
A "Run" button, accompanied by a corresponding meter, was introduced. Mortal Kombat 3 builds further on the gameplay of the previous game. Characters omitted from this game were included in the two titles produced to update it, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) and Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996).

It is the only main installment to not feature franchise mascot Scorpion. Mortal Kombat 3 was a commercial success and received generally positive reviews, but drew criticism for omitting several popular characters from previous games.

The new "Run" button allows players to briefly dash toward the opponent, and the new "Kombat Kodes" system allows players to enter various symbols before two-player matches to unlock certain additional features of the game. Other features new to the series were combos, predefined sequences used to perform a series of consecutive attacks. It introduces new types of Fatality finishing moves, including Animalities. The third installment of Mortal Kombat retains the blood and gory attacks that defined the series. The game avoids the tournament storyline of its predecessors, as various warriors instead fight against the returning Shao Kahn, who has resurrected his bride Sindel and started an invasion of Earthrealm. As in the previous games, it has a cast of characters that players choose from and guide through a series of battles against other opponents. It is the third main installment in the Mortal Kombat franchise and a sequel to 1993's Mortal Kombat II. Mortal Kombat 3 is a 1995 arcade fighting game developed by Midway Games and first released into arcades in 1995.
