Sandlot found the cult with a grimy bug-blasting tower defense that pulverises whole cities. The tech is rough, models repetitive, but the local co-op lays the foundation of a one-of-a-kind dumb-and-happy thrill.
Your verdict
Category
Action4 players12+
Co-op
Split screen
Description
Action game by Sandlot and D3 Publisher, March 2007. Earth Defense Force soldiers battle giant ants, robotic spiders and UFOs ravaging Japanese cities. Frantic third-person shooting against colossal hordes, weapon recovery from enemy bodies and local two-player co-op. Second Earth Defense Force series episode on Xbox 360.
Earth Defense Force 2017 review
3/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Polished"
3/5
Music
★★★★★
"Memorable"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
Gameplay
"Solid"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Repelling an invasion of giant insects and alien ships with oversized weapons, in cities collapsing under the chaos: the release is total and terribly gleeful. The assumed excess, the staggering number of enemies and the co-op create a raw, hilarious pleasure. Brawny, generous and fiercely fun, a cult shooter that turns mass destruction into pure happiness.
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Long"
Technical info
💾6,7 GB📅20/03/2007
Published by D3 Publisher
Earth Defense Force 2017 (Xbox 360) price, value & rarity
Is Earth Defense Force 2017 still worth playing in 2026?
A wacky action game from Sandlot, Earth Defense Force 2017 sends a soldier alone or in a pair against hordes of giant insects and flying saucers in a pure homage to B movies. The massive destruction, the feeling of being overwhelmed by swarms of enemies and the involuntary humour of its rough production make it a jubilant, cult blast. The dated tech and the embraced repetition are part of the charm. A generous title for fans of carefree action and kitsch science fiction.
