Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 is a special edition of Mortal Kombat 3, released only about a year later, with additional characters and game options. The roster of Kombatants features two dozen characters, though six are initially locked or hidden. New and returning fighters Sub-Zero (with and without his mask), Reptile, Sonya, Jax, Lui Kang, Kabal, Noob, Ermak, Sektor, Cyrax, Smoke, and others are available for play. The game"s single-player storyline follows Shao Kahn"s attempt to take over the Earth Realm, as shadow priests bring his bride Sindel back from the dead. Five difficulty levels are available. Other modes of play include one-on-one, two-on-two team-up matches, and a tournament mode for as many as eight players. Options include handicaps, violence levels (blood and fatalities), and full controller re-mapping.