EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair

As an Earth Defense Force soldier, you fight an alien invasion threatening the planet. Missions pit you against waves of giant insects, robots, and other enormous creatures across settings including cities and underground areas.

Choose from four classes: Ranger, Wing Diver, Air Raider, and Fencer. Their different weapons and abilities support varied approaches, from fast aerial attacks to calling in airstrikes and fighting with heavy equipment.

Play through more than 80 missions, alone or in co-op. Enemies drop crates that unlock weapons and increase armor; missions can be replayed at different difficulty levels to gather equipment and take on tougher challenges.

Players often praise the frantic, oversized battles and the satisfying variety of ways to take down huge enemy groups. Co-op with friends or family is a recurring highlight, as are the four distinct classes, large weapon selection, and the game’s knowingly campy tone. Some reviewers enjoy playing solo too, while others find the older-feeling controls and crate-based progression frustrating, especially at higher difficulties.