America's Army 3 is the latest installment of the US Army's official game. It's a first person shooter (FPS) featuring a rigorous training section and online multiplayer games.
Built on the Unreal Engine 3.0, America's Army 3 looks much better than its predecessors, but there are not only cosmetic changes. The training sections, which are a big part of the game, are now totally optional. While they can sometimes be a bit of a grind, you will unlock better equipment for completing them, so it's worth it in the end.
America's Army 3's online multiplayer missions differ from most FPS games: They emphasize team work, in fact require it for success. Each game sees the US Army versus OPFOR - an unspecific 'Opposing Force'. There are a variety of game modes, though all are the same in one way - if you die, you're out for the game. It is possible to get medical attention when you are wounded from team mates, but you won't go back to full health.
The lack of re-spawn in America's Army 3 makes for a very different feel to multiplayer games. Your team mates are invaluable, and the tension is incredible as you move between cover, with gunfire being genuinely nerve wracking! The five maps are well designed and great to play, but be aware that you will sometimes have to sit out matches for five or more minutes if you were unlucky enough to be shot!
America's Army 3 is a serious FPS game, but if you invest time in it, it can be very rewarding even if it's missing the Hollywood action and drama of popular shooters like Modern Warfare.
