Save the world – if you can – in D3's joyous, feature-filled schlockfest.
Earth Defense Force isn't the greatest looking game out there – slowdown and pop-in are constant here – but it is cheesy enjoyment, especially when a huge warship comes crumbling back down to Earth, the result of your concentrated firepower. The thing as a whole looks like a really fun war, one you'll be happy to be in the midst of. And the sound effects return, including plenty of cheesy voice effects (the EDF chant returns!) and explosions, along with ridiculously bad sci-fi music.
As for the new features, instead of a local split-screen mode, you now have an online four-player mode, which lets you play through the entire campaign with friends – which truly rocks. Sometimes you'll get people dropping out through sheer boredom (the missions generally run the same – kill everything in a stage, etc.), but overall, having a whole team work alongside you is a wonderfully added feature. And you can also unlock the new Pale Wing soldier, who adds a new degree of the strategy to the game, as she's able to fly around with a jetpack instead of just jumping around. Getting a vertical take on destroying enemies is a nice new touch, and one that comes free with the game's purchase.
The only low point to EDF is its price. Rather than rightfully releasing the game for $19.99, D3 has let it loose for $40 – which may be too much to pay for such schlockiness. Hopefully, we'll see a sale that justifies a much lower price point for it – and perhaps a PSN release as well. We could use some Cross-Play options.
While Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable won't suit those seeking a seriously entertaining shooter romp, it's a fun diversion, one that'll make you feel like a powerhouse as you bring down buildings and swarms of enemies with just a few bullets. The new features click really well, and the game has longevity to burn, especially if you feel like letting loose with friends. Let's hear it, people. EDF! EDF!
Score: 8 / 10
