Tekken 3

There are games spoken of as the pinnacle of an entire generation, and Tekken 3 unquestionably belongs among them. For many fans it is the finest fighting game ever to reach the original PlayStation.

Namco's third installment took everything the previous games offered and pushed it to a new level. The game was brisk, exceptionally polished and smooth, with controls that fit like a glove. The key innovation was the sidestep, the ability to dodge into the depth of the arena and slip past an opponent's attack, which brought an entirely new tactical dimension to the fights. In an instant, two-dimensional shoving turned into a spatial dance.

The roster of characters was varied and packed with iconic names, many of which still appear in the newest entries of the series today. Each fighter had a distinctive style, their own moves and personality, so every player could find a favorite of their own. On top of that, Namco added lighthearted mini-games, such as the Tekken Force beat-em-up mode or the quirky Tekken Ball, which extended the fun well beyond ordinary matches.

The quality was reflected in commercial success too. Tekken 3 sold more than eight million copies, placing it among the most successful titles of the entire PlayStation era and among the best-selling fighting games in history. Those numbers are no accident, but the result of superbly executed craftsmanship.

The combination of technical perfection, depth of the combat system and generous content made Tekken 3 the benchmark against which other fighting games were measured. Even today, after many years, the game keeps its gameplay surprisingly fresh.

Why play: Often called the best fighting game of its generation, brisk, polished and packed with content; a must for every fan of the genre.