Thunder Force III: all version differences
5 documented differences between the releases of Thunder Force III, each with a source. Back to the main page for names, releases and where to play.
Category × version
| Category | Mega Drive/Genesis | Arcade (Thunder Force AC) | Super Famicom (Thunder Spirits) | 3DS (Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 3) | Switch (Sega Ages Thunder Force AC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gameplay | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Content | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Difficulty | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Version differences
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GameplayMega Drive/Genesis
The Mega Drive game has a stage select for the first five planets; on higher difficulties losing a ship strips all weapons.1
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ContentArcade (Thunder Force AC)
Thunder Force AC looks almost the same as the Mega Drive game but drops the stage select and software autofire, has fewer 1UPs, gives a 100,000-point bonus per remaining ship and replaces some stages with ones from Thunder Force II.2
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ContentSuper Famicom (Thunder Spirits)
Thunder Spirits is based on the arcade version, with its own sixth and final stages, several changed levels and a noticeably different soundtrack.2
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Difficulty3DS (Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives 3)
The 3DS re-release lets players choose the Japanese or overseas version; in the overseas version enemies take fewer hits.2
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GameplaySwitch (Sega Ages Thunder Force AC)
The Switch release of the arcade version adds an easy mode, online leaderboards, improved sound and unlockable extra ships.1
Sources
Checked: 2026-10-13