Now three iterations deep, the F.E.A.R. franchise has a lot of back-story for gamers to keep track of. In the newest sequel, appropriately titled F.3.A.R., gamers will need to focus their memory on the first game rather than the second, as F.E.A.R. 3 puts the emphasis back on Alma’s two very special sons.

In order to help recap some of the key moments from the first and second F.E.A.R. titles, in which the super quick Point Man took on the psychically powered Paxton Fettel, Day 1 Studios has released a new trailer narrated by Fettel himself.

The dichotomy that exists between the two characters has been a topic that has gone unexplored for almost half a decade now, as the second game was more focused on the ultra-terrifying Alma rather than her sons. With F.E.A.R. 3, the series will come full circle and bring gamers closer to understanding how this most peculiar of families is connected.

Not only will Paxton Fettel — who exists on some sort of ethereal plane — and his brother, the Point Man, have to battle the forces of the ATC, but they will be doing so whilst their mother is in the midst of bringing a supernatural pregnancy to term.

Here’s a brief refresher on the series:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy6T0moKw0Q

Set to release in just over a month, many of the important aspects of F.E.A.R. 3 have already been detailed by the teams at Day 1 Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive. Featuring a unique co-op element — one that will feature two distinct characters with their own special abilities -- F.E.A.R. 3 looks to return the franchise to its much darker roots.

Though F.E.A.R. 2 wasn’t a failure, it certainly left a lot to be desired — especially with the introduction of a new protagonist. However, if F.E.A.R. 3 can tie in elements and characters from the second game, and further the understanding of Alma Wade and her children, gamers might be interested in once again returning to the series.

Do you think F.E.A.R. 3 will be able to take the series full circle and explain many of the convoluted elements that were introduced along the way? Which character are you more excited to play as: the Point Man or Paxton Fettel?

F.E.A.R. 3 releases May 14, 2011 for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.