# Street Fighter Alpha 3 - The Ultimate Arcade Fighting Epic
Street Fighter Alpha 3, known as *Street Fighter Zero 3* in Japan and Asia, is a 1998 fighting game developed and published by Capcom for arcades using CP System II hardware. The culmination of the *Alpha* series, set between *Street Fighter* and *Street Fighter II*, it boasts a massive roster of 34 characters, including *Street Fighter II* veterans (Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li), *Alpha* originals (Rose, Charlie), and newcomers like Cody, Karin, R. Mika, and Juli/Juni. Introducing the “-ism” system (A-ism, X-ism, V-ism), it offers diverse playstyles alongside Alpha Counters and Custom Combos. Ported to PlayStation (1998), Sega Saturn (1999), Dreamcast (2000), and GBA (2002), it’s included in *Street Fighter Alpha Anthology* (PS2, 2006) and *Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection* (2018, PS4/Xbox One/Switch/PC). Lauded for its depth and visuals, it’s a competitive favorite despite a steep learning curve.
## Why Play Street Fighter Alpha 3?
Street Fighter Alpha 3 delivers unparalleled 2D fighting with a vast roster and customizable playstyles via A-ism (standard with Super Combos), X-ism (simplified, high-damage), and V-ism (Custom Combo focus). New characters like Karin and Cody, plus bosses like M. Bison and Shin Akuma, enrich variety. The World Tour mode (console versions) adds RPG-like progression, unlocking “isms” and stat boosts. With vibrant sprites, a jazzy soundtrack, and modes like Dramatic Battle (2v1), it’s a must-play for retro ROM fans and competitive players, though complex mechanics may challenge newcomers.
## Game Features
- Play as 34 characters (25 initial, 9 unlockable in console versions: T. Hawk, Dee Jay, Fei Long, Evil Ryu, Shin Akuma, Guile, Eagle, Maki, Yun)
- Choose A-ism, X-ism, or V-ism for tailored combat styles
- Master Alpha Counters, Custom Combos, and three-level Super Combo gauges
- Engage in Arcade, Versus, Dramatic Battle, Survival, and World Tour modes (console)
- Experience authentic arcade gameplay on our retro ROM platform or in *Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection*
## Play Street Fighter Alpha 3 Online
Step into the arena today! Our website, Classic Joy Games, lets you play *Street Fighter Alpha 3* instantly with no downloads, optimized for modern browsers using MAME emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it in *Street Fighter Alpha Anthology* (PS2) or *Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection* (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC) with rollback netcode for online play. Ideal for fans of retro ROMs and classic fighting games! Note: For emulation, use MAME for arcade accuracy or Duckstation for PS1/Dreamcast versions.
Join players worldwide and enjoy *Street Fighter Alpha 3* on Classic Joy Games or modern collections. Start your fight now and see why this game is the pinnacle of the *Alpha* series legacy!