Final Fight 3 (SNES) Playthrough

Playthrough of Capcom's 1996 beat 'em up for the Super Nintendo, Final Fight 3.

0:00 Playthrough as Lucia and AI-controlled Haggar [Expert level]
1:07:52 Playthrough as Guy and AI-controlled Dean [Normal level]
(The playthroughs uses different routes through the game)

Final Fight 3, released by Capcom in 1996 for the Super Nintendo, is a beat 'em up that refines and expands upon the series' classic formula. Set in Metro City, the game follows Mayor Mike Haggar and his allies as they battle the Skull Cross gang, a new threat that emerges to fill the power vacuum left by the defeat of the Mad Gear gang. Players can choose from four characters: Haggar, with his powerful wrestling moves; Guy, a swift and agile ninja; Lucia, a skilled police officer with a mix of speed and strength; and Dean, a mysterious fighter wielding electrified attacks. Each character has a unique fighting style, adding variety to the gameplay.

The game features side-scrolling levels filled with waves of enemies, ranging from street thugs to bosses with distinct attack patterns. Players use a combination of punches, kicks, grapples, and special moves to defeat their foes, with an added "Super Move" mechanic that can be triggered when a special gauge is full. This introduces a new layer of strategy, as players can decide when to unleash devastating attacks to clear enemies or gain an advantage in tough battles. Cooperative multiplayer allows two players to team up, enhancing the chaotic fun and tactical opportunities.

Visually, Final Fight 3 takes full advantage of the SNES hardware, with detailed character sprites, fluid animations, and vibrant environments that range from city streets to industrial complexes. The stages are diverse and packed with environmental details that bring the gritty world of Metro City to life. The soundtrack is energetic and dynamic, matching the intensity of the action while adding a sense of urgency to each fight.

The game improves upon its predecessors with smoother controls, a more balanced difficulty curve, and additional gameplay mechanics like branching paths, which encourage replayability. While it may not reinvent the beat 'em up genre, Final Fight 3 is a polished and engaging entry that stands as one of the strongest examples of its type on the Super Nintendo. Its combination of tight gameplay, varied characters, and cooperative play makes it a must-play for fans of the series and the genre.