Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2, developed by Yuke’s and published by D3PUBLISHER, brings back the familiar voxel aesthetic of first World Brothers game, combining it with the signature over-the-top action the series is known for. Set on a cube-shaped Earth once again under siege by giant monsters, aliens, and other familiar foes, the game offers a more lighthearted take on the chaotic battles that have defined the Earth Defense Force (or EDF) franchise for years. We took a look at the PS5 version.
The premise of World Brothers 2 picks up where the previous game left off. After the defeat of Dark Tyrant, peace seemed within reach. However, the massive Gaiarch enemy emerges from below, shattering the planet into pieces. As the Commander, players must lead a squad of heroes, both new and returning, to restore the fragmented world. While the story follows a familiar pattern for EDF games, offering a simplistic narrative with a focus on action, it does so with a tongue-in-cheek approach that fits the voxel art style very well. The charm of the voxel visuals, combined with the ridiculous scale of the enemies, gives the World Brothers games a unique appeal within the series.
The core gameplay remains as frenetic as ever, with players battling against hordes of giant enemies ranging from ants and spiders to massive robots and alien invaders. World Brothers 2 retains the essence of what makes the EDF formula fun, with large-scale destruction, hundreds of weapons, and various characters to unlock and deploy into battle. The ability to assemble your own four-member squad from over 100 different characters, many of whom are callbacks to earlier EDF games, adds a layer of strategic depth. Players can select heroes with specific abilities that suit different situations, such as airborne soldiers for aerial threats or heavy artillery units for taking down larger enemies.
World Brothers 2 has an emphasis on cooperative play. With online co-op for up to four players, the game shines in multiplayer sessions where friends can team up to tackle the various missions. The combination of voxel graphics and EDF’s trademark chaos creates a fun and somewhat goofy atmosphere that lends itself well to shared experiences. However, while the cooperative multiplayer is a highlight, solo play can sometimes feel a bit repetitive, as the missions tend to rely on the same formula of swarming enemies and over-the-top combat.
Visually, the voxel art style is both a strength and a limitation. On one hand, it provides a distinct look that sets World Brothers 2 apart from other EDF titles, giving it a more playful and accessible appearance. The bright, colorful environments and blocky characters fit well within the game’s lighter tone. On the other hand, the simplicity of the visuals can lead to a lack of detail, making the environments feel somewhat bare compared to the more detailed settings of mainline EDF entries – and of course it’s not as fresh as it was in the first game. Additionally, while the voxel design works well for the characters and enemies, it can occasionally make it difficult to distinguish certain elements on screen during the more chaotic battles.
In terms of controls, World Brothers 2 offers a familiar and accessible experience for players of the series. The controls are responsive, and the game’s mechanics, ranging from shooting to deploying gadgets, are easy to pick up. However, as with previous EDF titles, the game’s sheer scale and the number of enemies on screen can sometimes lead to performance dips, especially during the more intense moments. On the PlayStation 5, these instances aren’t that frequent, but they do occasionally disrupt the flow of combat.
The audio design remains consistent with the rest of the EDF franchise, with bombastic sound effects and exaggerated voice acting that add to the game’s charm. The constant chatter from your teammates, combined with the booming explosions and insect-like screeches of the enemies, helps to immerse players in the ridiculousness of the action. However, much like the visuals, the audio can also become repetitive over time, particularly during longer play sessions.
Overall, Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 is a solid entry in the EDF series that embraces its voxel art style and cooperative multiplayer focus to deliver a fun, if somewhat repetitive, experience. The customization options and massive roster of characters add variety, while the chaotic combat and lighthearted tone make it accessible to both series veterans and newcomers. Those looking for deeper narrative elements or more refined visuals may find the game lacking in those areas, but for fans of the series and anyone looking for an over-the-top, action-packed experience, World Brothers 2 delivers plenty of moments of fun.
Score: 8.0/10
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