Review of Earth Defense Force 6
Earth Defense Force 6 Review: A Chaotic, Campy, and Cathartic Blast
Earth Defense Force 6 (EDF 6) is the latest entry in Sandlot’s long-running series of over-the-top, B-movie-inspired action games. Known for its absurd scale, cheesy dialogue, and relentless bug-smashing action, the Earth Defense Force franchise has always been a cult favorite. With EDF 6, the developers have doubled down on everything fans love about the series while refining the formula just enough to make it the most polished and satisfying entry yet. If you’re looking for a game that’s equal parts ridiculous and rewarding, EDF 6 delivers in spades.
Story: The EDF Tradition of Campy Charm
The story of EDF 6 picks up after the events of Earth Defense Force 5, where humanity is on the brink of extinction after a brutal war against the alien invaders known as the Primers. The Earth is in ruins, and the few remaining survivors are struggling to rebuild. Enter the Earth Defense Force, a ragtag group of soldiers tasked with defending humanity from a new wave of extraterrestrial threats.
The narrative is delivered through hilariously over-the-top dialogue and radio chatter, with soldiers shouting absurd one-liners like “To save our mother Earth from any alien attack!” and “We’re the EDF, and we’ll never give up!” The story is intentionally cheesy, and it fully embraces its B-movie inspirations. While it won’t win any awards for writing, the campy tone is part of the charm, and fans of the series will feel right at home.
Gameplay: Bigger, Better, and More Explosions
At its core, EDF 6 is a third-person shooter where you fight hordes of giant insects, robots, and other alien monstrosities. The gameplay loop is simple but incredibly satisfying: you pick a mission, choose a class, and then dive into chaotic battles against hundreds (sometimes thousands) of enemies. The sheer scale of the battles is jaw-dropping, with swarms of giant ants, spiders, and flying drones filling the screen.
The game features four playable classes, each with its own unique playstyle:
Ranger: The all-around soldier with balanced weapons and mobility.
Wing Diver: A fast, airborne class with energy-based weapons.
Air Raider: A support class that can call in airstrikes, vehicles, and turrets.
Fencer: A heavily armored class with powerful melee and ranged weapons.
Each class feels distinct, and experimenting with different loadouts is a big part of the fun. The weapon variety is staggering, with hundreds of guns, rockets, and gadgets to unlock. Whether you’re firing a homing missile launcher, deploying a massive mech, or using a flamethrower to roast a swarm of giant ants, the gameplay is consistently exhilarating.
One of the biggest improvements in EDF 6 is the enemy AI and mission design. The Primers are more aggressive and unpredictable, and the missions often throw curveballs at you, like sudden reinforcements or environmental hazards. The difficulty can be punishing, especially on higher settings, but it’s always fair, and overcoming the odds feels incredibly rewarding.
Graphics and Performance: A Step Up, But Still Quirky
Visually, EDF 6 is a mixed bag. The environments are more detailed than in previous games, with ruined cities, dense forests, and underground caverns that add variety to the battles. The enemy designs are also impressive, with giant insects and robots that look appropriately menacing. However, the game still has that janky, low-budget feel that’s become a hallmark of the series. Textures can be muddy, and the framerate can dip during the most chaotic moments, but these quirks are part of the EDF charm.
That said, the game runs much smoother than its predecessors, and the developers have clearly put effort into optimizing the engine for larger-scale battles. The destruction physics are also a highlight, with buildings crumbling and debris flying everywhere as you unleash your arsenal.
Multiplayer: Co-Op Chaos
Like previous entries, EDF 6 shines in its multiplayer mode. You can team up with up to three friends (or strangers) to tackle missions together, and the co-op experience is an absolute blast. Coordinating with your squad to take down massive bosses or fend off endless waves of enemies is incredibly fun, and the shared sense of camaraderie adds to the game’s charm. There’s also a competitive mode where you can compete for high scores, but co-op is where the game truly shines.
Sound Design: Cheesy but Perfect
The sound design in EDF 6 is as over-the-top as the rest of the game. The weapons sound powerful, the explosions are satisfyingly loud, and the voice acting is hilariously bad in the best way possible. The soundtrack is a mix of triumphant orchestral themes and rock anthems that perfectly complement the action. It’s all very campy, but it works.
Replayability: Endless Bug-Smashing Fun
With over 100 missions, multiple difficulty levels, and a ton of weapons and gear to unlock, EDF 6 offers a staggering amount of content. The missions are short and sweet, making it easy to jump in for a quick session or grind for better gear. The game also encourages replayability by rewarding you with higher-tier weapons for completing missions on harder difficulties. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, there’s always something to do.
Verdict: A Love Letter to Fans
Earth Defense Force 6 is the ultimate EDF experience. It’s bigger, louder, and more chaotic than ever, and it delivers everything fans of the series could ask for. While it’s not without its flaws—janky graphics, occasional performance issues, and a steep learning curve for newcomers—the game’s sheer fun factor more than makes up for them. If you’re a fan of over-the-top action games and don’t mind a little campiness, EDF 6 is an absolute must-play.
Score: 8.5/10
Earth Defense Force 6 is a love letter to fans of the series and a perfect entry point for newcomers looking for a unique and exhilarating action game. Grab your weapons, rally your squad, and get ready to save the Earth—again!
