# Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike - The Pinnacle of 2D Fighting Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike - Fight for the Future, released by Capcom in 1999 for arcades, is the third and final installment of the *Street Fighter III* series, following *New Generation* (1997) and *2nd Impact* (1997). Running on CP System III hardware, it refines the series with a 20-character roster, including returning favorite Chun-Li and new fighters Makoto, Remy, Q, and Twelve. Set after *Street Fighter V* in the timeline, it features non-canon battles and a loose narrative around the Third World Warrior Tournament, with Gill as the final boss (playable in console versions). Renowned for its parry system, fluid animations, and deep mechanics, it’s celebrated as a competitive masterpiece, highlighted by the iconic “Evo Moment 37” at Evo 2004, where Daigo Umehara’s Ken parried Justin Wong’s Chun-Li super for a comeback win. Ports include Dreamcast (2000), PS2 and Xbox (2004 via *Street Fighter Anniversary Collection*), and *Online Edition* (2011, PS3/Xbox 360), with the *Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection* (2018, PS4/Xbox One/Switch/PC) adding rollback netcode. ## Why Play Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike? Hailed as one of the greatest fighting games ever, *3rd Strike* offers fast-paced, skill-intensive 2D combat with a high skill ceiling. Its parry system—tapping forward or down at precise frames to negate attacks—adds unparalleled depth, as seen in Evo Moment 37. The 20-character roster, from Ryu’s balanced playstyle to Makoto’s aggressive rushdown, ensures diverse strategies. New mechanics like Guard Parry (“Red Parry”), universal overheads (MP+MK), and selectable Super Arts enhance tactical options. Despite initial lukewarm reception due to arcade decline and competition from 3D fighters like *Tekken*, its cult following grew through competitive play and Fightcade’s online community. Perfect for retro ROM fans and competitive players, though its complexity can intimidate newcomers. ## Game Features - Play as 20 characters (15 returning, 5 new: Chun-Li, Makoto, Q, Remy, Twelve), with Akuma as a regular fighter - Master the parry system (ground, air, and Red Parry) for damage-free counters - Choose Super Arts per character for varied playstyles and combos - Engage in Arcade Mode with opponent selection, Versus, Training, and “Crush the Car”/“Parry the Ball” minigames - Enjoy *Online Edition*’s GGPO netcode, Trial Mode, and YouTube replay sharing (PS3/Xbox 360) - Experience authentic arcade gameplay on our retro ROM platform or modern ports like *Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection* ## Play Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Online Step into the arena today! Our website, Classic Joy Games, lets you play *Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike* instantly with no downloads, optimized for modern browsers using MAME emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, or PC via the *Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection* with rollback netcode, or on Fightcade for online play. Ideal for fans of retro ROMs and competitive fighting games! Note: For emulation, use MAME or Fightcade for arcade accuracy, or Duckstation for console versions. Join players worldwide and enjoy *Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike* on Classic Joy Games or modern platforms. Start your fight now and see why this game is a legend in the *Street Fighter* legacy, immortalized by moments like the Daigo Parry!