8Bit/Digi

Fight and Sacrifice for a Better Wrold

Earth Defense Force has always been one of those games that requires you to enjoy a high level of cheese. It’s a game with over-the-top action and a lot of B-film elements. At the same time, the shortcomings are also what makes it great. Earth Defense Force 6 is no exception but with some minor changes and polish.

I’ve always described the series as a game for gamers and Earth Defense Force 6 is no different. It follows up where the last game left off but on a grim note. While it maintains the defining elements and charm of its predecessor, some improvements have been made. At the same time, the action has been turned up with new gear and monsters. The end result is a game fans will enjoy and new gamers should pick up if they have ever been curious about the series.

New World, New Bug War

Set several years after the previous game, humanity has won the war but at a great cost. 90% of the population was wiped out and every major city lay in ruins. Making matters worse is that remnants of the Aggressors remain on Earth, posing a threat to what is left of humanity. Players take on the role of an EDF soldier deployed to fight remnants. During one mission, they encounter the return of their forces with a new weapon. During the attack against this weapon, the player is suddenly sent back to the past to the first war. Players must save humanity using the knowledge of the future while stopping the bugs once and for all.

For those new to the Earth Defense Force series, it can only be described as a blend of 1950s / 1960s sci-fi films mixed with Starship Troopers and packed into a video game. This is not meant to be a serious game. Chances are you stumbled upon it because you enjoy this kind of campy fun. Or Steam recommended it after noticing your extensive playtime in Helldivers 2. Additionally, you don’t need to have played the previous games to understand what’s happening. Everything is explained at the start.

The only major change Earth Defense Force 6 brings to the plot is a setting reminiscent of the Fallout series and the introduction of time travel. While the story can be overbearing, this is not a game you play for the plot or characters. You play to shoot giant bugs and monsters.

Wing Diver Reporting for Duty

There is nothing complex about Earth Defense Force 6 and that’s what makes it such a fun title. The gameplay has not changed much with the exception of a few minor tweaks. For fans that is ok because you go into these games for the action and the camp.

Before each mission, players pick one of four classes of EDF soldiers – Ranger, Wing Diver, Fencer, and Air Raider. Next, you will select your gear for the mission. Every class will have their own exclusive weapons while some equipment can be shared. Your load out will consist of two weapons, grenades, and additional gear. Wing Diver and Fencer are among the unique classes as one has a jet pack while the other is heavily armored. Gamers will select their class and gear based on their preferred combat method. However, they are also encouraged to experiment with the other classes and weapons.

Each stage has a simple objective: kill all enemy forces, whether they are bugs, monsters, or aliens. Players are deployed to a battlefield where they must defeat all enemies while collecting crates of armor or weapons. These crates unlock new upgrades when the mission is completed such as new or upgraded gear. You can enjoy the experience solo or through online co-op.

Legion of Wings

Earth Defense Force 6 is a game that only a gamer or a sci-fi fan could truly appreciate. Its campy elements, poorly scripted dialogue, and numerous flaws are not weaknesses but what make it great. Like a monster film from the 50s and 60s, you know what to expect going in, and that’s what makes it enjoyable. Not every game needs a massive budget for realistic graphics and thought-provoking dialogue. Sometimes, I just want to play something that’s stupid fun. Earth Defense Force 6 fulfills this need while being rich in replay value.

Don’t think for a moment that not much has changed since the last game or that this is a buggy mess we all just accept. From a performance standpoint, the only issue was some minor rendering problems that were quickly resolved. The game has been polished with tweaks that may seem minor but are highly appreciated. From improved running functions to better BDU design, these small changes are welcome enhancements.

Finally, one has to appreciate all the homages to kaiju and 1950s sci-fi films. If you grew up watching Godzilla movies or other B-films, you’ll easily spot the source material for Earth Defense Force. Additionally, the inspiration from mecha titles is undeniable and adds another layer of enjoyment to the game.

Is This the End?

Just because a game is unique due to its flaws doesn’t make it flawless. Earth Defense Force 6 isn’t so welcoming with its long and drawn-out tutorial padded with unnecessary dialogue. Whether you’re an experienced fan or a newcomer, this game is not complicated as anyone can figure out how to play it in seconds. The tutorial is useless, explaining only the most basic gameplay functions while omitting some important gameplay functions. Overall, the tutorial level merely wastes the player’s time.

As I mentioned earlier, I do appreciate some of the polish that has been made. However, I wish the same attention had been given to the vehicle controls. Operating a vehicle or mech can still be janky at times, and it’s even more annoying when trying to pilot a helicopter.

Despite these shortcomings, they don’t hinder the overall fun of Earth Defense Force 6.

EDF, EDF, EDF!

Earth Defense Force 6 is an over-the-top game that retains its defining elements while adding something new to the experience. It’s one of those games you play knowing it will feel like a B-film. You have to appreciate the action, replay value, and how openly it displays its inspirations. Additionally, the post-apocalyptic world is a welcome setting. Even if this is your first Earth Defense Force game, don’t worry about lore or plot elements – just have fun killing bugs.

Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Earth Defense Force 6 (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• It's still a fun game rich in replay value.
• Plenty of bugs, monsters, and aliens to fight.
• Minor polish that improves aspects of the game.
• Post-apocalyptic world is a welcome setting for the series.

Cons

• Unnecessary tutorial and slow intro.
• Janky vehicle controls, especially with helicopters.