Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 44
  2. Negative: 1 out of 44
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  1. Dec 14, 2018
    74
    Insane massive battles with excellent B-movie flair, a lot of fun with friends, but lacks just a little variety.
  2. Dec 10, 2018
    74
    The highest compliment I can give is that this game is probably the closest I'll ever get to that Starship Troopers shooter I've always wanted to play but will probably never realize. If I squint my eyes just a little bit I can make believe I've left the EDF and joined the Mobile Infantry. Welcome to the Roughnecks. Would you like to know more?
  3. Jan 16, 2019
    70
    Earth Defense Force 5 is a blast through and through. Blowing away insects and spaceships with a shotgun or energy blaster never gets old, and the various classes are diverse and worth trying out to see which one best fits your play style. Admittedly, 110 missions of non-stop shooting does get a bit tiresome, but just when you think you've seen it all, the game introduces a new enemy type or throws in a big set-piece level to shake things up. Even with the added improvements and changes, though, this is still a typical Earth Defense Force. Besides, who needs plot when you have giant mechs fighting giant monsters?
  4. Jan 4, 2019
    70
    Earth Defense Force 5 is a tried-and-true entry in the franchise. It's cheap, cheesy, low-budget, and a ridiculous amount of fun. All the same flaws and foibles from the previous games are still present and accounted for, but some of the additional polish makes the game more enjoyable for casual play. All in all, EDF5 is a completely by-the-numbers offering that delivers exactly what it says on the box. If you want to experience the franchise for the first time, EDF5 is a great place to start. If you're a longtime fan hoping for something new, you might want to wait for a price drop.
  5. Dec 18, 2018
    70
    At last the Earth Defense Force series gets a sequel worthy of its early promise, even if there are still a few unwanted bugs left.
  6. Dec 14, 2018
    70
    Even with it’s inherited flaws, this is still one of the best installments yet for the series. EDF 5 makes no apologies for what it is and is more accessible than its predecessors. The game has just the right blend of cheesiness and action-packed gameplay that makes for a cult hit.
  7. Dec 14, 2018
    70
    A fun game despite the fact that it looks like a past gen videogame and doesn't do anything really new.
  8. Dec 7, 2018
    70
    Earth Defense Force 5 has none of those things – but that’s okay. This series has always had a single-minded commitment to one simple truth: It’s fun to use weird weapons to blast lots of aliens. That fact may never change, but in an industry that has been steadily raising the bar, Earth Defense Force 5 allows the series to fall further behind.
  9. Dec 7, 2018
    70
    Blasting the giant alien spiders and ants into mincemeat and watching buildings and bridges crumble under the force of a well-placed explosion (and the Havok engine) is still mindlessly entertaining, at least for a while, and each class and all their weapons are fun to jump in and out of at will. The biggest bummer is that what was a unique hook in Earth Defense Force 2012 has become less inspired and not really infused by much in the way of new material. Earth Defense Force 5 is strong evidence that the series is in need of reinvention.
  10. Dec 7, 2018
    70
    Earth Defense Force 5 doubles down on its B-movie aesthetic to create an experience that is equal parts goofy and fun. The lack of enemy variety leads to some repetition, but those who grew up with cult cinema classics will enjoy taking down this alien menace.
  11. Dec 7, 2018
    69
    Earth Defense Force 5 is an EDF game through and through. Although it doesn't feature anything particularly new and exciting, it still makes for an enjoyable and ridiculous time that's best played with friends.
  12. Dec 12, 2018
    68
    It's hard to believe that EDF 5 is a decent game because of the poor graphics performance, dull story, and repeated gameplay. But still, as a fan-based game, it's the best one in the franchise, and fans of the series definitely can find a way to enjoy it.
  13. Jan 31, 2019
    65
    If you like watching B-movie’s with friends, but would rather play them instead, then yes, Earth Defense Force 5 is the game for you. If you just want to blow shit up, then there are more entertaining games out there.
  14. Dec 10, 2018
    65
    Earth Defense Force 5, like previous Earth Defense Force games, clearly have a following – and if you’ve enjoyed the games before, you’ll enjoy this one just as much. If you’re new to the franchise, you’re not going to get much depth, but under the right circumstances and with the right mindset, you might be able to squeeze out a fun time.
  15. Dec 9, 2018
    65
    Yyron Lannister once told john Snow to know your weaknesses and wear them like armor. That’s exactly what the creators of Earth Defense Force 5 are doing. They know exactly what problems and shortages their game is suffering from, and yet instead of just trying to hide them, they throw them in your face and even make fun of them, and that’s really brave. EDF 5 is not perfect, and everybody knows that. But it’s fun and offers everything you would expect from an EDF game.
  16. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jan 27, 2019
    60
    Familiar thrills from this no-frills series. [Issue#158, p.85]
  17. Dec 7, 2018
    60
    It has been a long time since I've played a game so self-aware of its own flaws, yet so proud to embrace, even celebrate them.
  18. Dec 7, 2018
    55
    Ultimately, Earth Defense Force 5 boils down to a very shallow entry in a series that I’ve typically enjoyed in the past. Single-player only works in short spurts, as this is a title that’s meant to be enjoyed with others. I think it’s time for Earth Defense Force to evolve into more than just a game that relies on nostalgia and monotonous killing. There’s definitely potential here and it shines through at multiple points throughout the game. If you’re a fan of this series, this game is definitely worth giving a shot, even if it’s your first time. But if you’re hoping for some improvements over Earth Defense Force 4.1, you may be disappointed.
  19. Dec 27, 2018
    50
    So look, there isn't much meat on the bones in regards to story, enemy, or mission variety, but there is depth in a character grinding aspect.
  20. Dec 18, 2018
    50
    Earth Defense Force 5 is a game with a loyal fanbase that certainly does not want revolutions in the genre. However, this is not an excuse for creating a lazy product, without an attempt at improvements yet still full-priced.
  21. Dec 10, 2018
    50
    Earth Defense Force 5 is not that step forward that we hoped to see for the series, but a ramshackle more of the same that seems not able to do anything.
  22. Dec 7, 2018
    50
    Earth Defense Force 5 is an intentionally bad-looking and dated technical mess of a third-person shooter that boldly relishes in its campiness and mechanical simplicity. Mowing down the endless seas of extra-terrestrial arachnids and UFOs while melodramatic voice clips play in the background makes for an excellent stress reliever or a fantastically fun time with some friends, but its complete lack of depth causes the monotony of repetition to quickly seep into what’s an otherwise joyous celebration of video game escapism. If this is your first giant bug slaying rodeo, there’s plenty here to keep you keep you amused for dozens of hours, but it functions best as a distraction from our notably less zany reality.
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 39
  2. Negative: 7 out of 39
  1. Dec 14, 2018
    10
    This rating is based against other EDF titles and against games like Fallout 76, Red Dead Online, and Battlefield V.

