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Default · Japan
ROM hack / mod · Sonic in Streets of Rage 3
Japan · En by Twilight v1.0
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Bare Knuckle III (Japan)

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Bare Knuckle III on Genesis

Bare Knuckle III is the Japanese version of Streets of Rage 3, the final entry in Sega's legendary beat 'em up trilogy on the Genesis/Mega Drive. Released in 1994 exclusively in Japan, this game was developed and published by Sega. It brings back the familiar side-scrolling brawler action with a distinct Japanese title and some regional differences from its overseas counterpart. The story picks up right where the previous game left off, with Mr. X returning and unleashing robotic enemies on the city. Players choose from four characters: Axel Stone, Blaze Fielding, Skate (Eddie Hunter), and the mysterious cyborg Dr. Zan. The core loop is straightforward: move from left to right through each stage, pummeling waves of enemies with punches, kicks, and special attacks. You can run using the B button, which adds mobility. Weapons like pipes and knives can be picked up for temporary advantage. The game features a two-player cooperative mode, allowing a friend to join at any time. Each character has unique moves and a special attack that drains health but can devastate crowds. Boss fights punctuate each stage, requiring pattern recognition and smart use of resources. Bare Knuckle III is worth playing today for its tight gameplay, memorable soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro, and the challenge it offers. The Japanese version has some gameplay tweaks compared to the Western Streets of Rage 3, like adjusted difficulty and minor enemy changes, making it a distinct experience for series fans. It's a solid, no-frills beat 'em up that holds up well, especially when played with a friend in co-op. If you enjoy classic brawlers like Final Fight or Double Dragon, this is a must-try.

GAME INFO

Platform: SEGA Genesis
Genre: Beat em Up
Released: 1994
Players: 1-2
Region: Japan

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How to play Bare Knuckle III online

Getting Started

When you start Bare Knuckle III, you'll see a title screen with Japanese text. Press Enter to go to the character select screen. Use the Arrow Keys to highlight one of the four fighters and press X (A button) to confirm. The game will then start the first stage. Your objective is to fight through each area, defeat all enemies, and take down the stage boss to progress.

The core combat is simple: walk up to enemies and press S (B button) to attack. You can also press S while moving to run, then press S again for a running attack. Use X to jump, and press S in the air for a jumping attack. Each character has a special move that uses health; press A (X button) to unleash a screen-clearing attack but be careful as it reduces your health bar. You can regain some health by collecting food items scattered through stages.

Since this is the Japanese version, all menus are in Japanese. The options screen can be navigated with Arrow Keys and confirmed with Start or X. To save your high score, you'll need to enter a name at the end. If you get lost, just start fighting - the game is straightforward. Two players can join by having Player 2 press Start on the title screen. Use the special moves sparingly, and experiment with each character's reach and speed to find your favorite.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: A button
S: B button
Z: C button
A: X button (6-button pad)
Q: Y button (6-button pad)
E: Z button (6-button pad)
Enter: Start / Mode

Bare Knuckle III FAQ

Is Bare Knuckle III an official release, a fan hack, a prototype, or another kind of build?

Bare Knuckle III is an official commercial release by Sega for the Japanese SEGA Genesis. It is not a fan hack or prototype; it is the Japanese version of Streets of Rage 3, known as the third installment in the series.

In what year was Bare Knuckle III originally released?

The game was originally released in Japan in 1994, the same year as the international Streets of Rage 3. It appeared exclusively on the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive platform.

Is Bare Knuckle III exclusive to SEGA Genesis or did it appear on other systems?

Bare Knuckle III was exclusive to the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive at launch. It has since been re-released in compilations like the SEGA Genesis Classics collection on modern platforms, but those are ports of the original ROM. There were no official ports to other consoles during its original era.

All SEGA Genesis games