Pang! 3
Introduction
Pang! 3 was released in arcades in 1995 by Mitchell Corporation, the third main entry in the balloon-popping series that began with Pang. The rules are simple and addictive: bouncing balloons fill the screen, and firing at one splits it into two smaller balloons, which continue to split until they disappear. Touching a balloon costs a life, so the player must control how and when they break them to avoid being trapped. This entry offers a choice of characters, each with a different default weapon, and adds new power-ups, obstacles and stage layouts. Harpoon-style shots, rapid-fire guns and power wires help the player clear the screen, while clocks and shields provide breathing room. Stages are set against colourful backdrops, and two players can play cooperatively at the same time. Its mix of action and puzzle-solving makes it a quick pick-up game that remains challenging on later stages.
