![Sougou Kakutougi Rings - Astral Bout 3 [Model SHVC-AABJ] screenshot](images/game/62204_2.png "Sougou Kakutougi Rings - Astral Bout 3 [Model SHVC-AABJ]")
Sougou Kakutougi Rings - Astral Bout 3 © 1995 King Records.
Sougou Kakutougi Rings: Astral Bout 3 serves as the final installment of the Astral Bout series on the 16-bit console. Licensed by the Fighting Network RINGS organization, the game is a deep simulation of professional mixed martial arts. Players choose from 15 fighters to compete in the RINGS Championship, utilizing a diverse suite of striking and grappling techniques. The game features various modes, including a single-elimination tournament, exhibition matches, and a comprehensive tutorial mode to help newcomers master the complex grappling systems.
GAME ID: SHVC-AABJ
Specifications: The game utilizes a 16-megabit cartridge.
Released on October 20, 1995 (Friday) in Japan. The game was never exported outside Japan.
Licensing and Authenticity: As a flagship title for the Fighting Network RINGS promotion, the game prominently features the official likenesses of RINGS stars like Akira Maeda, Mitsuya Nagai, Yoshihisa Yamamoto, and Masayuki Naruse.
The "Fake Name" Convention: Due to complex licensing issues regarding fighters who were not under exclusive contract with RINGS Japan at the time, many of the international competitors were given pseudonyms. These names often mirrored the real-life personas of legendary fighters from the RINGS Holland, Russia, Georgia, USA, and Bulgaria branches:
RINGS Holland
Boris Goldman (Chris Dolman)
Duke Bryce (Dick Vrij)
Horace Felman (Hans Nyman)
Willie Max (Willie Peeters)
Rob Schneider (Rob Kaman)
RINGS Russia
Volk Warren (Volk Han)
Nicholoas Yusef (Nikolai Zouev)
RINGS Georgia
Jerardze Tanner (Tariel Bitsadze)
Grom Gaza (Grom Zaza)
RINGS U.S.A.
Johnny Williams (Willie Williams)
RINGS Bulgaria
Sotir Gorchev (Sotir Gotchev)
Progression System: Unlike standard fighting games where power is static, Astral Bout 3 employs a parameter-building system. The techniques used to defeat an opponent directly influence which fighter parameters increase, encouraging players to master specific styles rather than relying on singular 'spam' tactics.