Published as Simple 2000 Series Vol. 31: The Earth Defense Force,
this was the franchise's debut. Released in Japan on December 25, 2003, it never
received a Western release. The core formula — third-person shooting,
destructible cities, overwhelming enemy numbers — was born here.
Key Facts
- Developer
- Sandlot
- Publisher
- D3 Publisher
- JP Release
- December 25, 2003
- Western Release
- None
- Director
- Shirō Kuroda
Simple 2000 Series Vol. 81 in Japan (September 15, 2005). The Western version,
subtitled Invaders from Planet Space, launched on PlayStation Vita in
North America (October 20, 2015) and Europe (October 21, 2015), published by Agetec.
Key Facts
- Developer
- Sandlot
- Publisher
- D3 Publisher (JP) / Agetec (West Vita)
- JP Release
- September 15, 2005 (PS2)
- Western Release
- October 20, 2015 (Vita)
The game that made EDF a cult franchise in the West. Released on Xbox 360 in Japan
(December 7, 2006) and North America (March 6, 2007). Its chaotic two-player co-op
and absurd weapon variety earned critical acclaim and word-of-mouth devotion.
Key Facts
- Developer
- Sandlot
- Publisher
- D3 Publisher (JP) / Crave Entertainment (NA) / Zoo Digital (EU)
- JP Release
- December 7, 2006
- NA Release
- March 6, 2007
- EU Release
- May 25, 2007
- Director
- Shirō Kuroda
- Composer
- Jun Fukuda
Critical Reception
IGN: 7.0/10 • Eurogamer: 8/10 • GameSpot: 7.0/10 • Famitsu: 29/40
The fourth mainline entry (Chikyuu Boueigun 4), EDF 2025 introduced the
four-class system: Ranger, Wing Diver, Air Raider, and Fencer. Released July 4, 2013
in Japan and February 18, 2014 in the West via XSEED Games.
Key Facts
- Developer
- Sandlot
- Publisher
- D3 Publisher (JP) / XSEED Games (NA/EU)
- JP Release
- July 4, 2013
- NA/EU Release
- February 18, 2014
- Director
- Shirō Kuroda
- Composer
- Jun Fukuda
An enhanced PS4 port of EDF 2025 with reworked visuals, new missions, and improved
performance. Released April 2, 2015 in Japan; August 4, 2015 in the West;
December 6, 2016 on PC via Steam. Widely considered the best entry point for new players.
Key Facts
- Developer
- Sandlot
- Publisher
- D3 Publisher (JP) / XSEED Games (NA/EU)
- JP Release
- April 2, 2015
- NA/EU Release
- August 4, 2015 (PS4); December 6, 2016 (PC)
- Steam
- EDF 4.1 on Steam
Critical Reception
IGN: 7.8/10 • Eurogamer: Recommended • Metacritic (PS4): ~72
The series' commercial and critical high point. EDF 5 introduced new enemy factions,
refined the four-class system, and delivered the best co-op in the franchise.
Released December 7, 2017 in Japan; December 11, 2018 in the West; July 11, 2019 on PC.
Key Facts
- Developer
- Sandlot
- Publisher
- D3 Publisher (JP) / XSEED Games (NA/EU)
- JP Release
- December 7, 2017
- NA/EU Release
- December 11, 2018 (PS4); July 11, 2019 (PC)
- Director
- Shirō Kuroda
- Composer
- Masafumi Takada
- Steam
- EDF 5 on Steam
Critical Reception
IGN: 8.5/10 • GameSpot: 8/10 • Eurogamer: Recommended • Metacritic (PS4): ~78
The most ambitious EDF yet. Time-travel mechanics, a record mission count, and
refined classes define EDF 6. Released August 25, 2022 in Japan; July 25, 2024 worldwide.
Key Facts
- Developer
- Sandlot
- Publisher
- D3 Publisher (JP) / XSEED Games (NA/EU)
- JP Release
- August 25, 2022
- Worldwide Release
- July 25, 2024
- Director
- Shirō Kuroda
- Composer
- Masafumi Takada
- Steam
- EDF 6 on Steam
Critical Reception
IGN: 8/10 • Metacritic (PS5): ~80 • Famitsu (JP): 32/40