Earth Defense Force 6, developed by Sandlot and published by D3Publisher Games, bring back the intense and over-the-top action that the series is known for – over six years since the last main entry. Promised to be the most extensive and ambitious entry in the series yet, it features a familiar but fun third-person shooter experience that fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate. Here are our thoughts on whether or not it’s an essential purchase though, based on the PS5 version.
The narrative of Earth Defense Force 6 picks up in a post-apocalyptic world set in (the eerily close sounding) 2027, three years after the devastating events of its predecessor. Humanity is on the brink of extinction, with only 10% of the population remaining after the brutal war against the alien invaders known as the Primers. Despite a temporary and fragile peace, new threats emerge, and once again, the Earth Defense Force (EDF) must rally and fight back to save humanity. The story, while not groundbreaking (especially if you’ve played EDF games before), serves as a suitable backdrop for the game’s non-stop action. The high stakes are palpable, immersing players in a world where survival hinges on their ability to fend off waves of giant enemies.
Gameplay is where Earth Defense Force 6 truly shines. The game gives you an extensive arsenal of weapons to work with, and features the largest number of missions in the series’ history. Players can choose from four distinct soldier classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles, allowing for varied tactical approaches to the missions. The sheer scale of the battles is impressive as well, with swarms of giant insects, robots, and other monstrous creatures filling the screen. The cooperative play, supporting up to four players at once, adds a layer of strategic depth and camaraderie that enhances the overall experience. However, the game’s unimpressive AI can sometimes be a mixed bag, occasionally detracting from the otherwise engaging combat scenarios.
Control-wise, Earth Defense Force 6 works well on the PlayStation 5. The controls are responsive and intuitive, making it easy for players to jump into the action. The dual-sense controller’s haptic feedback adds an extra layer of immersion over EDF 5, particularly during intense firefights. That said, some minor control quirks, like occasional difficulty in targeting smaller enemies amidst the chaos, can be a bit frustrating but are not game-breaking.
Visually, Earth Defense Force 6 takes advantage of the PlayStation 5’s capabilities, but doesn’t provide a massive leap forward for the series. The game boasts improved graphics with detailed enemy models and expansive environments that, despite their often repetitive nature, feel more alive and dynamic than in previous entries. The game’s performance is generally smooth as well, though there can be occasional frame rate dips during particularly hectic moments. The audio design complements the visual experience, with bombastic sound effects and a rousing soundtrack that heighten the sense of urgency and scale.
And while Earth Defense Force 6 provides a fun gameplay experience, it is not without its flaws. The repetitive mission structure can sometimes make the gameplay feel monotonous and TOO familiar, especially during extended play sessions. Additionally, while the game aims for a larger narrative scope, the story can occasionally feel secondary to the relentless action, lacking the emotional depth that could make the stakes feel even more compelling. However, for fans of the series and newcomers alike, these issues are relatively minor in the face of how much fun the Earth Defense Force formula still is.
In conclusion, Earth Defense Force 6 is a worthy addition to the beloved series, offering a solid and chaotic (in a fun way) shooter experience that will satisfy both veterans and newcomers. Its expansive mission list, diverse soldier classes, and engaging cooperative play make it a good action title on the PlayStation 5. Despite some repetitive elements and minor control quirks, the game succeeds in delivering an immersive action experience. If you’re ready to take up arms and defend the Earth once more, Earth Defense Force 6 is a battle worth joining – even though the leap forward from EDF 5 isn’t that big.
Score: 7.6/10
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