Overview
Virtua Fighter 3 is a 3D fighting game developed by Sega AM2 and released by Sega for arcades (using their Model 3 hardware) on September 1996.
The third main installment of the Virtua Fighter series, and the first game to use Sega's powerful Model 3 hardware, Virtua Fighter 3 features an enhanced graphical engine (including character eye movement, cloth and facial animations, and numerous anti-aliasing, shading, lighting, and particle effects) with higher environmental and character detail.
It also includes major gameplay changes, some of which were later removed in the game's sequel. This includes a new fourth Evade button for side-stepping and easy dashing, modified jumping mechanics, stages of different shapes and sizes, walled stages, and stages with uneven ground (using inverse kinematics to determine the character's ground position).
Ports & Updates
The game later received an updated version in September 1997, titled Virtua Fighter 3tb. As the "tb" in the name stands for "team battle", this version adds a new optional mode where players fight with teams of fighters (similar to the King of Fighters series). This version was later ported by Genki to the Dreamcast as a launch title in Japan (and later on October 18, 1999 worldwide). A Saturn port was in development in-house, but was later cancelled.
An emulation of the updated version was later re-released onto arcades via the ALL.Net P-ras MULTI Ver. 3 digital service (for PC-based ALLS UX hardware) on November 28, 2023. Released as Virtua Fighter 3tb Online, it features online multiplayer, record-keeping, and special widescreen pillarboxing. The emulation was also used for the original 3tb's inclusion as a mini-game in the 2024 game Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
Characters
New Additions
- Aoi Umenokoji - A high school student from Japan, who fights with the martial art of Aiki-jujutsu. Her stage is set in a partially-walled snowy mountainside, which is partially uneven.
- Taka-Arashi - A large sumo wrestler from Japan, who fights with sumo techniques. His stage is an open-edged sumo ring, unique for being circular.
Returning Characters
- Akira Yuki - A kung fu teacher from Japan, specializing in the striking martial art of Hakkyoku-ken ("Eight Extremities Fist", or bājíquán). His stage is set in a dojo, with only the edges from the initial start line being walled.
- Pai Chan - An action film star from Hong Kong, who fights with the agile martial art of Ensei-ken ("Lost Track Fist", or mízōngquán). Her stage is set in a building's partially-walled rooftop, unique for being sloped.
- Lau Chan - A famous chef from China and Pai's father, who fights with his own unique martial art of Koen-ken ("Tiger-Swallow Fist", or hǔyànquán). His stage is set on a partially-walled portion of the Great Wall, and is unique for its uneven dipping staircase.
- Jeffry McWild - An indigenous fisherman from Australia, who fights with heavyweight pancratium. His stage is set in on a small beachside island of an uneven shape.
- Kage-Maru - A traditional ninja from Japan, who fights with agile jujutsu. His stage is set in very uneven temple grounds with some of its edges having low walls.
- Jacky Bryant - An indy car driver from the United States and Sarah's older brother, who also fights with Jeet Kune Do. His stage is set in a floating partially-walled construction support area, unique for its partially triangular shape.
- Shun Di - An elderly herbal doctor from China, who fights with the martial art of Sui-ken ("Drunken Fist", or zuìquán). His stage is set on a group of floating rafts, which tend to become uneven (especially with the large boat on one edge).
- Lion Rafale - A wealthy high school student from France, who fights with the martial art of Tourou-ken ("Praying Mantis Fist", or tánglángquán). His stage is set in a partially-walled arena in a vast mansion room, with the ground dipped along the initial start line in stairs.
- Dural - A mysterious metallic gynoid and the game's bonus boss using techniques from all other fighters. Unlike other games, she is fought in the player character's stage. Only playable with cheat codes in the Dreamcast version.
Log in to comment