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EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2019

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Quick resume

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.

Global score

94/100

Genres

Action, Shooter

Pros

  • Fun and chaotic co-op gameplay
  • Varied classes and extensive weapon upgrades
  • High replay value with many missions
  • Over-the-top b-movie style charm
  • No third-party account required

Cons

  • Dated graphics and animations
  • Some grind required for progression
  • Story is cheesy and nonsensical
  • Vehicle controls can be clunky
  • Solo play can feel overwhelming

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can choose from four distinct classes with unique playstyles and freely select weapons and strategies per mission."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game requires skillful use of different classes and weapons, strategic planning for missions, and mastering mechanics like dodging and positioning."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is primarily on cooperative play and personal progression rather than direct competition or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    4

    "High replay value with over 100 missions, weapon and armor upgrades, and difficulty scaling encourages long-term engagement."

  • Cooperation
    5

    "Strong emphasis on multiplayer co-op with teamwork required to succeed on harder difficulties; split-screen and online co-op supported."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Customization of loadouts and weapon upgrades allow some creative approaches, though missions are fixed and structured."

  • Domination
    -2

    "Interactions emphasize shared team play and mutual support rather than exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players enjoy escaping into a chaotic, over-the-top sci-fi world with absurd weapons and enemies, providing stress relief and fun."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and intrinsic interest, with no external obligations or pressures noted."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with different classes, weapons, and strategies to overcome varied enemy types and mission challenges."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Missions are fixed and not procedurally generated, but players explore diverse large maps with destructible environments."

  • Expression
    2

    "Some character and weapon customization including color options, though mostly standardized presentation."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strongly rooted in imaginative sci-fi B-movie style with giant insects, aliens, mechs, and exaggerated scenarios."

  • Fellowship
    4

    "Community and social play are important, with shared experiences, cooperative achievements, and group camaraderie."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills in combat tactics and weapon mastery, and progress by upgrading weapons and armor."

  • Health
    -4

    "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires active focus and continuous engagement during missions; not suited for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Some social interaction and camaraderie in co-op, but limited evidence of deep emotional or close personal relationships."

  • Leadership
    1

    "Some strategic coordination in co-op, but no strong emphasis on formal leadership roles or authority."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong progression system with weapon upgrades, armor acquisition, and unlocking new gear driving player advancement."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Gameplay balances chaotic action with moments of flow and catharsis, though some missions can be tense and challenging."

  • Sensation
    4

    "High sensory stimulation with explosive visuals, ragdoll physics, and intense sound design."

  • Status
    -3

    "Focus is on cooperative play and personal enjoyment rather than social recognition or popularity."

  • Story
    1

    "Story is cheesy and campy, serving mostly as a humorous backdrop rather than deep narrative immersion."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Requires tactical planning, loadout selection, and situational awareness to succeed, especially in co-op and harder difficulties."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Players experience excitement and tension from overwhelming enemy hordes and challenging missions."

  • Value
    4

    "Offers extensive content, replayability, and fun gameplay, considered worth the price especially on sale."

  • Violence
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around combat, destruction, and explosive violence against alien enemies."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must manage threats and survive overwhelming enemy forces, requiring strategic defense and resource use."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026