Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain

 PlayStation 4
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 43
  3. Negative: 18 out of 43

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  1. Ichmawieda
    Apr 27, 2019
    0
    this is not an edf game !!!!!!! just trash and rubbish ! nothing works here (especially online)! nothing happens here (boring).this game has nothing to do with the edf we know and love !
    dont buy this crap !!! just a cheap try to copy edf and get more money out of it !
  2. SWERY_51
    Apr 15, 2019
    7
    Pros :
    + Visually the most beautiful EDF game so far
    + Technically better than previous PS4 entries (still few frame drops but no more screen tearing) + Modernized gameplay and mechanics + Still a lots of content (52 missions, 4+1 difficulty settings, 4 classes and a bunch of stuff to unlock) + You can choose between English or Japanese dubbing, with multiple language subtitles +    Pros :
    + Visually the most beautiful EDF game so far
    + Technically better than previous PS4 entries (still few frame drops but no more screen tearing)
    + Modernized gameplay and mechanics
    + Still a lots of content (52 missions, 4+1 difficulty settings, 4 classes and a bunch of stuff to unlock)
    + You can choose between English or Japanese dubbing, with multiple language subtitles
    + There are plenty of options (camera angle, sensitivity, blur, screen shaking, button mapping...)
    + You can play online co-op (up to 6 players) and offline split-screen (2 players)
    + You can unlock cool suits and gears to customize your character

    Cons :
    - Kitsch Japanese 60-'s Sci-fi design is no more :(
    - Maps are awfully small
    - It's sometimes difficult to see what is going on in the heat of the action (maybe the FOV is too narrow?)
    - Missions are shorter, and loading times longer than before
    - The character creation tool is very limited and only offers ugly faces and ugly haircuts (fortunately, you can cover it with an integral helmet)    … Expand
  3. luxton
    Oct 7, 2019
    3
    This game is terrible. Seriously, it’s not EDF! I’m not sure what it is, but it is **** Got bored after a single play through, which, for an EDF game says a lot! The aiming is clunky and far from being snappy, the guns/weapons just aren’t fun to use, no satisfying thump to them. And the hordes of enemies across sprawling maps are gone, the maps are now incredibly small in comparison.This game is terrible. Seriously, it’s not EDF! I’m not sure what it is, but it is **** Got bored after a single play through, which, for an EDF game says a lot! The aiming is clunky and far from being snappy, the guns/weapons just aren’t fun to use, no satisfying thump to them. And the hordes of enemies across sprawling maps are gone, the maps are now incredibly small in comparison. Another really annoying point to mention is the absolutely terrible writing and voice acting! Just the worst I’ve ever heard! EDF games, especially 5, are genuinely funny at times! It might be daft and sometimes cheesy but they pull it off to the point where it’s actually fantastic in a B-movie kind of way. One other point to mention is that hardly anyone is playing online. My friend and I were playing for about four hours and not one person joined our game, also, not once have we found an active lobby, not once and it’s no wonder. Play EDF 5 it’s great fun! And the lobbies are always active.… Expand
  4. Omega7
    May 15, 2019
    0
    This is not an EDF game.

    The gameplay feels sluggish- who came up with the ”fantastic” idea of making overdrive a one-time use mechanic? Which makes it useless in high difficulty. Battle items limits are bloody annoying, and usage penalty makes it worse. The enemy scaling is god damm ridiculous ranging from dying from a soft asthmatic blow to tanking literally nukes. I'm fine with    This is not an EDF game.

    The gameplay feels sluggish- who came up with the ”fantastic” idea of making overdrive a one-time use mechanic? Which makes it useless in high difficulty. Battle items limits are bloody annoying, and usage penalty makes it worse.

    The enemy scaling is god damm ridiculous ranging from dying from a soft asthmatic blow to tanking literally nukes. I'm fine with elemental resistance enemy, variety is the spice of life, but who the absolute wanker thought that giving elemental immunity was fun? Drones are incredibly annoying, not only do they have a small body profile (making it them difficult to hit), they have **** teleportation, why? Why give basic drones teleportation? **** them.

