Sakura Wars 3: Is Paris Burning? is a video game co-developed by Red Company and Overworks for the Dreamcast. The third entry in the Sakura Wars series, it was published by Sega in 2001. Defined as a "dramatic adventure" game, Sakura Wars 3 combines overlapping tactical role-playing, dating sim and visual novel gameplay elements.
Immediately following the events of Sakura Wars 2: Thou Shalt Not Die, the story sees series protagonist Ichiro Ogami arrive in Paris to train the new all-female Paris Assault Force, a military unit established by Paris' government dedicated to fighting supernatural threats against the city while maintaining their cover as a cabaret act. Alongside Ogami's training, a series of black magicians assault the group, culminating in a threat to all of Paris.
The concept work for Sakura Wars 3 began during development of Sakura Wars 2. Most of the original staff returned, including series creator Oji Hiroi as director, writer Satoru Akahori, artists Kōsuke Fujishima and Hidenori Matsubara, and composer Kohei Tanaka. Newcomers included producer Noriyoshi Ohba and co-writer Hiroyuki Kawasaki. While retaining the basic systems of the Sakura Wars series, the engine and gameplay were rebuilt for the Dreamcast, with a new battle system being designed. The anime cutscenes were created by Production I.G, blending traditional animations with computer graphics. It received positive reviews from journalists and sold over 300,000 units. A direct sequel, Sakura Wars 4: Fall in Love, Maidens, was released in 2002.
