MK3 also introduced 'chain combos', also known as 'dial-a-combos' (many other fighting games at the time had similar combo systems).The arcade owner, however, could reset this code by accessing the game's diagnostic menu by hitting a DIP switch within the MK3 cabinet. If the correct code was entered, Smoke would become a permanent playable character on the character select screen. MK3 also introduced the 'Ultimate Kombat Kode' which was a 10 digit code that could be entered after a game was over in single player mode.

MK3 introduced ' Kombat Kodes' which were 6 digit codes entered at the VS screen in a two player game to modify gameplay, fight hidden characters or display certain text messages.

The gameplay of Sheeva performing a combo on Nightwolf in Mortal Kombat 3 at The Bridge stage.

This was primarily to address concern from fans who thought that the previous games gave too much of an advantage to the defending player. MK3 introduced the 'Run' button, accompanied by a 'Run' meter, allowing the character to run.

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