    Health pickup is an absolute joke, it so funny that I'm not laughing, for some reason they are the rarest type of drops, I’ve seen more giant energy crystal than I’ve seen any health crystals. Additionally, the health they restore is abysmal, correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure they heal a set amount and not %.

    Mission types that are not the usual EDF wave combat is a joke, defence mission is **** because of higher difficulty enemy tendencies to break that ****ty blue bar like a god-damm kit-kat.

    Map sizes are fine, but what isnt fine is the threat of shutting PA gear when leaving the area, couldn't an invisble be a better choice?

    The weapons are boring, weak, handle like **** and the better grades don't improve much and in fact, makes the weapon even ****ier i.e. Lower damage, firing rate, firing range, reload speed and recharge.

    The class feel way too underpowered due to the energy limit, that is not upgradable. (For me the only viable class in hader difficulty is Jet-Lifter).

    There's a lot of analogies and comparison between this game and Monster Hunter World in that this game. But I disagree in that Monster Hunter World is fun, and it made me a person who played MHGU, MHXX and MHX for hundreds of hours till burnout wanted to replay them again because my it reinvigorated my love and enthusiasm for them. EDF Iron Rain makes me never want to touch another EDF game in my life.

    Overall, the game feels needlessly restricted with all of its mechanics,guns,overdrive and PA gear, making having fun difficult and frustrating. The only redeeming quality for me is the side characters, only because i have a solf spot for EDF side characters.    … Expand
  5. Malooga
    Apr 11, 2019
    8
    I want to give EDF a perfect score, it always makes me smile and I've been playing since the SHMUP entry on SNES. The thing is, EDF is like an anti-game in a lot of ways, just with a "normal" game skin. Sure there is shooting, and leveling and all the stuff you come to expect from a gaming experience - but it feels purposefully campy.

    There's no reason why this should be the first entry    I want to give EDF a perfect score, it always makes me smile and I've been playing since the SHMUP entry on SNES. The thing is, EDF is like an anti-game in a lot of ways, just with a "normal" game skin. Sure there is shooting, and leveling and all the stuff you come to expect from a gaming experience - but it feels purposefully campy.

    There's no reason why this should be the first entry on the newest version of Unreal, but it is - and it STILL looks dated. If that's not intentional, not sure what's going on. The voice work, tone of the game, everything oozes that B-movie feeling (Starship Troopers: The Game) you have come to expect.

    The changes in this entry really set off the gameplay, and for the first time ever I found myself actually pleasantly surprised by the pacing of the game. Don't get me wrong, the changes aren't drastic - but ramping up the party size online, removing class restrictions and generally making each class smoother and more fun to play were all good moves.

    The trade in of a 90+ level campaign for a more modest 50 levels at first did not strike me positively. However seeing how quickly the missions ramped up to be multi-tiered and interesting I see why they opted for a tighter experience overall.

    One thing I'll say in the negative, there is not a great use of level space. The areas look different (not the same muddy greens and browns I'm use to seeing), but there is a LOT of wasted space.

    That's also normal for an EDF title - its just something I would expect to be fixed in this entry. A tighter space would have allowed for more detail and variation, but what's there is still a step above the last few entries.

    This isn't the game with the best story, the best graphics or the best gameplay - but its still the best game that's not best in anything.

    The EDF deploys again! 8/10    … Expand
  6. Diabetic_Llama
    Apr 11, 2019
    9
    As a longtime fan of the EDF series, I love this game. I like the way the new mechanics and enemies mix up the classic formula, while retaining the core elements that make it so fun. The graphics are very good, especially compared to the main series entries.

    Overall, this is a very solid action shooter and a great new EDF entry.
  7. OKE27
    Apr 11, 2019
    9
    If you want to compare to the mainstream EDF series like EDF4.1 EDF5. Of course it cannot beat them. However it is still same additive online coop game, I have been playing since day 1 release, I haven't switched to play other game since then. The only thing I want to complain is the price.
  8. SIPPIO
    Apr 12, 2019
    10
    Long overdue..
    The game is addicting for sure..
    Sucks that it isn't on Xbox & PC/steam.
    Exclusives benefit nobody!!!
    Yeah I own a PS4, but no I don't own stock in the company nor do I work there.
    So why would I pretend as much..This exclusivity hurts all.
    And esp most kids who only have 1 console..

