The popular war simulator series Arma has been making a lot of waves for several years, and the time is officially here to start looking forward to the third installment in the series - as Czech developer Bohemia Interactive have announced that Arma 3 is set for a summer 2012 release date exclusively for PC.

We've got the first screenshots ever released for the game - and it admittingly looks gorgeous.

The basic concept behind the Arma series, much like Operation Flashpoint, is that all aspects of war can be simulated and customized in fine multiplayer detail - though the game will also come with a large singleplayer campaign focused in Europe. In single player, you'll take control of Captain Scott Miller, a member of a Special Ops group left stranded behind enemy lines.

Check out the official plot synopsis below:

After years of intense warfare against Eastern armies, Europe has become the last stand for the battered NATO forces. On the verge of being driven into the sea, NATO command embarks upon a most desperate measure. In the hope of seizing what seems to be a well-guarded military secret, Operation Magnitude is launched. A small group of Special Forces and Researchers are sent to a Mediterranean island deep behind enemy lines. However, the mission is compromised and the task force destroyed, leaving Cpt. Scott Miller washed ashore upon the hostile island. In his effort to carry out the mission, he will face the dangers of modern warfare, an unforgiving environment, and the consequences of his own decisions...

Aside from the singleplayer, there will be a custom scenario editor - a fan-favorite feature of the franchise. Setting enemy locations and objectives ensure for an unlimited number of experiences players can enjoy - and you can always download other scenarios online to keep you surprised in virtually every combat scenario imaginable. If you're still unsure about the robust customization, imagine how much fun fine-tuning your squad will be - placing soldiers up in trees and changing their weapon load-outs as they wait to ambush an enemy patrol. As a certain drug-fueled cinematic icon once said, 'The World is Your Oyster.'

Arma 3 is also known for having gorgeous and gigantic environments, and nothing sets the tone of a game like driving a jeep on patrol through detailed streets where danger and IEDs can literally be lurking around the corner - or 12 miles away in a belltower.

See for yourself below - with the first screenshots from Arma 3:

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The visuals of the game certainly look fantastic, and if the gameplay is able to keep up with the current standard, Arma 3 is certain to a head turned in the summer of 2012.

We'll keep you posted as more news (and an official release date) comes out from Bohemia Interactive.