Mace: The Dark Age vs Mortal Kombat 3
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Mace: The Dark Age is a 1997 fighting game that pits brutal warriors against each other in a dark, fantasy‑infused medieval arena. Developed by Atari Games and ported to the Nintendo 64 by Midway, the game blends classic one‑on‑one combat with graphic execution sequences reminiscent of Mortal Kombat.
Mortal Kombat 3 introduces groundbreaking elements to the iconic 2D fighting series, including multi-level playfields, Dial-A-Combo attacks, and a dedicated Run button that significantly accelerates the battle pace. Players can also utilize Vs. codes during pre-match screens to unlock special powers and abilities. The storyline unfolds as Shao Kahn resurrects Queen Sindel in the Earth Realm, merging it with Outworld and unleashing extermination squads. Players must fight their way through warriors to defeat the Centaurian enforcer Motaro and the ruthless emperor Shao Kahn himself.
- Distinctive, over‑the‑top fatalities
- Varied weapon‑based character roster
- Responsive split‑screen multiplayer
- Authentic 90s arcade feel
- Introduces exciting new gameplay mechanics like the Run button
- Expands finishing moves with more stage fatalities
- Features engaging multi-level playfields for dynamic combat
- Supports both single player and multiplayer game modes
- Limited platform availability
- Graphics dated by modern standards
- Learning curve for combo timing
- Critic score of 50/100 indicates mixed reception from reviewers
- Limited availability on modern digital storefronts without emulation
- Steep learning curve for mastering advanced combo systems
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Mace: The Dark Age
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Experience intense 2D fighting action with new combos, run mechanics, and brutal fatalities.
Enter the brutal one-on-one fighting tournament to save Earth from Outworld.
Alternatives to Mortal Kombat 3
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The ultimate portable fighting experience packed with exclusive content and modes.
The sixth installment in the iconic fighting series featuring new modes and online play.
Defend Earthrealm as Liu Kang or Kung Lao in this action-packed beat 'em up.
Experience intense arcade fighting action with 23 playable characters and iconic finishers.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataMace: The Dark Age offers a niche, weapon‑focused arcade experience with split‑screen multiplayer, while Mortal Kombat 3 provides broader mechanics and larger roster but lower critical reception.
Key differences
- •Mace features unique weapon‑based fatalities and a combo system centered on timing; Mortal Kombat 3 adds run button, multi‑level stages, and Dial‑A‑Combo system.
- •Mace is limited to Atari/N64 hardware (1997) whereas Mortal Kombat 3 was released on multiple platforms starting 1995, giving broader availability.
- •Mace received a higher critic score (65 vs 50) indicating better reception at launch.
- •Mace’s graphics are dated by modern standards but retain a distinct dark‑fantasy aesthetic; Mortal Kombat 3’s graphics are also retro but include more varied stage designs.
- •Mace supports responsive split‑screen multiplayer; Mortal Kombat 3 lists multiplayer but does not specify split‑screen, implying possible limitations on co‑op play.
Gameplay & fun factor
Mortal Kombat 3 adds run button, multi‑level arenas, and Dial‑A‑Combo, expanding combat depth.
Platform availability
Mortal Kombat 3 released on many platforms; Mace limited to Atari arcade and N64.
Price & value
Both are one‑time paid titles; only Mace lists MSRP ($19.99), B’s price not specified.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Mace explicitly offers responsive split‑screen multiplayer; Mortal Kombat 3 only notes multiplayer without split‑screen detail.
Content & replayability
Mortal Kombat 3’s larger roster, run mechanic, and stage fatalities provide more varied content.
Difficulty & accessibility
Mace’s learning curve focuses on combo timing, but lower critic score suggests Mortal Kombat 3 may be steeper.
Graphics & performance
Both are 1990s graphics; Mace described as dated, Mortal Kombat 3 similarly retro, no clear advantage.
Choose Mace: The Dark Age if…
Players who prioritize weapon‑based combat, split‑screen couch multiplayer, and a higher‑rated retro arcade feel.
Choose Mortal Kombat 3 if…
Players seeking more mechanics, larger platform support, and extensive content despite mixed reviews.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Mace lists an MSRP of $19.99; Mortal Kombat 3’s price is not provided, so cost cannot be directly compared.
Do both games support local multiplayer?
Yes. Mace offers split‑screen multiplayer; Mortal Kombat 3 supports multiplayer but split‑screen specifics are not listed.
Which title was better received by critics?
Mace: The Dark Age has a critic score of 65/100, higher than Mortal Kombat 3’s 50/100.