    Aside from that rant, EDF is fun.. im still sucked into the amazing EDF 5...
  9. DesNukem
    Apr 12, 2019
    0
    Absolute rubbish! As a big fan of the previous games, I wish I'd never purchased this – it's an insult to the series. Everything that made EDF fun is gone. The story and dialogue is juvenile, the controls are clunky, the weapons feel weak, and the graphics are actually worse. It's a complete fail in every respect. Please Yuke's, don't ever make another EDF game.
  10. RedDash16
    Apr 12, 2019
    9
    Really fun twist on EDF, a bit westernized. If you're going in expecting EDF 6 you will be very dissapointed. The game is still a good time however and does keep some of that classic EDF corniness and silly gameplay we all love.

    The character customization is awesome and one of the things i'd love to see in the mainline series. If you are an EDF die hard then i totally suggest you    Really fun twist on EDF, a bit westernized. If you're going in expecting EDF 6 you will be very dissapointed. The game is still a good time however and does keep some of that classic EDF corniness and silly gameplay we all love.

    The character customization is awesome and one of the things i'd love to see in the mainline series.

    If you are an EDF die hard then i totally suggest you play this game.    … Expand
  11. cogdotnet
    Apr 20, 2019
    8
    And that is really what it all comes down to. You may make nitpicks that previous entries did this or that differently or that the graphics aren’t perfect. Heck, you could even choose to focus on how insurmountable everything can feel at times. But Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain is just a joy to play. Sure, there are things to become annoyed about. I had too good of a time to put muchAnd that is really what it all comes down to. You may make nitpicks that previous entries did this or that differently or that the graphics aren’t perfect. Heck, you could even choose to focus on how insurmountable everything can feel at times. But Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain is just a joy to play. Sure, there are things to become annoyed about. I had too good of a time to put much stock in it. And if you let yourself have fun with EDF, you will.… Expand
  12. ZeroNova
    Apr 25, 2019
    8
    A different but ultimately very enjoyable entry in the EDF series. I guess you could say that Iron Rain is to EDF what Monster Hunter World is to the MH series. It basically has more fancy graphics and a bunch of changes to the game mechanics, but I still think it retains many of the core aspects of what makes EDF what it is.

    It has a bit more focus on the story elements and cutscenes,    A different but ultimately very enjoyable entry in the EDF series. I guess you could say that Iron Rain is to EDF what Monster Hunter World is to the MH series. It basically has more fancy graphics and a bunch of changes to the game mechanics, but I still think it retains many of the core aspects of what makes EDF what it is.

    It has a bit more focus on the story elements and cutscenes, and the enemy count isn't as impressive as what you might expect of an EDF game, but there's still a ton of weapons, items and vehicles to unlock, and missions that are very challenging on the higher difficulty settings.

    Overall, I think Yukes did a great job. Just don't expect Iron Rain to be like EDF 4.1 or 5.    … Expand
  13. HappyGamer_019
    Apr 12, 2019
    9
    Hello everyone, I want to give my opinion about this game. I’m going to be honest when I saw the trailer for this game and gameplay footage I was not impressed. I said to myself I would never play a game like this in my life. As the days went by i decided to give this game a try, Guys let me tell you I don’t regret buying this game at all, i was having a blast and truly enjoying the game.Hello everyone, I want to give my opinion about this game. I’m going to be honest when I saw the trailer for this game and gameplay footage I was not impressed. I said to myself I would never play a game like this in my life. As the days went by i decided to give this game a try, Guys let me tell you I don’t regret buying this game at all, i was having a blast and truly enjoying the game. I recommend everyone to give it a try, don’t judge a book by it’s cover.… Expand
  14. DinoRidiniGod
    Apr 14, 2019
    8
    as my first edf game i like it. though there are some thing that are bad like how the co op online does a auto fail it you team runs out of lives. which sucks if you have gung ho or new player rushing ahead and dying alot.
  15. OmeQuicksilver
    Nov 16, 2019
    6
    This game tries to overcome or do away with some of the series long standing flaws, namely hilariously dated graphics, frustratingly clunky controls, and sever imbalance between the classes utility. And for the most part it succeeds.

