Coded Arms isn't everyone's first-person shooting cup of violent tea. When the original game came out for the PSP a little while back, it introduced owners of the portable system to the first-person shooting action they've been waiting for, although the game ran into a few snags that kept it from growing a huge fanbase. Regardless, Konami sees a lot of potential in the series, and next year, they'll be releasing two new chapters to please both home and on-the-go audiences. While PSP owners can look forward to Contagion, potential PlayStation 3 buyers will be able to endure the console debut of the series with Coded Arms: Assault.

But before you go groaning and thinking that the series can't change, Konami does have one major piece of weaponry on their side- the Unreal Engine 3. This vast new first-person engine that's found use in a series of games will help enhance the Coded Arms universe a few steps closer to what the development team originally had in mind- a virtual universe loaded with dangers, and the numerous options you have to bring them to their virtual downfall.

The game actually takes place in a Matrix-like cyberspace, where an evil corporation has set up habitation in order to unleash a devastating plot. As one of the "freedom fighters" that's been implemented into the program, it's your job to try and overthrow this government, although they'll be throwing a number of enemies your way, growing larger and more dangerous in size. Not too much has been revealed about the story mode within the game, but it's sure to include a few twists and turns to keep intrigue flowing within it.

Probably the area that will see the biggest boost is with the graphics, since the game is being powered by the Unreal Engine 3 technology. Along with cool virtual effects that remind you that you're wandering around in the dangers of cyberspace, you can also expect vastly designed levels with torn buildings, war-ravaged streets, and fast-moving enemies. The game looks to be moving at 30 frames per second at this point, a standard speed for highly-detailed first-person shooters, although the possibility of it being bumped to 60 is highly present.

The gameplay will also see a little push in the positive direction. Along with being able to wield some devastating firepower and different guns for certain occasions, you'll also be able to use viruses to your advantage, injecting enemies and getting the upper hand on them. You'll also be able to trash environments, eliminating their need for cover and giving yourself a better shot at wiping them out. Hacking also comes in handy for finding bonus items and keeping track of some of your enemies, so that you can find just the right opportunity to get the jump on them. The gameplay could easily shape up, if Konami obtains the materials to their advantage.

There's no word yet on what kind of connectivity will take place between this game and the forthcoming PSP Contagion game, but there will probably be one or two things you can do between the two games. Regardless, even if the option isn't presented, there's still going to be a lot to do with online play. Co-op can happen for a team of four, so that you can work together to take on mission objectives and bring down opposing teams. But, of course, the real joy comes in the sixteen-player competitive online play, where you can use hacking, viruses, weapons, and air and land vehicles to get the upper hand.

Coded Arms: Assault is still a ways off, not set to debut until at least early-to-mid 2007. However, if Konami can put the tools they have to good use and keep the premise as strong as the promise, it could be a great game for the PS3. We'll be back with more coverage on the game as we get hands-on time and further detailed looks into it. I'm sure you can stay jacked in to the Internet for that, right?