Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere[a] is a combat flight simulator video game developed and published by Namco for the PlayStation. It was released in Japan in 1999 and in Europe and North America in 2000. The third in the company's Ace Combat franchise, Electrosphere features a more futuristic aesthetic compared to the modern-day theme of its predecessors. Players control one of several different types of aircraft and must complete various mission objectives, such as destroying a fleet of enemies or protecting a base from enemy fire.
Directed jointly by Takuya Iwasaki and Atsushi Shiozawa, Electrosphere was designed after its predecessor Ace Combat 2, borrowing many of its design elements. The team wanted the storyline to be an integral part of the game and serve an actual purpose, unlike earlier games where it was secondary to the gameplay. Its futuristic landscapes were inspired by a combination of 1970's-esque city designs and modern-day architecture. Electrosphere has gained infamy fo
