The player has a choice between four characters: Guy and Haggar from the original Final Fight return, along with new heroes Lucia and Dean.

The player also has access to command-based special techniques similar to Street Fighter, including a Super Move.

Like in the previous Final Fight games, the player has access to weapons, health-restoring food and other bonus point items, which are stored inside breakable drums.

The stages in the game feature multiple paths that changes the areas the player will visit, as well as the enemies and bosses they encounter.

GamePro gave the game a mixed review, summarizing that "Although Final Fight 3 has more characters and moves than its precursors, the gameplay quickly feels routine."

They approved of the addition of Lucia but felt Dean's moves were "sluggish and awkward" and that the bosses were little more than oversized regular enemies.

[4] A reviewer for Next Generation too felt that the additions were not enough to make the game a significant step forward from the original, and remarked, "It's not dull, but it's not all that exciting either.