    In a year where many
    This rating is based against other EDF titles and against games like Fallout 76, Red Dead Online, and Battlefield V.

    In a year where many major game companies seem to only care about $$$ more than quality, it's refreshing to get EDF 5 a game which actually improves on the EDF formula without adding ridiculous game mechanics, annoying insane grinds, or pandering to the game ruining streamers.

    Based on all of that, EDF is a solid 10. It's insanely fun to play, especially with friends, it uses the PS4 to great effect, and it stays true to it's formula. Thank you EDF for restoring my faith in gaming!

    EDF, EDF, E, D, F!!!
    Full Review »
  2. Dec 14, 2018
    9
    The best coop game in 2018!
    So much fun, and some changes do this game much much better than ever:
    - if you complete level in hardest
    The best coop game in 2018!
    So much fun, and some changes do this game much much better than ever:
    - if you complete level in hardest dificulty before easy - easy dificult automaticly count.
    - if you die - 50% of all collectibles are count!
    - even if you play only one of four classes - armor and weapons count to all classes anyway!
    - better design
    - skin destructable and so many particles are falling
    And it stil old EDF game formula - just better in all things!

    Thank You Sandlot and D3 Publisher for this brillian game)

    -1 because Japan play this brilliant one year ago.. It's really terrible.
    Full Review »
  3. Dec 19, 2018
    7
    I really love the series, and it is still a lots of fun fighting aliens and giant insects.

    The RPG elements are more present than ever,
    I really love the series, and it is still a lots of fun fighting aliens and giant insects.

    The RPG elements are more present than ever, weapons can now level up, you can still choose between 4 classes and replay the missions at higher difficulties to loot new weapons and upgrade your armor. Some things have been improved, like the loadings between missions which are very short now, or enemies that are leaving huge blood splatters and now have visual damage effects and dismemberment. Graphics are close to EDF 4.1, so it stills looking dated, but that's not a problem with this kind of game IMO. There are plenty of missions and the game seems to be very, very long. There is an on-line mode (you will have to redo missions from scratch as its separated from solo mode, but you will keep the upgrades and weapons you already have from solo or the ones you will earn on-line and vice versa) and you can also do split-screen 2 players coop.

    It is easily one of the best entry in the series, HOWEVER, i am very disappointed with the technical part. The screen tearing is very annoying (no V-Sync) on any outside mission, and the frame-rate is not flawless. For an episode exclusive to the PS4, this aspect is kind of a let down, be warned. I'm not even hoping for an update here, since the game is available in Japan since a few months, i doubt it will ever be improved with a patch in a near future.

    In short, if you enjoyed previous games, and if the technical issues mentioned are not a problem for you, you can pick this one without hesitation.
    Full Review »