Killzone: Mercenary will debut in September with 9 campaign missions, 3 multiplayer modes, and bonus challenge stages

PlayStation social media manager Sid Shuman has posted a handful of new (and very tasty) Killzone: Mercenary details on Sony's US PlayStation Blog.

According to Shuman, this Vita-exclusive shooter will boast nine full-length story-driven campaign missions, as well as three action-packed eight-player competitive multiplayer modes.

There'll also be "a collection" of bonus challenge missions that will truly put your trigger skills to the test.

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Killzone: Mercenary will feature a refined damage model. As such, weapons will feel slightly more powerful and deadlier than they do in the franchise's PlayStation 3 outings.

This is especially true for the series's new weapon.

This little beauty is called the VAN-Guard, and it's a wrist-mounted toy that enables you to launch Mantis drones and guided Porcupine missiles with a couple of taps on your Vita's front-facing touchscreen.

Speaking of weapons, you'll be able to top up your ammo supply and get your mitts on new armaments mid-fight. How? By using the cash you earn as you complete objectives, slay opponents, and get "creative kills".

You can, of course, also use your trusty knife and the Vita's touchscreen to exact death on unsuspecting victims. Oh, and you can use the rear-facing touchpad on Sony's latest handheld to take care of sprinting.

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Finally, because Killzone: Mercenary runs on a modified version of the rendering engine that powers console hit Killzone 3, you can expect lots of graphical goodies.

These will include volumetric lighting and smoke; high-res environments and textures; realistic shadows; and even gleaming metal.