (disambiguation)}}
{{Short description|1995 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Mortal Kombat 3
| image = Mortal Kombat 3 cover.JPG
| caption = Cover art for the home versions
| developer = [[Midway Games|Midway]]{{efn|Genesis, MS-DOS, and SNES versions developed by [[Sculptured Software]]; Game Boy, Game Gear, and Master System versions developed by [[Software Creations]]; PlayStation and Windows versions developed by [[Leland Corporation|Leland Interactive Media]].}}
| publisher = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|Midway}}|'''Game Boy, Genesis/Mega Drive, Super NES'''{{vgrelease|NA|[[WMS Industries|Williams Entertainment]]|EU|[[Acclaim Entertainment]]}} '''MS-DOS, Windows''' [[Atari, Inc. (formerly GT Interactive)|GT Interactive]] '''PlayStation''' [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment]] '''Game Gear''' Acclaim Entertainment '''Master System''' [[Tectoy|Tec Toy]]}}
| designer = [[Ed Boon]] [[John Tobias]]
| programmer = Ed Boon
| artist = John Tobias Steve Beran Tony Goskie
| composer = [[Dan Forden]]
| series = ''[[Mortal Kombat]]''
| platforms = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[Arcade video game|Arcade]]}}|[[Game Boy]], [[Sega Genesis|Genesis/Mega Drive]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[MS-DOS]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Game Gear]], [[R-Zone]], [[Master System]]}}
| release = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|April 15, 1995}}|'''Arcade'''{{vgrelease|NA|April 15, 1995<ref name="egmad">{{cite magazine |author= |date=April 1995 |title=MK3. THE ARCADE GAME. 04.15.1995.AD. |url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-069-april-1995_202106/page/n7/mode/2up |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=69 |pages=8-9}}</ref>}} '''Game Boy, Genesis/Mega Drive, Super NES'''{{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>}} '''MS-DOS, Windows'''{{vgrelease|NA|October 13, 1995<ref name="release"/>}} '''PlayStation'''{{vgrelease|NA|October 13, 1995<ref name="release"/>|EU|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'''{{vgrelease|EU|1995}} '''Master System'''{{vgrelease|BR|1996}}
}}
| genre = [[Fighting game|Fighting]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| arcade system = Midway Wolf Unit hardware
}}

'''''Mortal Kombat 3''''' is a 1995 [[fighting game]] developed and published by [[Midway Games|Midway]] for [[Arcade video game|arcades]]. It was later ported to several home systems, including the [[Sega Genesis]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Game Boy]] and [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. 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]].

''Mortal Kombat 3'' retains the blood and gory attacks that defined the series, and also 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.

''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 two titles produced to update it: ''[[Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3]]'' (1995) and ''[[Mortal Kombat Trilogy]]'' (1996).

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

''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]].

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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

==Development==
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 | Interview | 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>

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? 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''),{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}} ''Mortal Kombat 3'' was originally released for North American arcades on April 15, 1995.<ref name="egmad"/><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]], [[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. [[Sculptured Software]] did the 16-bit and DOS versions, while 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 of 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) 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"/> 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"/> {{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> {{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> {{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]].

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==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

{{Mortal Kombat series}}
{{Authority control}}

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