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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 is a colorful, voxel-styled spin-off built around fast squad action, a huge cast and co-op. Critics were broadly positive about the PS5 version, especially its accessibility and humor, but some felt the spin-off lacks the scale and distinctive camp of the mainline EDF games. The reception is encouraging if you want approachable team-based action; it is less conclusive if you are looking for a direct substitute for a mainline entry.
What do reviews say about World Brothers 2?
Metacritic’s PS5 critic page displayed an 81 “Generally Favorable” score from 12 reviews when checked on October 8, 2026: 10 positive, two mixed and none negative. That is a snapshot of the PS5 critic sample, not a score for every platform or a measure of how all players feel. Metacritic
Positive reviews commonly point to action that is quick to pick up, a playful tone and the appeal of assembling a team from a broad roster. Hey Poor Player scored it 90 and praised its smoothness as an entry point; The Jimquisition scored it 85 and described the action as “quick, accessible, and nonsensically entertaining”; GameSpew gave it 80 and called it a worthy follow-up with more missions and characters to collect. These are outlet assessments, not a guarantee that every player will enjoy its simplified, spin-off approach. Metacritic
The main reservation is that the game’s compact spin-off identity may not deliver the same scope or flavor as a mainline Earth Defense Force. COGconnected’s review summary called it “a bit of a mixed bag”: it praised the gameplay while arguing that the game loses some of the mainline series’ scope and campiness. That contrast helps explain why an accessible, enjoyable action game can still feel like a side entry rather than a replacement for the numbered games. Metacritic
#1 Best Overall
- The Voxel World of Square Earth - Unlike the original EDF series, which was illustrated in a photorealistic style, this game uses bold voxel graphics! If you’re someone who can’t stand the sight of huge insects, this can be your first exhilarating experience fighting enormous enemies with the EDF!
- Build Your Very Own EDF Unit! - EDF members are struggling in isolated locations around the world. By rescuing and assembling them, you can build your very own Earth Defense Force team. Each mission is tackled by a 4-member team that players mix and match to maximize their abilities, so that they can lay waste to their enemies
- Legends Assemble: Past EDF Soldier Classes & Old Enemies Return! - Classic soldiers, characters, and weapons from the very first game, THE EARTH DEFENSE FORCE, to the latest numbered title, EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 6, as well as the various EDF series spin-offs return in voxelated form! Longtime fans of the series are in for a serious dose of nostalgia, while those who have never played an EDF game before will enjoy EARTH DEFENSE FORCE: WORLD BROTHERS 2 as an introduction to the series that started
- Enemies of Generations Past Reborn! - The invaders who attacked Earth and caused mass destruction countless times before are returning in full (voxelated) force. The enemies, giant weapons, and huge monsters from past EDF games are all back and bigger than ever! What hell-spawn will show up next?
What kind of game is it?
YUKE’S developed Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2, and D3PUBLISHER published it. Steam identifies it as the sequel to the voxel-art DigiBoku/World Brothers spin-off and lists September 26, 2024 as its release date. The blocky visual style and lighter presentation distinguish it from the mainline EDF games, while the central appeal remains fighting waves of enemies with a team. Steam
The Switch product description says players build a four-person team from collected characters. D3PUBLISHER’s listed scale includes over 100 characters, over 600 equippable weapons and accessories, over 100 missions and five difficulty levels. Those are publisher-provided feature counts, not independently verified estimates of playtime or variety. Nintendo
Which platforms and multiplayer options are listed?
| Platform | Officially listed details | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | Single-player and online co-op; release date September 26, 2024. Steam | The Steam listing says an Epic Games Account via Epic Online Services is required, with account linking supported. It does not establish local PC co-op. Steam showed 89% positive from 197 user reviews when checked October 8, 2026; this live figure can change and is separate from critic scores. Steam |
| PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 | The US PlayStation page lists both consoles and a September 26, 2024 release. PlayStation | The inspected page did not confirm local multiplayer. Its standard price was $49.99 in the US when checked October 8, 2026; price and availability may change. The page showed no player ratings or reviews at that time. PlayStation |
| Nintendo Switch | TV, tabletop and handheld modes; online play for two to four and local wireless for two to four. Nintendo Switch Online is required for online play. Nintendo | “Local wireless” means separate nearby systems; Nintendo’s listing does not establish same-console split-screen multiplayer. Switch 2 compatibility is marked “Supported,” with behavior consistent with Switch. Nintendo |
The strongest concrete platform distinction in the listings is Switch’s handheld mode and local wireless co-op. The inspected PC and PlayStation pages do not confirm local multiplayer, and the available evidence does not establish comparative resolution or frame rates, so there is no supported basis here to call one version technically superior.
Is it worth playing?
Reviews suggest it is worth considering if you want accessible, humorous squad action, a collectible roster and co-op, or if you are curious about EDF but prefer a more approachable spin-off. The PS5 critic sample is favorable, while Steam’s user-review snapshot was also mostly positive; neither figure predicts an individual player’s response.
Rank #3
Choose with its spin-off scope in mind. If what you value most is the mainline series’ bigger-feeling battles and particular campiness, the reservation raised by COGconnected is relevant. If you mainly want a lighter entry with lots of characters, missions and team-building, the publisher’s feature list and the positive review themes make a stronger case.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you play it?
Official listings cover PC on Steam, PS4 and PS5 through the US PlayStation Store, and Nintendo Switch. Check the store for your region before buying: the cited PlayStation price is a US snapshot, and storefront availability and prices can change. Steam · PlayStation · Nintendo
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