Ace Combat 3 (Japan version) evolves everything from the previous one, but unfortunately I wasn't able to connect as much as the others. The focus on history was inevitable to keep the franchise updated, and it's not bad by any means, but it's told in such a confusing way that it's difficult not to ignore everything right at the beginning. The story is great, but only when you are reading the summary on the internet. A shame, because the atmosphere and aesthetics are excellent, the gameplay is still perfect and hasn't aged at all and the choices lead to such cool paths that it's worth going back and finishing the different endings.
The more electronic soundtrack fits the game perfectly but I don't like it as much as the energizing rhythm of the second game.