About this game
Tekken 3 (1998) is the apex of the PlayStation-era 3D fighting game — a title that sold 8.5 million copies worldwide and is consistently ranked among the greatest fighting games ever made. Building on the franchise's established King-of-Iron-Fist Tournament framework, it introduced Jin Kazama, Ling Xiaoyu, Bryan Fury, and Eddy Gordo, expanded the roster to 23 fighters, and added a secondary sidestep mechanic that opened the series' 3D space meaningfully for the first time. Sound director Nobuyoshi Sano's 'big beat' electronic soundtrack — initially controversial with series director Katsuhiro Harada — became one of the era's most recognizable.
Key Features
23 playable fighters including a new generation: Jin Kazama, Ling Xiaoyu, Eddy Gordo (with his Capoeira-based fighting style), Bryan Fury, and Mokujin. The sidestep mechanic allows stepping in and out of the background plane, adding genuine 3D space to the combat. Two bonus modes: Tekken Force (a 3D beat-em-up) and Tekken Ball (beach volleyball). The PlayStation version includes Theater mode for watching all character endings. Sound direction by Nobuyoshi Sano, who used a big-beat electronic style unusual for fighting games.
Gallery
The Story Behind
Tekken 3 arrived at the height of the PlayStation era's fighting game boom, competing with Soul Blade, Street Fighter EX, and the recently released Final Fantasy VII for console attention. The game was the third installment in a franchise that had grown from its 1994 arcade original, and it represented the most complete evolution of the series' design philosophy. Its 8.5 million units sold made it one of the PlayStation's best-selling games overall. The game's development timeline — director Katsuhiro Harada working with sound director Sano on creating a distinctive soundtrack identity — is now considered a turning point in how fighting game audio was approached.
Tricks & Tales
The Tekken Force mode in Tekken 3 was a preview of what became Tekken 4's expanded Devil Within mode and eventually Tekken 6's comprehensive Scenario Campaign. Eddy Gordo's Capoeira style was extremely popular with new players for being unconventional and visually striking — he became one of the most recognizable characters in the franchise. Tekken 3 is considered by many critics the definitive Tekken game.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Released in Japan (March 1998), North America (April 1998), and Europe (September 1998). All versions are functionally identical.
Maintenance Tips
Standard PlayStation disc care. The game uses a memory card for save data — ensure the memory card is accessible before starting.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
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