Earth Defense Force 6

74%
Game Brain Score Based on 3,994 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Earth Defense Force 6 Game Cover
Personally I really enjoy Earth Defense Force 6 and think it is definitely one of the better entries in the series. See you on the battlefield soldier! EDF! EDF! EDF!
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"EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 6" is the sequel to "EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5," where players assume the role of an EDF soldier fighting against alien life forms threatening humanity. The game is a third-person shooter with a primary focus on destroying numerous giant enemies. The story takes place in 2024 AD, where mankind has recently won a long battle against unknown invaders, and peace has been restored .

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

74%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,994 reviews
story283 positive mentions
optimization29 negative mentions
  • EDF 6 is a fun and chaotic continuation of the series, with improved gameplay mechanics and a variety of new enemies.
  • The addition of a backpack slot for each class enhances gameplay, allowing for more strategic loadouts and versatility.
  • The story, while campy, is surprisingly engaging and adds depth to the gameplay experience.
  • The game suffers from frequent crashes, particularly on AMD systems, making it frustrating to play.
  • Many missions are recycled from EDF 5, leading to a sense of repetition and lack of new content.
  • The requirement to link an Epic Games account for online play has been a major point of contention among players.
  • story1,825 mentions

    The story of EDF 6 is a direct continuation from EDF 5, featuring a surprisingly engaging narrative that incorporates time travel and revisits familiar missions with new twists. While many players appreciate the expanded plot and character development, some criticize the heavy reliance on recycled missions and the pacing issues, particularly in the early game where the tutorial and introductory missions can feel tedious. Overall, the game is seen as a significant improvement over its predecessor, with a mix of chaotic gameplay and a campy, entertaining storyline that fans of the series have come to expect.

    • “The story is surprisingly good this time around and blew me away, the way it expands on the story of EDF5 surpassed any expectations I had from an EDF game.”
    • “The story is actually surprisingly engaging for an EDF title, especially if you've already played EDF5.”
    • “The story is a direct continuation from EDF5 and amazingly it's one of the best parts of the game and not in the 'ha ha it's so bad and silly that it's good' fashion.”
    • “The story is a confusing mess that repeats tutorial-like missions for plot reasons.”
    • “The game managing to crash twice in the span of about 30 minutes of gameplay (once in the first mission after the tutorial in the base and another while editing what gear I was gonna bring to the mission).”
    • “The story is better, you definitely need to play edf 5 first to understand but its a direct sequel so what else would you expect?”
  • gameplay404 mentions

    The gameplay of Earth Defense Force 6 has been widely praised for its improvements over its predecessor, EDF 5, featuring refined mechanics, a larger variety of enemies, and enhanced class abilities that add depth to combat. While many players appreciate the chaotic, arcade-style action and the nostalgic feel of the series, some criticisms include repetitive mission design and technical issues such as crashes and performance hiccups. Overall, fans of the franchise will likely enjoy the familiar yet upgraded gameplay experience, though newcomers may find the reliance on previous titles' mechanics a bit daunting.

    • “Earth Defense Force 6 distinguishes itself as the most compelling entry in the series, successfully drawing me back into its captivating gameplay loop, a feat that previous titles had failed to achieve.”
    • “The gameplay is refined even more than EDF 5, and the variety of enemy types in this game is expansive and interesting to fight.”
    • “With new weapons and equipment, more level variety, and way more new enemies, EDF 6 builds upon the foundation that previous games found successful, making the gameplay an absolute jewel that we have come to expect from EDF.”
    • “The gameplay is largely tedious at best.”
    • “The new bad guys are fun, but when you just plop them into old levels with old dialogue and even old spawn locations/mechanics, they're predictable and therefore boring.”
    • “The gameplay loop is still the same as always: listen to extremely cheesy dialogue, kill everything while listening to more cheesy dialogue, repeat.”
  • graphics308 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they are dated, often likening them to early 2000s or PS2-era visuals. While some appreciate the campy aesthetic and argue that the graphics serve the chaotic gameplay well, others criticize the lack of significant improvements from previous entries and the limited graphical options available. Additionally, users with AMD graphics cards report frequent crashes, further detracting from the overall experience.

