Earth Defense Force 2025
Overview -
Giant bugs, giant robots, screaming hoards fleeing in terror, and brave, faceless soldiers marching into the heat of an intergalactic threat against Earth. Fans of the 'Earth Defense Force' series likely have a big smile across their face at the thought of another journey into one of the least polished, yet infinitely entertaining game series in recent memory. 'Earth Defense Force 2025' (or 'Earth Defense Force 4' as it was known in Japan) arrives more than a half year after its initial release on US shores and serves as the first entry in the main series since 2006’s 'Earth Defense Force 2017.' One again into the breach... to fight the giant invading insects.
Video Review
Sadly, the A/V department is where 'EDF 2025' earns its most deserved criticism. As wonky as the physics of the core game may be, visually, 'EDF 2025' is an absolute eyesore. From character models to even worse environments, 'EDF 2025' is a very visually anemic game. Character models are the game’s strongest suits, but even then, I’d argue they are anything but mediocre compared to even the most average previous generation title. Environments are bland and repetitive, with texture pop in a huge issue as you traverse the wide expanses. Animations are equally limited with destruction damage following a set formula and the game engine itself does no favors. Despite all these negatives, there’s a level of charm present that sends the message of the developers being more concerned of producing a competently 'fun' but ugly experience, than a visually mind-blowing exercise in tedium.
Audio Review
On the sound front, 'EDF 2025' exceeds the visuals by a few notches, but not much. Effects are the definition of canned and as repetitive as many other aspects in the game. Voice acting is laughable to the point of enjoyment, while the amateurish score eventually becomes white noise amidst the chaos of hunting giant insects. There’s also not much to the depth of the audio presentation and even with a solid surround system, don’t expect much in terms of immersion. Again, as with the visuals, I contest the glaringly mediocre quality is balanced at a level that makes the whole whacky experience of the game all the more delightful.
Final Thoughts
'Earth Defense Force 2025' might not be the best looking, sounding or in some cases, playing game out there, but it’s a definite breath of fresh air in an era of gaming hung up on being overly serious. If the idea of fighting giant insects and robots appeals to you and in the process, you’d like to do so with a few friends, 'EDF 2025' is going to scratch that itch for a long time. It’s a very lengthy game with enough variety and general sense of fun to keep you coming back for either short bursts or long journeys, depending on your mood at the time. There’s not a chance this is going to be a contender for any Game of the Year awards, but it’s still a worthy, stalwart addition to your collection.
EDF! EDF! EDF!
