Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 (2024)

How Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 compares to previous entries in the series, I can't say. But if-like me-you're new to the EDF brand of crazy, co-op action gameplay, this is a wonderfully fun and entertaining place to start.

In a way, I get it: there isn’t a lot that differs Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 from its predecessor. It’s a bunch of new levels and characters, with the added benefit of feeling a bit more polished than before. With that being said, just being able to enjoy more of a shockingly competent formula with slightly better visual effects, less glitches and even more content is already great in my books. It’s still tons of fun, so “more of the same” in this case is a good thing.

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 offers a brand new story, and lots of new brothers and enemies. While the online community leaves a lot to be desired, World Brothers 2’s improvements over the first game remain significant enough to recommend.

If you’re looking to scratch that EDF itch, Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 is a decent enough way to do it – but EDF 6 is considerably better and more engaging, and that does make it a harder game to recommend. It’s still fun, for sure, because EDF mostly has that pizza-like quality that even when it’s slightly bland and predictable it’s still quite good – but I can’t help but feel that a fully-fledged World Brothers sequel should perhaps have taken its LEGO-like destruction mechanic a little further, or leaned more into the abject silliness of some of your comrades.

World Brothers 2 is an excellent introductory title for those unfamiliar with EDF, as well as longtime fans looking for a more straightforward experience that allows for faster experimentation.