    However it has lost much of the charm, the classes themselves are now more homogenous and thus less unique, and the game is shorter then the other entries    This game tries to overcome or do away with some of the series long standing flaws, namely hilariously dated graphics, frustratingly clunky controls, and sever imbalance between the classes utility. And for the most part it succeeds.

    However it has lost much of the charm, the classes themselves are now more homogenous and thus less unique, and the game is shorter then the other entries in the series by a notable amount.    … Expand
  16. icextend
    Mar 6, 2020
    0
    DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS

    Acceleration of the rotation, you can't disable. rubbish AI Limited everything stupid PENALTIES for using any EQUIPMENT ( I didn't use ANYTHING since started because of it) no communication phrases no song no commands can't point at stuff like in 4.1 boring stupid weapons with dull design you have to unlock and then f**g BUY 90% mobs are    DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS

    Acceleration of the rotation, you can't disable.
    rubbish AI
    Limited everything
    stupid PENALTIES for using any EQUIPMENT ( I didn't use ANYTHING since started because of it)
    no communication phrases
    no song
    no commands
    can't point at stuff like in 4.1
    boring stupid weapons with dull design you have to unlock and then f**g BUY
    90% mobs are ignoring AI soldiers
    NPC AI is a trash
    piece of hot garbage in comparison to any other EDF games    … Expand
  17. Tsargorn
    Dec 3, 2019
    1
    This is not a EDF game!
    Broken loot system. Broken armor system. Broken shooting system. Broken damage system. Broken difficult system. Awkward revive mechanic. Revive Timer. Weapon unlocking system.
    This game is broken!
    But yae, graphic look cool...
  18. Pensketch
    Apr 12, 2019
    7
    I've played every console version of EDF that has come out in North America. After EDF 5 came out, my wife started playing with me, and we've spent 157 hours on it (44% complete) since launch. For my birthday, she gave me a gift card that I used to preorder this, after some hesitation based on the previews and what I'd read about it.

    Last night we played the first 5 levels of Iron    I've played every console version of EDF that has come out in North America. After EDF 5 came out, my wife started playing with me, and we've spent 157 hours on it (44% complete) since launch. For my birthday, she gave me a gift card that I used to preorder this, after some hesitation based on the previews and what I'd read about it.

    Last night we played the first 5 levels of Iron Rain...

    I had been awhile since I played Insect Armageddon, so I played it for about an hour a few weeks back to remind myself what it was like. Iron Rain is strikingly like that, so far. It's better, sure. But it really feels like EDF:IA was the starting template for this.

    My observations so far:

    • Nothing seems to have much weight to it – by that I mean everything so far seems to be somewhat floaty.

    • Your turning speed is really, really slow, and when you aren't running it feels like you're moving through molasses.

    • The weapon sounds lack oomph. The starting assault rifle feels like a popgun, and runs out of bullets crazy fast.

    • The "time the 'x' button press to reload quicker" from EDF:IA is back for at least one of the weapons; the starting rocket launcher.

    • I saw a ball of ants crawling around each other in midair.

    • "No weapon and armor pickups" is just not EDF. You have to buy everything, including armor upgrades, and the prices scale such that you have a _lot_ of grinding ahead of you, unless later levels give more credits. Even the things you unlock after completing a mission have to be bought before you can use them. Very capitalist, and feels like they were on the edge of allowing microtransactions to speed up the process.

    • The addition of support items is nice : the cost charged against you for using them is not. I don't recall the exact amounts, but it seems like tossing one of the starting grenades costs 300, and using a health kit costs 500. When a level only gives you around 2,000 credits, that's absurd and a huge disincentive toward using them.

    • The camera can get caught in the scenery and in other objects. Seriously? Yes. Seriously.

    • Whatever crystals you are carrying are ejected when you have to respawn, like Sonic's rings, but at least you can pick them back up. Also, you can respawn a few times without needing to be revived, which is nice. But if you run out, and the other player isn't carrying the item that can be used to revive you (at a cost deducted from the credits you earn for the level), you'll have to restart the level.

    • The graphics look like crap when playing in split-screen. Jagged. Not great.

