The game has a number of improvements over previous parts of Streets of Rage and Streets of Rage 2, such as a more complex plot, more endings, longer levels, a deeper scenario (with interactive levels and traps, such as holes) and faster gameplay . Now the weapon can only be used several times, after which it breaks. Added hidden characters in several in-game videos, in order to make the plot more deep and diverse.
Gameplay
The game has become faster and more dynamic than previous versions. The characters of the game have new movements and the ability to run (previously only Skate from Streets of Rage 2 could run). Player strikes cause less damage to enemies. The timer has been replaced by a “power indicator”, which, upon reaching the maximum level, allows special strikes to be inflicted without losing the standard of living.
- Unlike the first and second parts, the weapon can be used a limited fixed number of times. Nevertheless, it is possible to make special strikes with the use of weapons. Also returned the possibility of committing a joint attack to deliver a powerful blow to the enemies, which was present in the Streets of Rage.
- The traps were also returned from the original game, for example, enemies can be dropped into a hole or elevator shaft.
- The AI of enemies was significantly improved, now enemies can pick up weapons, block attacks, perform joint moves (a big fat opponent throws an opponent under the name Garcia to knock a player down), and in every way prevent the player from eating food to restore health.
Plot
After Mr. X suffered two defeats, he founded the research company RoboCy Corporation to cover his illegal activities. Dr. Zan, the world's best expert in the field of robotics, was attracted to create an army of humanoid robots capable of replacing important city officials. Having made a substitution, Mr. X planned to control the city with the help of a remote control. His criminal organization, the Syndicate, placed bombs with the radioactive element "shell" in different places in the city in order to divert police attention during the substitution of officials.
Dr. Zan (including the discoverer of the shell element) betrays the Syndicate, and reveals the true goals of the research and decides to stop the war at any cost. He contacts Blaze Fielding and tells her all the plans of the Syndicate. Blaise immediately gets in touch with his old friends, Axel Stone and Adam Hunter, and invites them to form a group in order to once and for all put an end to the existence of the Syndicate. Axel immediately accepts the offer, but Adam cannot do this (because of his service in the police) and sends his brother, Eddie "Skate" Hunter, in his place.
Characters
Three characters from the previous parts of the game are used in Streets of Rage 3: Axel Stone, Blaze Fielding, and Eddie "Skate" Hunter (Sammy Hunter in the Japanese version), each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Zan replaced Max from the second part of the game. Dr. Zan has some peculiarities compared to other characters: when he picks up a weapon, it turns into a glowing fireball. Adam from Streets of Rage participates in the game only sporadically, Max appears only in a good ending of the game.
It is possible to play as one of the three bosses when using cheat codes. Homosexual boss Ash was excluded from the western versions of the game (but is available via cheat cartridges in the Japanese version of the game). Shiva, a martial artist who appeared for the first time in Streets of Rage 2, and the new boss Ru (kangaroo) can also be accessed via cheat codes. Shiva and Roo can not use weapons.
Also in the Japanese beta (Bare Knuckle III) after defeating Mona and Lisa, thanks to cheat codes, a character named Monaliza could open up. She had the looks and sprites of her two sisters. But, after pruning the beta, Monaliza ceased to exist as a secret character. The game also has a Super Axel. You can play for it if you choose Axel in the choice of characters, press button A and immediately hold down X and turn the joystick D-pad clockwise. (It may not happen the first time).