Man and beast are one and the same in Bloody Roar 3. The combatants shifting onscreen appear mere humans at first glance but hidden inside, there's more. Powered by Namco System 246 coin-op hardware, which happens to be PS2 compatible, Roar 3 makes a smart transition to the home and retains all of the speed and gloss from the arcade original. Metamorphic force plays a strong hand in the dynamics and strategy of BR3. Each fighter in the game, whether it be Alice or Busuzima, can erupt out of their skins and change into their respective animal alter-egos. In the case of Alice, it is fitting when she morphs into a floppy-eared, powder puff-tailed rabbit when her inner beast calls. Animal power turns the tide of battle and may be used as a desperation gambit when you falter and need a boost of adrenaline. It's also a flashy way to finish off a woozy foe when the battle is going your way. During a contest, when neither fighter is gaining much leverage, the beastly advantage helps churn things up. 
   Bloody Roar 3 plays very fast and hard. Some fighters heft hulking masses of rippling muscle that can overwhelm and disembowel with a flurry of punches, kicks and bites. No skill or fighting finesse need apply, just unleash a barrage of mighty blows to destroy an opponent. Add the gleam of illumination when a beast morphs and you're ready to dazzle foes into submission. Ryu could probably try and take some of this crew on, but he wouldn't stand a chance on this stage.