Tekken 3 is a single-player and multiplayer 3D fighting game that continues the King of Iron Fist Tournament series with a new storyline, an expanded roster, and major changes to the combat system.

The story follows Jin Kazama, grandson of Heihachi Mishima. Raised by his mother Jun, Jin is unaware of his connection to the Mishima family’s violent legacy until a mysterious being known as Ogre attacks their home. Jun disappears during the attack, and Jin seeks out Heihachi for guidance. Under his grandfather’s training, Jin becomes a skilled fighter, unaware that Heihachi intends to use him as a pawn in his own plans. To lure Ogre into battle, Heihachi announces the King of Iron Fist Tournament 3, drawing warriors from around the world into the conflict.

Gameplay retains the series’ one-on-one fighting structure but introduces several refinements. Characters can now sidestep into the foreground or background, giving battles a stronger three-dimensional feel. Jumping is reduced in height compared to earlier titles, resulting in faster, more grounded combat. Chain throws and extended combo possibilities expand the offensive system, while juggle mechanics allow skilled players to keep opponents airborne with precise timing. Matches are still fought across multiple rounds, with players aiming to deplete their opponent’s health bar through strikes, grapples, and counterattacks.

The character roster features a mix of returning veterans and newcomers. Classic fighters such as Heihachi, Paul Phoenix, Nina Williams, and Yoshimitsu return, while fifteen new characters are introduced. Among the most notable are Jin Kazama, Hwoarang, Ling Xiaoyu, Eddy Gordo, Bryan Fury, Julia Chang, and Mokujin, a wooden training dummy who mimics the fighting styles of other characters. Ogre and his transformed version, True Ogre, serve as the game’s final bosses.

In addition to standard Arcade, Versus, and Practice modes, the home version includes two bonus game types. Tekken Force is a side-scrolling beat ‘em up mode where players fight waves of enemies through multiple stages, with a hidden character available after completion. Tekken Ball is a unique mini-game resembling beach volleyball, where characters strike a large ball back and forth; points are scored by hitting the opponent with the ball or forcing them to miss.