Art of Fighting 3 R Closed Beta – First Imperssions
What is Art of Fighting 3 R?
Art of Fighting 3 R is an updated version of 1996 Art of Fighting 3 Path of the Warrior fighting video game developed by SNK. AOF 3 R was announced during EVO 2026 along with rebalancing and two new characters (Yuri along with King). The game is just like its predecessor with updated graphics including motion capture. Robert Garica is the new main protagonist of the game instead of Ryo Sakazaki. The main plot is that Robert Garica helps his childhood friend Freia in Grasshill Valley, Mexico to solve a mystery about a elixir that grants user superhuman strength. A wealthy man named Tom Wyler wants the secret of the elixir from Frieda because of her father (who worked with Wyler).
In closed beta, there were four playable characters Ryo, Robert, Kasumi and Rody. Each character has their own special moves and desperation attacks (went flashing red). The gameplay is the same as AOF 2, which you can charge up for meter to execute attack. But if you attack meter is low (that move will not be effective in combat). There are taunts which lower your attack meter down as well. In my option, combat is fluid and a bit flashy at best. It can be little janky but Art of Fighting 3 you can master the mechanics in no time. I forgot to mention about throws in the game as well. There are four button control schemes as well like punch, kick, taunt and throw.
Thoughts on Closed Beta
Art of Fighting 3 R closed beta has some connection issues and not slowing players names went in battle. Also, bad netcode and slowdown in online matches, which cause players to not move at all. I had bad experience with online multiplayer and need some fixing asap. Anyways, I managed to play through some matches and remember playing Art of Fighting Anthology back in PS2 days. Gameplay wise, I knew how to play the game before anyone else and won some matches. Note: I was not good with Rody Brits at all nor Kasumi Todoh. I had issues with Ryo and Robert motion moves inputs as well.
I did fill out a survey on what should be improved in the final version of the game. My thoughts are that 6 characters should be playable instead of four. Have training mode and single player in the next beta. Add casual or rank online and offline play as well for tournaments. Overall, I didn’t have no problem with gameplay but developers would have some adjustments to take care of. A lot of critics talk about balancing and felt unfinished at time. There are talks about 3D blending in 2D which I didn’t have a problem with. Story mode had lack of cutscenes than its predecessor. Desperation attack can’t be blocked which a lot of players have issues with. While I was playing beta, no one did desperation attacks once but I was trying to learn them.
I didn’t care for them because it been 30 years in the making since there was a new Art of Fighting entry. SNK expressed interest of making a new Art of Fighting, I am guessing is this game instead of new one like Fatal Fury City of the Wolves and Samurai Shodown. My guess is because Harada (who previously worked with Bandai Namco’s Tekken) and now about SNK fighting game department. He has a hand in this as well, previously there were Ninja Masters and World Heroes getting rollback netcode as well. I am happy that these old SNK playmore fighting games getting some treatment after 30 years.
Closing
Art of Fighting storyline is simple, went Yuri is kidnapped by Mr. Big, Ryo and Robert have to save her and find out that Takumi (Ryo) was brainwashed by Big as Master Karate. Sequel, Ryo and Robert fight against mastermind behind Yuri and Takumi, Geese Howard (who is also main antagonist of Fatal Fury as well). Afterwards, Ryo and Yuri Sakazaki are supporting characters and Robert is MC. There is an anime based on Art of Fighting but it was heavily bombed calling it “Saturday Morning Cartoon” and “uninspired art” along with choppy animation. I might watch it and react to the anime film at a later date.
When Art of Fighting 3 R releases on Steam, I know it might improve since first closed beta test. I might pick this game up because still boycotting Sony at this point. In the future, I hope it comes to consoles as well and have crossplay like Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection. What is your thoughts on Art of Fighting 3 R closed beta, have you tried it? Let me know in the comments and thank you for reading this blogpost. Tune into the next one from yours truly. Note: One last thing these characters appear in The King of Fighters series as well.
Anjim Plays is a award-winning streamer from Washington DC, who is a advocate of blerd and gaming culture. I am willing to help others and work with brands.
