Earth Defense Force 6 Review (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 & PC )

After a long five-year wait, the beloved Earth Defense Force series makes a triumphant return with Earth Defense Force 6. This latest entry in the franchise brings back the explosive, top-notch action that fans loved about the series. 

The game plunges players into a world where humanity must once again fight against waves of alien invaders and giant monsters. As always, the Earth Defense Force is humanity's last line of defense. But does EDF 6 live up to the expectations set by its predecessors? Let's jump right into Earth Defense Force 6 review and see if it's worth your time.

Pure Fun and Nostalgia

Earth Defense Force 6 is a love letter to fans of the series. The game picks up three years after the events of Earth Defense Force 5. In EDF 6, the Earth Defense Force is still battling the remnants of the alien invaders known as the Primers. The plot is delightful, filled with epic battles and unexpected twists. The game offers a dramatic experience that feels straight out of a classic sci-fi movie. 

If you've ever dreamed of being the hero in an action sci-fi movie, this game is your ticket. The dialogue is humorous in the best way, with characters delivering over-the-top lines. Earth Defense Force 6 is not trying to be serious or profound; it's here to entertain, and it does so brilliantly.

The nostalgia factor is strong with EDF 6. Long-time fans will appreciate the familiar gameplay mechanics. The best part of the game is the return of iconic enemies and the continuation of the story. In Earth Defense Force 6, fans will be thrilled to see the return of several iconic enemies that have become the bad guys of the series.

Giant ants and spiders are back, swarming and webbing up the battlefield as they do best. The formidable Hectors and Deroys also make their comeback, bringing their heavy weaponry. These familiar enemies, alongside new adversaries, deliver the nostalgic and chaotic battles that fans crave. Basically, they make the Earth Defense Force experience as thrilling as ever.

Furthermore, the game strikes a perfect balance between honoring its roots and introducing new elements to keep things fresh. The combination of giant insect enemies and massive explosions feels like a comforting throwback to simpler times in gaming.

A Classic Formula with New Twists

EDF 6 sticks closely to the series’ formula, but it does introduce some new elements. The game adds changes to the classes, such as the Air Raider’s drones and the Ranger’s ability to use turrets. There are also new camera angles, allowing players to choose between traditional and zoomed-in views. This can change how you approach battles.

The game introduces new enemy types like the androids and the octopus-like crows, adding fresh challenges to the battlefield. However, while these additions are welcome, some long-time fans might feel like more innovation is needed. The desire for new insect varieties and additional character classes is obvious, as these could breathe new life into the series.

However, while these new features are welcome, they may not be enough to satisfy players looking for significant innovation fully. The main gameplay loop remains largely unchanged. Plus, the new additions, while enjoyable, don't fundamentally alter the EDF formula. For some, this consistency is a strength, offering more of the thrilling action they love. For others, it might feel like the series is treading water rather than pushing forward.

Slay the Monsters

The main draw of EDF 6 is, without a doubt, the monster-slaying action. The game throws a variety of giant enemies at you, from massive ants and spiders to new threats like bobblehead androids and fish-like creatures. Now, each enemy type presents a unique challenge, requiring different strategies to defeat. The battles are epic, with dozens of enemies swarming the screen at once. It’s chaotic, it’s intense, and it’s incredibly fun. 

Additionally, some enemies are fast, while others are slow but heavily armored. This variety keeps you on your toes as you adapt your tactics to each new threat. The sheer scale of the battles is impressive, with giant creatures towering over buildings. The game delivers on its promise of non-stop action, with plenty of surprises along the way. 

Furthermore, the game offers a fantastic multiplayer experience. You can team up with a friend on the couch or go online with up to three others. The 2-player split-screen mode is a blast from the past, perfect for those who miss the good old days of couch co-op. There’s something special about sitting next to a friend and strategizing on the fly. 

If you’re looking for a bigger team, the 4-player online co-op is where it's at. Join forces with players from around the world to take on the aliens. The online mode is smooth and easy to set up, so you can jump into the action without any difficulty. Whether you’re blasting bugs or taking down giant robots, it’s always more fun with friends. The multiplayer modes are a big part of what makes EDF 6 so enjoyable. They bring people together for some good old-fashioned bug-squashing fun.

Endless Fun

EDF 6 features four unique classes, each offering a different playstyle. The Ranger is your all-purpose soldier, equipped with a variety of weapons and gadgets. They’re versatile and reliable, perfect for any situation. The Wing Diver, with their jetpacks and energy weapons, brings a touch of sci-fi flair. They’re fast and ideal for players who like to stay on the move. 

On the other hand, the Air Raider is the support specialist, now equipped with drones for added offense. They can call in airstrikes and deploy powerful gadgets, making them invaluable. Finally, the Fencer is the tank of the group, with heavy armor and devastating melee attacks. They’re slower but pack a serious punch.

Each class offers a unique experience, encouraging you to try different playstyles. The variety keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting as you switch between classes to find your favorite. The game also offers a vast array of weapons. The weapons include standard guns and rockets, as well as more exotic options like lasers and plasma cannons. Whether you’re a fan of brute force or prefer a more tactical approach, EDF 6 has a class and a loadout for you.

However, one area where EDF 6 could see improvement is in its customization options. While the game allows players to choose from different classes and color schemes, the customization is quite limited. Players can only select from a small range of outfit options and color palettes, which doesn't offer much in the way of personalization. 

More extensive customization options, such as unique armor pieces or the ability to customize weapons, would greatly enhance the game's appeal. Allowing players to create a character that feels truly unique and reflective of their playstyle would make the game more engaging.

The Rough Edges

While EDF 6 is a blast to play, it’s not without its flaws. The graphics, for one, are pretty dated. The textures are low-resolution, and the character models are basic. It doesn’t look great, especially compared to more modern action games. If you’re a fan of the series, you might not mind too much. But for newcomers, the visuals might be a bit of a shock. 

The game also has a few technical issues, like occasional frame rate drops and clipping. It’s nothing game-breaking, but it can be a bit annoying. Another downside is the split-screen camera. It’s not the best, with a limited field of view that can make it hard to keep track of the action. This can be especially frustrating in intense battles, where you need to see what’s going on at all times. 

The game’s missions can also feel a bit repetitive. Many of them follow the same formula: kill the bugs, destroy the nests, rinse, and repeat. While the core gameplay is fun, a bit more variety wouldn’t hurt. The environments, too, are a bit unappealing. They’re functional but not particularly interesting to look at. Despite these issues, EDF 6 is still a fun game. It’s just a bit rough around the edges.

Verdict 

In conclusion, Earth Defense Force 6 is a fun entry in the series. It delivers all the chaotic action and scenarios that fans have come to love. For long-time fans of the series, EDF 6 is a must-play, offering hours of bug-blasting fun and cooperative gameplay. For newcomers, it provides a good entry point, but they should be prepared for some rough edges. While EDF 6 may not revolutionize the series, it offers an enjoyable experience for those looking for a great action game.

Ultimately, EDF 6 is a celebration of everything that makes the series great. It’s not perfect, but it’s packed with enough content and chaotic fun to keep players engaged. If you're looking for a game that lets you blow up giant aliens with friends, EDF 6 is definitely worth checking out. So grab your weapons, assemble your team, and get ready to defend Earth once again!