Chain combos are button sequences that cannot be interrupted once one hit connects some chain combos end with an uppercut or another move that knocks the opponent into the air so that more damage can be dealt via a traditional juggle combo. 'Chain combos', also known as pre-programmed combos (labeled 'dial-a-combos') were also introduced. The Run meter is drained by running (the character cannot run backward, only forwards) and by performing combos. This was primarily to address concern from fans who thought that the previous games gave too much of an advantage to the defending player. A 'Run' button, accompanied by a 'Run' meter, was introduced.

Mortal Kombat 3 builds further on the gameplay of the previous game. The PC and home console-exclusive Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996) added even more characters, as well as other new features. Mortal Kombat 3 notably omitted popular characters from previous games, some of whom were added in an update, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, released later in 1995. Some characters from the previous games returned and new characters were introduced into the series. A 'Run' button was also added, allowing players to briefly dash toward the opponent, as were 'Kombat Kodes', an unlockable content system using various symbols that can be entered before two-player matches to achieve certain effects. Other features new to the series were combos, predefined sequences used to perform a series of consecutive attacks. It also introduces new types of the finishing moves, including Animalities. The third installment of the Mortal Kombat series retains the notorious extreme depictions of violence 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. Mortal Kombat 3 is a fighting video game developed by Midway Games and Atari Games and first released into arcades in 1995 as the third game in the Mortal Kombat series.

Ultimate mortal kombat 3 cabinet