Based on all that we have seen so far it seemed like F.E.A.R. 3 was right on track for an October 2010 release. Unfortunately, it looks like this is no longer the case. Earlier today Destructoid confirmed with Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment that F.E.A.R. 3 has been pushed back and will, hopefully, be released in early 2011. It is possible that some retailers had already received wind of this delay indicated by their listing of an April release date.

The third entry in the franchise is meant to delve deeper into the story of Alma, the supernatural force and all around creepy girl meant to deliver non-stop scares around every corner. Gamers will inhabit the role of the Point Man, protagonist of the first game, as he battles the powers that be whilst his mother, Alma, is in the midst of a pregnancy. Working alongside the Point Man is his back-from-the-grave brother Paxton Fettel adding a new co-op element to the franchise. Aside from a few hints, nothing much has been said regarding the game’s plot but if I were a betting man I would say to expect the “s” to hit the fan in glorious slow motion.

Reasons for the delay are unknown at this time but speculation is sure to abound as the days go on. Perhaps a delay was needed to allow Day 1 Studios to reevaluate the Paxton Fettel/Point Man dynamic. Perhaps we are looking at the ability to play as Fettel in the single player.

If F.E.A.R. 3 is gearing up to be closer to the first than the second I would rather Day 1 take their time. I am a major proponent of carefully babying a game in order to deliver a product that the fans enjoy and the developers are proud of. Here’s to hoping that Day 1 isn’t just trying to accrue a bit more time as they frantically polish a bad game.

As of right now F.E.A.R. 3 is set to soil some pants some time in 2011 on the Xbox 360, PS3, and the PC.

Source: Destructoid