    • “While EDF 6 retains the series’ signature charm with its slightly cartoonish aesthetics and whimsical character design, it also benefits from notable visual upgrades.”
    • “With refined gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and an engaging multiplayer experience, it stands out as one of the stronger entries in the EDF franchise.”
    • “The graphics are improved from 5, with better lighting, better shaders, new/better ambient occlusion, and better textures.”
    • “The graphics are very dated.”
    • “Graphics are way better, maps are much more detailed (some are copy and paste with graphics improvements), destructible environments are much improved, andddd... not much else haven't played too much so far but for anyone that enjoyed the airstrike/bomber style of play that air raider had.”
    • “The graphics look smoother and are better than 5, sharper lines, but the games have never been all that pretty.”
  • optimization113 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including frame rate drops, stuttering, and crashes, particularly on AMD systems. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay, especially in solo modes, others have faced severe desyncs and unplayable conditions in multiplayer. Overall, the game's optimization appears to be lacking, with calls for patches and improvements to address these widespread concerns.

    • “Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly, even during intense firefights involving multiple players and chaotic enemy swarms, which is a commendable achievement.”
    • “I've also had impeccable performance, never crashed once or had any network issues whatsoever across 100+ missions in co-op.”
    • “No performance issues at all, not a single crash so far and co-op works flawlessly.”
    • “Optimization is not that good, a ton of desyncs in online, which can ruin the experience sometimes.”
    • “The only thing stopping me from playing this game more is AMD performance bugs.”
    • “Right now the performance is really bad and needs some major work.”
  • humor79 mentions

    The humor in the game is a blend of campy, B-movie style dialogue and absurd situations, maintaining the franchise's trademark silliness while also introducing a more serious tone. Players appreciate the over-the-top voice acting, quirky character interactions, and the comedic chaos that arises from friendly fire and janky mechanics, making for a fun co-op experience. However, some find the humor can become repetitive, especially with unskippable cutscenes and dialogue, but overall, it remains a highlight for fans of the series.

    • “Incredible action and a funny story.”
    • “The dialogue is funny as ever and the action is fun and intense, as you would expect.”
    • “The EDF franchise is best described as every old B-movie blended together into a video game; it's cheesy, it's over the top, and it's downright hilarious at times.”
    • “Think Groundhog Day, but not funny or fun.”
    • “Was it supposed to be funny or meta or something?”
  • music67 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the overall soundtrack and sound design as atmospheric and fitting for the gameplay, while others criticize the new soldier songs as significantly worse than those in previous entries, particularly EDF 4 and 5. Many players express disappointment over the recycled content and lack of originality in the new songs, feeling that they detract from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, there are still standout tracks that some players find enjoyable, indicating a divide in opinions on the game's musical quality.

    • “Great sound design and music.”
    • “The music is amazing.”
    • “The soundtrack is the best in the series so far, in my opinion.”
    • “Oh right, the in-game songs suck even more than ever now, one downside.”
    • “The only negative I can report is that the song the soldiers sing for this game is... really bad.”
    • “I would have been happier if they just reused songs from 4.1 and 5 instead of wasting their time giving us these abominations we currently have in the game.”
  • stability50 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various glitches that significantly hinder gameplay. While some users have experienced minimal issues and found the game enjoyable, the overall consensus highlights a troubling level of instability, particularly in multiplayer modes and on certain systems. Despite its fun elements, the persistent technical problems have led to frustration among players, with calls for improvements in future updates.

    • “Best EDF so far, runs great on my 1060 and Intel i5-6600.”
    • “The game is great, runs great and believe me when I tell you that it keeps things fresh for the entire duration, a hell of a feat for a game with about 160 missions.”
    • “Runs great on PC, lack of graphics options is a bit sad as usual but it works fine, which is all I'm asking for.”
    • “Crashes, freezes, stutters, fps drops, and more.”
    • “But it crashes like a mother ***** for no reason regardless of all the troubleshooting and it's just more aggravating than it is enjoyable.”
    • “Extremely buggy and unstable.”
  • grinding43 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience. While some appreciate the reduced grind compared to earlier titles and enjoy the variety in gameplay, many express frustration with the tediousness of early missions, the slow progression of character and weapon upgrades, and the excessive repetition required for higher difficulty levels. The game offers fun moments, but the grinding can detract from the overall enjoyment, especially in the later stages.

    • “I'm putting this here because after 24 hours of grinding, I don't have a single dash cell yet.”
    • “There's literally no other way to play the end-game material without tens if not hundreds of hours of repetitive lower-level farming just to get your health up so you can somehow survive the hordes later on to get the final gear.”
    • “This issue completely takes away from the game; it's not enjoyable anymore because of how ridiculously grindy the end of the game is, which is really unfortunate.”
  • monetization17 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with players feeling deceived by vague advertising regarding crossplay and the requirement for a third-party account. Many reviews highlight the presence of microtransactions and locked content that was already in the game files, leading to frustration over the lack of updates and the overall value for the price paid. Overall, players express disappointment in the game's monetization practices, which detract from the experience and trust in the franchise.

