Lion King 3 (Unl)
Lion King 3 (Unl) on Genesis
Lion King 3 (Unl) is an unlicensed SEGA Genesis cartridge that popped up in the aftermarket scene, likely appearing sometime in the late 1990s or early 2000s. The "Unl" tag tells you right away this wasn't an official Disney or Sega release, and no major studio like Westwood or Virgin Interactive is attached to it. It's a platformer, riding on the coattails of the official Lion King games, but made by an unknown third party without a license. The game belongs to the gray market of bootlegs and homebrew efforts that targeted the Genesis long after its commercial lifespan.
The gameplay sticks to the side-scrolling platformer formula common to the era. You control a lion character - presumably Simba or a similar sprite - moving through savanna-themed levels, jumping between platforms, avoiding hazards like thorns or pits, and occasionally fighting enemies by attacking or stomping. The level design is basic but functional, borrowing visual cues from the official Lion King games without the polish. There is no intricate story or cutscenes; the focus is simply on reaching the end of each stage while collecting items or power-ups.
As a curiosity, Lion King 3 is worth checking out if you have an interest in unlicensed Genesis titles or bootleg platformers. It does not measure up to the official Disney games in terms of animation or music, but it captures the scrappy, DIY spirit of an era when small teams slapped together cartridges in garages. If you enjoy the novelty of obscure, questionable ports, this one fits right alongside other unofficial Genesis oddities. It is niche, rough around the edges, but honest about what it is.
How to Play Lion King 3 (Unl) Online
Getting Started
Fire up the ROM and you will be greeted with a simple title screen. There is no story sequence or tutorial, so just press Start to jump into the first stage. You play as a lion cub and must move from left to right, hopping over obstacles and taking down the occasional enemy. The core loop is straightforward: run, jump, attack when needed, and survive until you reach the level exit.
A few pointers for new players. Use the B button (S key) to attack; it works best when enemies are close. The jump (A button, X key) is your main tool for avoiding pits and reaching higher platforms. If you see floating objects or power-ups, grab them - they might refill health or grant temporary speed. Death sends you back to the start of the stage, so learn enemy patterns and take your time.
There are no save files or passwords in this unlicensed game; you will have to beat it in one sitting if you want to see the ending. The difficulty can spike in later levels, with tighter jumps and more aggressive enemies. Stick with it and you will get the hang of the floaty physics typical of many bootleg platformers.
Lion King 3 (Unl) Keyboard 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
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