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The fighting game that nailed the transition to 3D so perfectly it became the PlayStation's crown jewel.
Namco's Tekken 3 refined 3D fighting into something fast, fluid, and enormously fun. It introduced sidestepping for genuine 3D movement, tightened the combo system, and delivered a roster packed with personality. Characters like Jin Kazama, Hwoarang, and Eddy Gordo became icons. Eddy in particular was infamous because button-mashing his capoeira style could beat experienced players, making him the great equalizer at parties. With Tekken Force mode, Tekken Ball, and a massive character roster, it offered more content than any fighting game before it. Over 8 million copies sold on PlayStation alone.
Example
Eddy Gordo became the ultimate party game controversy. New players could mash buttons and his capoeira moves would carry them to victory, leading to countless house rules banning him and the eternal debate about whether Eddy players were actually good at the game.
Why it matters
Tekken 3 set the standard for 3D fighting games on consoles and proved the genre could deliver both competitive depth and casual accessibility. It remains one of the highest-rated fighting games ever made.
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