Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Fighting
- Platforms: Arcade, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega Saturn, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Xbox 360
- Developers: Activision, Avalanche Software, Electronic Arts, Eurocom Entertainment Software
- Publishers: GT Interactive Software, Microsoft, Midway, Playtronic, Tec Toy, Williams Entertainment
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3: The Ultimate Fighting Game Experience
Released in 1995, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (UMK3) is the culmination of the Mortal Kombat series’ first three installments. It combines the best elements of each game, including characters, levels, and gameplay mechanics, to create the ultimate fighting game experience.
Characters
UMK3 features a roster of 23 playable characters, including all of the characters from Mortal Kombat II and Mortal Kombat 3, as well as several new additions. The new characters include:
- Cyrax: A cybernetic ninja who uses his cybernetic implants to fight.
- Sektor: Another cybernetic ninja who is Cyrax’s rival.
- Kabal: A speedster who uses his super speed to overwhelm his opponents.
- Sheeva: A four-armed Shokan warrior who is the queen of her people.
- Sindel: A former Edenian queen who has been resurrected as a wraith.
- Nightwolf: A Native American shaman who uses his spiritual powers to fight.
In addition to the 23 playable characters, there are also two unlockable boss characters:
- Motaro: A centaur who is the sub-boss of the game.
- Shao Kahn: The emperor of Outworld and the final boss of the game.
Levels
UMK3 features a variety of new levels, some of which are interactive. These interactive levels allow characters to perform unique attacks, such as uppercutting an opponent through the floor or knocking them off a bridge into a pit of spikes.
Some of the new levels in UMK3 include:
- The Pit II: A pit filled with spikes that can be knocked into by characters.
- The Subway: A subway station that features a moving train that can crush characters.
- The Rooftop: A rooftop that features a helicopter that can be used to throw characters off the edge.
- The Armory: A weapons factory that features a variety of weapons that can be used to attack opponents.
- The Throne Room: Shao Kahn’s throne room, which is the final level of the game.
Gameplay
UMK3’s gameplay is similar to that of Mortal Kombat II and Mortal Kombat 3. However, there are a number of new additions and changes, including:
- New Fatalities: Each character has a variety of new Fatalities, which are special finishing moves that can be performed on defeated opponents.
- New Friendships: Each character also has a Friendship, which is a non-violent finishing move that can be performed on defeated opponents.
- New Babalities: Each character can also perform a Babality, which turns their opponent into a baby.
- New Animalities: Each character can also perform an Animality, which turns them into an animal and allows them to attack their opponent with animalistic ferocity.
Modes
UMK3 features a variety of game modes, including:
- Arcade Mode: The single-player campaign mode, in which players fight through a series of opponents to reach the final boss.
- Versus Mode: The two-player対戦 mode, in which players can fight against each other.
- Tournament Mode: The eight-player tournament mode, in which players compete to be the last one standing.
- Practice Mode: The practice mode, in which players can practice their combos and moves against a computer-controlled opponent.
Legacy
UMK3 was a critical and commercial success, and is considered by many to be one of the best fighting games of all time. It was praised for its large roster of characters, interactive levels, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
UMK3 has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Sega Saturn, PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and PC. It has also been included in several Mortal Kombat compilation games.
UMK3 continues to be enjoyed by fighting game fans today, and is considered to be a classic of the genre.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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