Global Defence Force

Pure Insect Blasting Fun!

I've been waiting forever for this game to get a UK release, ever since that Japanese review Edge printed a few years ago I knew I had to have this. I've been chasing this game ever since then, pre ordering it off multiple websites only for it to be cancelled everytime a release date drew near.

So a big thank you to Essential Games for giving this incredible title a release in the UK only for it to no doubt be completely ignored by the masses and not stocked in the game stores (even online play.com seem to be the only site selling it.)

But now I finally own it and it's such a joy to play!, the jet pack, the huge variety of weapons, the number of giant insects on screen at once, the sheer scale of everything, it's all just so amazing.

Not since Shadow of the Colossus have I felt so dwarfed by the scale of a game. The graphics and the distance you can fire are quite impressive for the PS2 and except for some slow down in the more destructive moments it's hard to believe this is a budget game.

I've been playing as the female jetpack wearing character for over 6 hours now and have only found a few of the character specific weapons and believe I'm only half way through the missions.

Then there's the male character who gets to control vehicles like helicopters, tanks and hover bikes as well as getting a whole new set of different weapons.

I've heard that the 360 version (Earth Defence Force 2017) although far prettier to look at is a much hollower experience because each level is pretty much the same.

But GDF has so much variety to it's blasting action, with multiple levels that pit you against a huge variety of different enemies be they flying saucers, web spitting spiders or Godzilla!.

There's also lots of locations that vary between night and day, night missions being the most impressive when the lasers start flying in all their neon glory.

There's a huge change in weaponary tactics depending on whether you pick the male or female character, as most of the females weapons are powered from her jet packs recharging power supply and she's unable to enter vehicles and use their higher fire power.

So I highly recommend giving this game a try, it's pure fun like all games should be and if you hate insects all the more reason to jump in.

Don't be fooled by the other reviews here! Global Defence Force is a diabolical video game! Naturally, I was just joking! You can put those Plasma Cannons and Homing Missile Launchers away now thank you very much!In fact, G.D.F. is quite the opposite. It may very well be a budget release, and initially when viewing the presentation of the game and first level or two the word "cheap" may or may not spring instantly to mind, but you'd be mistaken. What we have here is a 3D shoot em' up that dispenses with high-end production value presentation and cut scenes, but offers level-upon-level of large scale action.

There are two characters to choose from, each offering a completely different range of weapons and way of playing each level, but the objective is the same - to destroy wave upon wave of oversized insects, arachnids, UFO's, Tripods etc. And not only are they oversized, but they come in great numbers (G.D.F. has a real B-movie tribute feel to it by the way). And believe me when I tell you that an entire city can be destroyed during the carnage (its a bit like 'Smash TV' only crazier)! What G.D.F. lacks in presentation it makes up for in the amount of weapons to collect and levels available (each with multiple skill settings), and despite a select number of levels being re-used, the subtle scenario changes keep the game feeling "fresh" despite the single minded gameplay mechanic that the player is subject to participate in. And that's not forgetting the split-screen multiplayer 'versus' and 'co-operative' options the game offers as well by the way!

The only other real "negative" point/s that can be made about Global Defence Force (aside from the cheap presentation and lack of cut scenes / story [though that's a strength here, not a weakness]) is regular slow down when there is too much going on screen at once. But to be fair, all the nagatives that can be levelled at the game can simply be brushed aside as either positives or due to budget restrictions (I mean, its not an exspensive title after all). If this were a full-price video game I would still give it 4 out of 5, but due to its budget status it easily gets 5 out of 5. If you can get a copy, I advise one to do so immediately. Its the "bees-knees" (not that I have the foggiest what that means!)!

P.S. I love Giant Ants.

Who cares about high definition super crisp perfect graphics when a game is this fun? Not me! Just suspend any reservations you may have about a 'budget' title, pick up your weapon of choice and blow those bugs away!

I can honestly say I have never had as much fun with any other game on any other format and still have plenty of pennies left in my piggy bank!

Just remember, violence is good, violence is fun, violence is right...but only when you're facing almost unstoppable waves of giant ants, spiders lizards ( cough! Godzilla cough!)

Global Defence Force is the original PS2 version of the Xbox360 game Earth Defence Force but instead of having less content as might be expected, it actually has far more! 18 more levels, new environments, a new playable character, more than twice as many weapons and entirely different types of enemies.

For ten pounds Global Defence Force is an absolute steal. It's a B-movie brought to glorious life and is a must play for anyone who enjoys simple but extensive and satisfying gaming.

Never heard of this game, but read a few of the reviews. Decided to get hold of a copy. All I can say is wow! What an excellent game.

Hoards and hoards of ants etc, free range of movement on rooftops etc. You can even knock down buildings. A budget label? What a masterpiece!