EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5 Review
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5 (EDF 5) is celebrated for its arcade-style, horde shooter gameplay that emphasizes cooperative strategy and loadout coordination. Players appreciate the improved level design over its predecessor EDF 4.1, with each mission offering unique challenges and better-balanced enemies, such as spiders and laser-equipped foes. The enemy AI is notably enhanced, featuring creatures that take cover and display tactical behaviors, alongside satisfying enemy dismemberment mechanics.
Though the story is considered corny and not the main focus, it is immersive and unobtrusive, delivered via radio transmissions without interrupting gameplay. The game runs locked at 60fps but suffers occasional frame drops and could benefit from better optimization. The progression system, based on weapon and armor drops, is seen as flawed due to randomness and insufficient armor acquisition. Despite some grind and weapon upgrade frustrations, EDF 5 is praised for prioritizing gameplay over modern monetization trends, standing out as a refreshing and addictive experience.
Highlights
Players highly praise EDF 5's gameplay mechanics, especially the improved level design and enemy AI that add strategic depth. The cooperative multiplayer mode and class variety enhance replayability. The arcade-style shooting and enemy dismemberment provide satisfying combat feedback. Graphics are good with neat enemy designs, and the unobtrusive story via radio transmissions fits well without breaking immersion. The absence of aggressive microtransactions and offline playability are also appreciated.
Overall, EDF 5 is recognized as a fun, addictive shooter with massive content and a classic arcade feel that appeals to longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the progression system's randomness and grind-heavy nature, where weapon drops can feel unrewarding due to duplicates or worse upgrades. Armor acquisition is slow, limiting survivability. Some players find certain enemy types and difficulty spikes frustrating, especially on harder modes. The locked 60fps and occasional frame drops detract from smooth gameplay. The story is seen as cheesy and the music less engaging than previous entries. Multiplayer connectivity issues such as random failures to join friends' games are also noted. Finally, some weapon classes feel underpowered, and the removal of certain movement mechanics was disappointing to veterans.
Pros
- • Improved level design offers unique and challenging missions throughout the campaign.
- • Enemy AI shows advanced behaviors like taking cover and tactical retreats.
- • Satisfying enemy dismemberment adds depth and visual feedback to combat.
- • Cooperative multiplayer enhances strategic gameplay and replayability.
- • Class variety allows diverse playstyles and loadout coordination.
- • Arcade-style shooter gameplay is fast-paced and addictive.
- • Unobtrusive story delivered via radio keeps immersion intact.
Cons
- • Progression system is grind-heavy and weapon drops can feel random and unrewarding.
- • Armor acquisition is slow, limiting player survivability in harder missions.
- • Locked 60fps with occasional frame drops affects gameplay smoothness.
- • Story is cheesy and lacks depth, with uninspired music compared to predecessors.
- • Multiplayer connectivity issues cause random failures joining friends' games.
- • Certain enemy types and difficulty spikes can feel frustratingly unfair.
- • Some weapon classes feel underpowered and less satisfying to use.
Rating Criteria
Stand and fight for humanity. This arcade shooter takes place in the year 2022, as the Earth Defense Force fends off an all-out attack by unknown life forms. Become an EDF soldier, battle against endless hordes of immense enemies, and restore peace to the earth.
