8Bit/Digi

Welcome to the EDF

The Earth Defense Force series has always embraced a high level of cheesiness, and the World Brothers spin-off is no exception. However, it adds a shonen-style optimism and silliness to the mix, creating a fresh and unexpected formula. This combination works surprisingly well and continues to deliver a uniquely enjoyable experience.

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 continues in the footsteps of its predecessor while improving upon an already successful setup. Players are once again tasked with saving the Earth with a squad of upbeat EDF warriors.

A New Bug War (Again)

After the events of the last game, the Earth is once again been attacked resulting in it being shattered into pieces. Thus it’s up to the Earth Defense Force to put it together. Players will travel the globe, battle the Invaders, and put the world back together. At the same time, they will recruit new soldiers while working to rebuild the earth.

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 retains the signature cheesiness of the main series while establishing its own distinct experience. This is accomplished through its playful tone, vibrant setting, and more lighthearted characters. Instead of commanding a squad of grim, doom-laden heroes, you lead an enthusiastic team eager to save the world. The game’s charm is further enhanced by its voxel-style art, adding a unique visual twist to the upbeat atmosphere.

A True Defender of Earth

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 offers a squad-based experience where players command a team of four into battle. You can choose your squad based on your preferred combat style and the needs of each situation. This selection includes each character’s weapons and bonus abilities, which provide useful perks to enhance their effectiveness in combat. Advice to those about to play for the first time, have a Wing Diver in your squad as it will make traversing the map much easier.

Combat is simple, you shoot the waves of invaders on the map. Players will work with their squad or switch between them to battle enemy forces. At the same time, they will have to rescue other EDF soldiers who will be added to your rooster at the end of the mission. Players will also collect power-ups that will charge their ultimate attack. After each mission, your characters and weapons will level up.

Rescuing EDF soldiers on the battlefield rewards you by adding them to your roster, along with their unique weapons, which can be shared across the team. Each character is based on either a familiar EDF class or is decked out in a way to represent each country of the world. Rescuing the same soldier a second time further enhances their level and skills, making them even more effective in combat.

Reporting for Duty

Like any other Earth Defense Force game, World Brothers 2 doesn’t take itself too seriously or aim for complexity. In fact, this entry ramps up the cheesiness and upbeat tone even further. It retains all the signature elements of an EDF game but presents them in a more lighthearted, fun way. While the voxel-style design took some time to get used to in the previous game, I’ve grown to appreciate its charm and how it complements the playful atmosphere in this sequel.

When compared to its predecessor, Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 has made significant improvements. Most of the issues I had with the previous installment have been addressed, making the game much more welcoming to new players. Progression no longer feels like a slog, and the vehicle controls are the best I’ve experienced in any EDF game.

Stronger Together

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 improves on its predecessor but still suffers from a recurring issue: the lack of diversity in character weapons and skills. While the game offers a range of interesting characters with unique personalities, this variety doesn’t extend to their abilities. Many characters share the same skills and are limited to a small roster of weapons based on their class, making the gameplay feel repetitive despite the game’s lively cast.   

Compared to the previous game, it’s somewhat of an improvement, but not by much. While a few characters piqued my interest in giving them a try. However, I found myself sticking to the same team for most of my playthrough.

EDF EDF EDF

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 takes the familiar setup of the main series and just makes it more upbeat. The series is already known for its B-Film inspired, this entry just adds in a more playful tone with characters who are more upbeat and optimistic.

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: World Brothers 2 (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• An improvement over its predecessor in regard to gameplay.
• The upbeat tone the characters more optimistic outlook.
• Voxel style visuals works to the games advantage.
• Fun to play for fans fans and new comers.

Cons

• Lack of diversity in the characters regarding their weapons or skills.