    • “Enjoy this series, and reward quality video games that aren't rife with monetization.”
    • “Instead we get this EDF 5.5 for $60 plus whatever they will charge for the mission packs, which aren't even out yet, plus tons of microtransactions.”
    • “This entire game felt like a cash grab and, more importantly to my friends and I as huge fans of the franchise, a massive lie.”
    • “To this date, there hasn't been a single update to the game (except a cash grab of unlocking the mission pack that apparently was in the files for the base game, just locked) and as such, I haven't been able to play the game with my friends (half the reason I got it).”
    • “It could've been so much more, and it should've been so much more at such a price point, and this is ignoring the Epic Games account mess; this game is a clown fiesta and a cash grab.”
  • emotional12 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is mixed; while some players appreciate the subtle humor and detailed environments, others criticize the lack of emotional depth in voice acting, particularly in key moments like character deaths. The game's connection to friends and partners adds a wholesome element, but external controversies have dampened enthusiasm for revisiting the series. Overall, the emotional impact varies significantly among players, with some moments resonating deeply while others feel flat.

    • “This game has amazing detail with the cities, landscape, etc. and... if you know a little Japanese... there is subtle wholesome humor everywhere, along with the translated... semi-serious vibes of the game.”
    • “I cried at Sergeant's death.”
    • “Wholesome co-op play.”
  • atmosphere10 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its thrilling cooperative gameplay, enhanced art style, and improved sound design, contributing to an engaging experience. Players appreciate the balance of wacky physics and serious undertones, with massive battlegrounds and a variety of missions that create a captivating environment. Overall, the atmosphere exceeds expectations, making it a standout feature of the game.

    • “Whether playing cooperatively with friends or taking on a team of strangers, the collaboration required to tackle missions and defeat massive bosses creates a thrilling atmosphere.”
    • “A game with better atmosphere than expected, massive battlegrounds of sometimes thousands of enemies at once, and 147 levels (the DLC missions haven't even released in this version yet!).”
    • “And after trying to rebeat EDF5 in just the 4 days before launch, this game feels like a great sequel. I'm loving the changes to the classes, I'm loving the missions so far, and I'm loving the atmosphere.”
    • “Personally, I didn't mind; it created a sort of morbid atmosphere because you, the player, know what will eventually happen.”
    • “[spoiler] 13 missions in, the atmosphere changes from post-apocalyptic and is refreshing from the beginning of the game [/spoiler].”
    • “Graphics - to be honest, I don't care about graphics in this game; the atmosphere it brings is more important, and I think the models of insects and robots are still of good quality and definitely watchable.”
  • replayability8 mentions

    Overall, the game offers significant replayability through new modes, a vast number of missions, and a variety of weapons, making it enjoyable both solo and with friends. However, some players note that the experience can become repetitive due to similar mission structures and enemy combinations, which may lead to diminishing returns over time. Despite these concerns, many fans appreciate the chaotic fun and depth that encourage extended play.

    • “Pure arcade-y fun that packs a surprising amount of depth and replayability.”
    • “I remember playing 2017 for the first time in 2010 and feeling blown away by it, the amount of chaos on the map, the voice acting, and with each game that just feels like it's increased more and more, regardless of a samey feel for some missions - this game has over 130 missions, 5 difficulties, and thousands of weapons to add to your arsenal. Its replayability is unmatched; you can enjoy it on your own or with friends, and it's a game that doesn't take itself seriously and has stuck to its roots from the day it started.”
    • “Has the same flaw as all the other EDF games, where the only replay value is just increasingly more ridiculously powerful combinations of enemies, until at some point you simply give up in utter disgust.”
    • “Hence less replayability.”
    • “The addition of new modes enhances replayability, offering players a chance to return to the fray long after completing the main campaign.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Character development in EDF 6 is enhanced by notable visual upgrades and new character designs, while maintaining the series' whimsical charm. The introduction of new enemies, weapons, and additional character slots for existing classes enriches the gameplay experience, contributing to a more dynamic and engaging environment.

    • “The character development in this game is impressive, with a wide variety of new character designs and abilities that enhance gameplay.”
    • “I love how the game introduces new characters and expands on their backstories, making each one feel unique and engaging.”
    • “The addition of new character slots for the ranger, wing diver, and air raider allows for more customization and strategic depth in character development.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

70% average critic score

Buy Earth Defense Force 6

Play time

31hMedian play time
63hAverage play time
7-80hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 29 analyzed playthroughs

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