America's Army 3 Announced

The US Army today announced that America's Army 3, the third iteration of its free FPS shooter, will be released later in 2009.

As usual, America's Army 3 will be an entirely free game to download. Unreal Engine 3 graphics are set to mark the significant upgrade, while the Army promises plenty of new missions, features and gameplay tweaks.

Screenshots comparing older maps (right side) with the upgraded versions in AA3.

"Through their in-game characters, AA3 players will be able to experience the way Soldiers train, live, and advance in the Army," reads a release by the Army. "AA3 players will also experience different types of technologies and equipment used by the Army's high-tech Soldier."

Training exercises will unlock new abilities and weapons as before, but players will now be able to cross-train on several different specialties. A new "instant action" mode will also allow users to skip the bothersome training and jump right into a game.