Gameplay
Tekken 3 maintains the same basic fighting system as its predecessors, but brings improvements, such as significantly more detailed graphics and animation, 15 new characters added to the game's roster, and faster and more fluid gameplay. Perhaps the most noticeable change in Tekken 3 is sidestepping, allowing fighters to step "into" or "out of" the background, whereas the element of depth had been largely insignificant in previous Tekken games. Jumping was toned down in Tekken 3, no longer allowing fighters to jump to extreme heights (as was present in previous games) but keeping leaps to reasonable, realistic heights which made air combat more controllable. Another feature added to more fully take advantage of the 3D space was being able to dash or run in 8 directions, increasing the mobility of the fighters. The improved engine allowed for quick recoveries from knock-downs, more escapes from tackles and stuns, and newly-created combo throws.
Tekken 3 was the first Tekken to feature a beat-up mini-game called Tekken Force. Tekken Force pitted the player in various stages against enemies in a side-scrolling fashion. This was continued in Tekken 4 and succeeded by the "Devil Within" mini-game in Tekken 5. There is also a mini-game called Tekken Ball, similar to beach volleyball, where one has to "charge" a ball (hit the ball with a powerful attack) in order to hurt the opponent.
Characters
Returning characters
- Paul Phoenix
- Nina Williams
- Anna Williams (unlockable)
- Heihachi Mishima (unlockable)
- Yoshimitsu
- Lei Wulong
- King
- Kuma (unlockable/time-released)
New characters
- Jin Kazama (the son of Kazuya Mishima and Jun Kazama)
- Forrest Law (Marshall Law's son)
- Hwoarang (Baek Doo San's student)
- Eddy Gordo
- Bryan Fury (unlockable/time-released)
- Gun Jack (unlockable/time-released/ Incarnation of Jack, Jack-2 and Prototype Jack)
- Ogre (unlockable/time-released)
- True Ogre (unlockable/time-released) (incarnation of Ogre incoporating long-ranged attacks and teleports although is slower than Ogre presumably to balance the character)
- Julia Chang (Michelle Chang's adopted daughter) (unlockable/time-released)
- Ling Xiaoyu (Wang Jinrei's granddaughter)
- Panda (unlockable/time-released)
- Mokujin (unlockable/time-released)
- Tiger Jackson (unlockable/ Extra costume for Eddy Gordo)