Xbox Hardware & Games

A throwback both to 1950s and '60s monster movies and early side-scroller games.

Video: 4
Sound: 3
Gameplay: 5

In the 1950s, a wave of B movies hit the big screen that played on fears of a war with the Soviet Union. But, instead of an invasion by the Reds, these movies featured giant bugs, dinosaurs, and strange monsters from space. The effects weren't very special, however, and the stories were far from believable. Much like the Japanese monster films that followed, the plot generally focused around a big creature laying ruin to everything in its path until humans somehow manage to stop it. These films were guilty pleasures, and perhaps that is why Earth Defense Force 2017 is so addictive.

The game's graphics aren't all that cutting edge, the sound is good but not over the top, and the setup is pretty simple. Yet, there is something about EDF 2017 that just makes for good gaming. Part of the reason could be that the creators have been down this path before; this is the third installment in the series. But, like those monster films from Japan, not all made it stateside. So, what we have here is a pretty polished and refined franchise that aims for the lowest common denominator—and not only does it hit this squarely, it destroys all in its wake. Playing EDF 2017 is like being a 10-year-old again, watching a Godzilla film (and I mean one of the ones with a guy in a big rubber suit, not the horrible 1998 remake).

The back story is much like the invasion films of the 1950s. Extraterrestrial visitors see a planet that they think they can quickly subdue. They were wrong, and you're going to make them dead wrong. Of course, mankind doesn't react quickly enough, and the world's armies are destroyed. So, it is up to the newly formed, Japanese-led Earth Defense Force to fend off an invasion of giant robots and massive bugs. Through 53 missions, you fight the invaders, and the gameplay is very much a throwback to classic 2-D side-scrollers with power-ups and armor to help you as you fight the humongous attackers. It's basically a shoot, run, and repeat formula—but with enough variety to stay addictive rather than repetitive.

The graphics, as I mentioned, are good, but the Xbox 360 could do more. The renderings and animations won't make you think you're watching a movie; this clearly has the look of a game rather than being close to photo-realistic. That said, the monsters' sheer scale makes them compelling foes to battle. The settings, which range from large Japanese cities and suburbs to underground caves, also offer a bit of variety. The 16:9 native resolution is where EDF 2017 does feel like a solid next-generation title, and the widescreen aspect ratio gives it a presentation akin to the CinemaScope format that some of the better monster films used. While the game supports 720p and 1080i, it is hard to tell the difference, really. But, for a budget title, EDF 2017 still looks pretty good, it just doesn't raise the bar at all.

The sound is a bit on the lackluster side, and, despite a vast arsenal, most of the weapons sound too similar. The music won't win any Grammy Awards, either (now that games can be nominated). The music is quite forgettable, but it's far from annoying, at least. It does the job but not much else. The voice acting has the qualities of an imported Japanese monster film, as well. The random dialogue from your AI-controlled squad is funny at times, but, for some reason, you'll continue to hear the chatter even when you're the last man standing. Voices in your head, maybe?

Despite the problems, Earth Defense Force 2017 is actually quite fun. And the fact that this is a budget-priced title makes it all the better. Sometimes you don't need a triple-A title to have a good time—not when a B title delivers fun-filled gameplay that evokes the fun of childhood.

Click here for more XBox/Xbox 360 Reviews
Click here for more PC Reviews
Click here for more PlayStation Reviews
Click here to return to HTGamer.com