    • The interface in character customization is just dumb. Don't make me scroll through 15 identical (excluding color) pairs of pants to get to the next clothing type. Subcategorize those things. Sure, having a long list looks impressive, but it's a lie and tedious to navigate.

    • The strength of your enemies ramps up fast, and they quickly become bullet sponges, at least on Normal.

    • Weapons aren't upgradable. That's one addition introduced in EDF 5 that we've really enjoyed, and it feels oddly missing from this. As crappy as it is when you buy it, is as crappy as it stays until you buy something else.

    ---

    I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but I've written enough. My conclusion is that this game _isn't_ EDF, except in name only. It's, at best, EDF-ish. I'm not giving up though, and I hope it grows on us over time. But I expect we will be going back to EDF 5 before long. For now I give it 5 out of 10. Very "meh".

    ---

    We spent a few more hours with it tonight, and it's slowly growing on us. However the last mission we completed, where you are first able to take down the giant spider-like walker is _rough_ if you don't have long range, hard-hitting weapons equipped. The hatch only stays open for what felt like 15 seconds at a time, and it's several minutes between each time it opens. That was a grind.    … Expand
  19. Arcerdo
    Jun 25, 2020
    6
    I enjoyed my time with this game, but it is technically flawed and many design choices are rather baffling.
    I loved the advances it made in many areas, but it feels like they also make the clunkiness even more apparent.
    Often it feels like the game is just flat out cheating to make you lose, and PvP is barren and clearly half-baked with no real thought put into it. PvE is excellent,    I enjoyed my time with this game, but it is technically flawed and many design choices are rather baffling.
    I loved the advances it made in many areas, but it feels like they also make the clunkiness even more apparent.

    Often it feels like the game is just flat out cheating to make you lose, and PvP is barren and clearly half-baked with no real thought put into it.
    PvE is excellent, though netcode feels clunky.

    I still enjoyed it, but it has severe technical difficulties.    … Expand
  20. soahknam
    Dec 28, 2020
    6
    This game is too short. and it feels incomplete, the story ends abruptly.

    Story: 6
    Game play: 8
    Music: 6
    Visuals : 8

    Personal score: 6
  21. LilDugs
    Jul 7, 2021
    1
    Going from EDF 5 to EDF Iron Rain is like going from Disneyland to a baby's diaper, it stinks... In all honesty, this game feels extremely awkward and slow compared to the last EDF. The missions seem aimless and lack the swarms of enemies we are used to. We also stood completely still for a big boss fight and it literally never hit us. This game feels lazy and honestly is just using theGoing from EDF 5 to EDF Iron Rain is like going from Disneyland to a baby's diaper, it stinks... In all honesty, this game feels extremely awkward and slow compared to the last EDF. The missions seem aimless and lack the swarms of enemies we are used to. We also stood completely still for a big boss fight and it literally never hit us. This game feels lazy and honestly is just using the name of the franchise to make money, what a shame. Let's hope Sandlot can deliver us something actually worth our time in EDF 6.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019
25
#25 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 49
  3. Negative: 1 out of 49
  1. GameGrin
    Oct 25, 2019
    50
    If you're a fan of the previous titles, go ahead and buy Iron Rain, you're not going to be disappointed by this one. If you're not a rabid fan of giant bugs, give it a miss or pick it up in a sale. It's a giggle after all if a little frustrating.
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  2. Worth Playing
    Aug 14, 2019
    60
    When compared to the other entries in the series, Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain is a major low point. The various changes that improve on the formula are outweighed by other design choices that actively hurt the title's overall appeal. The actual combat still has some of the magic the series is known for, and even if online co-op is barely there unless you coordinate with others beforehand, the game is still fun to play with friends. If you're new to the series, playing Iron Rain won't be so bad, but if you've already killed bugs several times before, this title won't be able to scratch that itch again.
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  3. TheSixthAxis
    Jun 25, 2019
    80
    EDF: Iron Rain is big, it's dumb and it's also a ton of fun thanks to fantastic split-screen and online multiplayer. Pack your biggest auto-cannon, switch your brain off and you'll be chanting 'EDF! EDF! EDF!' in no time.
    Read full review
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