Earth Defense Force 6 Review

Earth Defense Force 6 Review

As a longtime fan of the quirky and chaotic world of the Earth Defense Force franchise, I was eagerly anticipating the release of Earth Defense Force 6. Having grown up playing these games, I hold a special place in my heart for their over-the-top action and destruction. So, when I finally got my hands on a copy of EDF 6 for the PlayStation 5, I couldn’t wait to jump back into the fray.


The “Earth Defense Force” game series, which is now over 20 years old, continues to draw passionate fans with each new release, while being overlooked by those unimpressed by its simple graphics and outlandish sci-fi premise. Newcomers are unlikely to be won over by “Earth Defense Force 6,” but longtime supporters will undoubtedly appreciate the abundance of content in this latest installment. “Earth Defense Force 6” has been available in Japan for two years, and now international fans can join in on the action and explore the newest chapter in this enduring series.

I absolutely adore the chaotic and campy world of Earth Defense Force 6! In this game, it’s me and the brave survivors of humanity waging war against alien invaders and colossal monsters on a battle-scarred Earth. The storyline might be a bit cheesy and over-the-top, but that’s precisely what makes it so delightfully appealing for franchise fans and those who’ve played Earth Defense Force 5.

In the newest installment of the Earth Defense Force series, titled Earth Defense Force 6, one can observe striking similarities to its predecessors, going beyond its humorous narrative and conversation. Similar to earlier versions of EDF games, monstrous foes emerge all over the terrain, necessitating their elimination. The objectives in most missions of Earth Defense Force 6 involve locating red markers on the mini-map, annihilating every enemy, and repeating this process. While the repetition sets in rather rapidly due to the nearly 150 missions within the base game itself, there’s no denying the sheer enjoyment that comes from unleashing a barrage of sci-fi weapons against ants, wasps, robots, aliens, and other oversized adversaries while concurrently obliterating every structure in sight.

Earth Defense Force 6 Has a Ton of Weapons Spread Between Four Classes

In Earth Defense Force 6, the selection of weapons at your disposal is diverse and expands as you advance in the game. You’ll find common firearms like machine guns and shotguns, but also less conventional options such as Lightning Bows, drones, massive hammers, explosive harpoons, and laser cannons. However, it’s not always apparent which weapon would be best suited for a particular mission in Earth Defense Force 6. This uncertainty can cause some annoyance, especially when you pick a weapon-character combination that doesn’t address potential long-range enemies, only discovering their presence during the mission itself.

In the game “Earth Defense Force 6,” you have four classes from which to pick: Ranger, Wing Diver, Air Raider, and Fencer, each having its advantages and disadvantages. Rangers represent the typical soldier class. Wing Divers are similar to flamboyant anime characters, complete with jetpacks. Their exceptional mobility makes them versatile in various mission situations, making them a reliable option. Air Raiders possess weapons that control drones to target enemies and can summon devastating airstrikes. Lastly, Fencers from “Earth Defense Force” don their exosuits to wield bigger weapons than the other classes.

Players of Earth Defense Force 6 find themselves endlessly scrolling through monotonous menus to select their desired gear. The outdated look of the game is consistent across all aspects. Although witnessing gigantic kaiju monsters rampaging through a city holds some appeal, the textures in the game are decades behind, and the character designs leave much to be desired. The game’s subpar graphics might be a compromise for the extensive environmental destruction, but even buildings collapse in an uninspiring manner, diminishing the excitement of this feature over time.

Fans of the franchise can feel confident that they will find a comfortable fit with Earth Defense Force 6.

I must admit, there are those who believe that the pixelated graphics and cheesy dialogue in “Earth Defense Force 6” add to its appeal. Yet, for those expecting the game to showcase the full potential of the PS5’s capabilities, they will undoubtedly be let down. Still, despite the shortcomings, playing this game with a buddy makes it much more bearable and enjoyable. Fortunately, the co-op mode is robust, allowing us to team up and save the world together.

Earth Defense Force 6 Features Split-Screen and Online Co-Op Options

In more casual terms, Earth Defense Force 6 is among the few current titles offering local split-screen cooperation. This means you and a buddy can team up on the living room couch, annihilating hordes of aliens and creatures. Although split-screen companions can’t earn trophies and the camera can be frustrating, having this feature available is still enjoyable. Additionally, there’s online co-op for up to four players, which could potentially eliminate the need for restarting missions due to lack of proper equipment by allowing access to all classes and an extensive array of weapons. Regrettably, I couldn’t assess the game’s online functionality during this critique.

Earth Defense Force 6 Review

As a gamer, I didn’t find it essential for my solo play experience in “Earth Defense Force 6” since I don’t engage in online gaming. However, I observed an intriguing quick-chat function. By gliding my finger across the DualSense touchpad, I could effortlessly select and send predefined messages to teammates without relying on voice chat. It’s a practical solution for communicating with strangers during gameplay. Unfortunately, the title doesn’t seem to make much use of the PS5’s distinctive features, which feels disappointing.

In the end, Earth Defense Force 6 is just more of the classic Earth Defense Force experience. For dedicated fans of the series, this game hits all the right notes, although those who haven’t been captivated by it before may not find anything new here. If you’re looking for Earth Defense Force 6 to revolutionize the franchise, you might be disappointed, but it will certainly satisfy longtime fans and make an excellent choice for those seeking a fresh co-op experience with friends.

On July 25, Earth Defense Force 6 is released for sale on PC, PS4, and PS5. I received a PS5 version of the game for this critique from Game Rant.

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2024-07-25 07:03