Mini Review: Tekken 3 (PS1) – PlayStation’s Definitive Fighter Is Still King

Tekken was popular before, but Tekken 3 made the series a massive success. It wasn’t just a groundbreaking 3D fighting game; it also sold incredibly well and became a defining game for its console generation.

What’s truly remarkable about Tekken 3 is how fun it still is to play, even after more than thirty years. While enjoying the original game certainly adds to the experience, the gameplay itself is surprisingly well-designed and holds up incredibly well today.

While Tekken 2 could be a bit clunky, Tekken 3 really refined the gameplay. When it was released in 1998, it felt like the game had reached its peak – it was incredibly responsive, visually impressive, and deserved all the perfect scores it received.

The game definitely has some imbalances and outdated features – a few moves are too strong, and damage increases quickly. However, it’s surprising how playable and modern it still feels despite its age.

Honestly, even now the game still looks good. The character models and stages haven’t aged badly at all, and it’s so much easier to follow what’s happening on screen compared to some fighting games that came out more recently. It really makes those newer titles look kinda cluttered, if I’m being honest.

The music is fantastic – consistently great tracks throughout. While it doesn’t have quite the same epic feel as the soundtrack to Tekken 2, it’s full of memorable tunes. Jin’s theme, in particular, is a standout – it’s so good that it was even used again in Tekken 8, nearly three decades later!

Tekken 3 has everything you could want in terms of game modes. The Arcade mode features the traditional character endings with unique movies, and Tekken Force provides a fun change of pace with its side-scrolling, beat-’em-up gameplay. It’s a nice way to switch things up.

Aside from a few minor issues with character strengths, Tekken 3 is a fantastic game. Released in 1998, it’s still incredibly fun to play, whether you’re alone or with friends, which really shows how well-designed and enduring the game truly is.

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2025-10-21 20:06