The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was a popular gaming console in the 1990s, known for its impressive library of games. One of the most iconic and controversial titles of that era is Mortal Kombat 3, a fighting game developed by Midway Games. Released in Europe in 1994, Mortal Kombat 3 was one of the first games to feature the now-infamous "fatalities" – a series of gruesome finishing moves that were both exciting and disturbing.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at Mortal Kombat 3 for the SNES, including its gameplay, features, and age rating. We'll also explore why it remains a beloved classic among gamers today.

Gameplay and Features

Mortal Kombat 3 is a one-on-one fighting game that takes place in the fictional universe of Earthrealm. Players control one of six characters, each with their unique abilities and special moves. The gameplay is similar to previous Mortal Kombat titles, with an emphasis on button-mashing combos and strategic use of special moves.

One of the key features of Mortal Kombat 3 is its "fatalities" system. When a player lands a perfect combo or executes a well-timed throw, their opponent will perform a gruesome finishing move, such as decapitation or dismemberment. These fatalities were considered shocking and explicit at the time of release, but have since become an integral part of the Mortal Kombat series.

The game also features a variety of stages, each with its own unique environment and obstacles. Players can choose from six characters, including Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, Kano, and Liu Kang. Each character has their own special moves, such as Scorpion's spear or Sub-Zero's ice ball.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Mortal Kombat 3 are impressive for a game of its era. The SNES can handle complex animations and detailed sprite work, which is evident in the game's character models, stage environments, and special moves. The game's sound effects, music, and voice acting are also noteworthy, with a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack that complements the on-screen action.

Age Rating

Mortal Kombat 3 was released in Europe in 1994, when the UK's Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) was responsible for assigning age ratings to games. At the time, the OFLC had no specific guidelines for violent or explicit content in games, but instead relied on a subjective assessment of each title.

In the case of Mortal Kombat 3, the game was initially rated "18" by the OFLC, which is equivalent to an "M" rating in modern UK gaming standards. This rating reflected the game's graphic violence, gore, and explicit content, including the aforementioned fatalities.

Legacy

Despite its initial controversy, Mortal Kombat 3 has become a beloved classic among gamers. The game's challenging gameplay, memorable characters, and iconic stage environments have made it a staple of many retro gaming collections.

In recent years, the SNES version of Mortal Kombat 3 has gained cult status, with many fans seeking out the game as part of their nostalgia for 1990s gaming. The game's influence can also be seen in later fighting games, such as Street Fighter II and Tekken, which have built upon the foundations laid by Mortal Kombat 3.

Re-releases and Ports

Mortal Kombat 3 has been re-released on several platforms over the years, including the PlayStation Network (PSN) and Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA). The game's success on these digital storefronts has led to a new generation of gamers discovering the classic title.

In 2011, Mortal Kombat 3 was released as part of the SNES Classic Edition, a miniature retro console preloaded with a selection of iconic games. This re-release helped introduce the game to a new audience and cemented its status as a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Mortal Kombat 3 is an iconic fighting game that has left an indelible mark on the world of gaming. Its challenging gameplay, memorable characters, and iconic stage environments have made it a staple of many retro gaming collections.

The game's graphic violence, gore, and explicit content were initially a major factor in its age rating, but have since become an integral part of its charm. Today, Mortal Kombat 3 remains a beloved classic among gamers, with its influence evident in later fighting games and its continued popularity on digital storefronts.

If you're looking for a challenging and nostalgic gaming experience, Mortal Kombat 3 is definitely worth checking out. With its impressive graphics, memorable characters, and iconic stage environments, it's a game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Age Rating Comparison

| Region | Age Rating | | --- | --- | | UK (OFLC) | 18 | | US (ESRB) | M (Mature) | | Australia (ACB) | MA 15+ |

Note: The age ratings listed above are for the original release of Mortal Kombat 3 in each region. Ratings may vary depending on the re-release or port of the game.

Gaming Comparison

If you're interested in playing Mortal Kombat 3, here are some alternative games that you might enjoy:

• Street Fighter II (SNES)
• Tekken (PS1)
• Super Smash Bros. Melee (GCN)
• Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (PS2)
• Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (PS3)

These games all share similarities with Mortal Kombat 3 in terms of gameplay, genre, or nostalgic value.

Gaming Community

If you're interested in joining the gaming community for Mortal Kombat 3, here are some resources to get you started:

• Retro Gaming Forums: A dedicated forum for discussing retro games, including Mortal Kombat 3.
• Mortal Kombat 3 Wiki: A comprehensive wiki that provides information on the game's characters, stages, and special moves.
• YouTube Tutorials: A selection of YouTube tutorials that showcase gameplay tips and strategies for Mortal Kombat 3.

These resources will help you connect with other fans of the game and learn more about its history, mechanics, and culture.