Import Review: Earth Defense Forces 3 Portable

Posted on October 27, 2012 by geelw

Platform: PlayStation Vita

Developer: SANDLOT

Publisher: D3Publisher

# of Players: 1 – 4

CERO Rating: C (Ages 15+)

Score: A (95%)

Much more than a straightforward port of the former Xbox 360 exclusive, Earth Defense Forces 3 Portable comes screaming onto the Vita as the game developer Sandlot most likely wanted to make in the first place. The return of Pale Wing and her energy-based weaponry (from EDF 2 on the PS2 and PSP) adds a new way to experience the game, while an up to four-player co-op mode, rebalanced and all-new weapon drops, new enemy types, trophies galore and seven new levels makes this an absolute must-buy for anyone with a Vita. While the import is indeed entirely in Japanese, the fact that the game is coming to the US this winter in English means Vita owners here have a great game in the pipeline that will get plenty of play and replay. For those who’ve played the 360 version to death, there’s definitely enough new content there to get you equally obsessed (and yes, perhaps it’s time to get that Vita if you’ve been on the fence).

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INCOMING! EDF 3 Portable Headed to North America In 2013

Posted on September 27, 2012 by geelw

Well, that’s what I call day-making news (at least in my world). D3Publisher of America has announced via Twitter (and to us press folk here) that Earth Defence Force 3 Portable will be headed stateside in Winter 2013. I’m gathering that that vague launch window means sometime between January and March, not November/December of next year. I’d heard rumblings about an English script a few months back from somewhere I can’t say, but I’ve been keeping that info secret because I absolutely despise rumors and getting people’s hopes up about something so cool. Anyway, even though I’ve imported the Japanese version, I’ll absolutely be diving back into the game again when it lands in stores sometime next year. EDF! EDF! EDF!

EDF 3 Portable Update: It’s An Invasion Alright – Just Ask Around!

Posted on September 25, 2012 by geelw

And you thought YOU had bug troubles? Vita owners in Japan (and some lucky folks like me who are importing but STILL want this localized for our territories) are getting what I consider to be an instant system seller in the form of a SUPER enhanced version in one of the most action-packed “retro” sci-fi shooters ever. Of course, the man on the street stuff above makes for a fun watch that would be cool if the game was promoted here in the US in a similar manner (should it get the green light for a localization)…

Even MORE Wacky EDF 3 Portable TV Spot Madness!

Posted on September 18, 2012 by geelw

OK, this is getting nuts, but in the coolest possible way. As I said earlier, I’m importing this Vita exclusive, but I’m keeping my fingers and toes (and eyeballs) crossed that D3Publisher of America sees fit to get it out here at some point (sooner than later). Interestingly enough, guess who’s coming to town on Wednesday with a bunch of new games? Yup, D3Publisher. Of course, THIS isn’t one of them, but I’ll be asking (or begging, depending on the level of potential alcohol consumption I do) them to make it so.

EDF! EDF! EDF!

Want More EDF TV Commercial Madness? OK!

Posted on September 14, 2012 by geelw

Hey, Minoru Kawasaki? You are a really crazy, crazy man (in the best possible way, though). If this game DOES get a US release, I say D3 should just use these spots as some sort of viral campaign. I’m still considering ordering a copy of this from Japan just in case it’s not localized, but I’ll hold out until after TGS and see if D3Publihser here makes any sort of announcement. My Vita is smiling, that’s for sure…

Earth Defense Forces 3 Portable Update: Creating The Live-Action TV Ad WIth Minoru Kawasaki

Posted on September 9, 2012 by geelw

Ah, that oddball Japanese sense of humor…. where would the gaming, no, entertainment world be without it? Famed “B” movie director Minoru Kawasaki is trying his hand at making EDF look even more cheesy than it intentionally is and based on these two videos, he’s going to succeed (and quite admirably at that). I’d forgotten to run the rather goofy announcement trailer for these spots a few weeks back (you get to watch the director drinking for the most part), but in a way, I’m glad that I missed posting it because these updates are such fun. Anyway, amusing stuff aside, HOPEFULLY we’ll have a seriously official word from D3Publisher of America after this year’s Tokyo Game Show on whether or not this reaches North America and Europe. In English, of course.

Hell, I’m importing it if it doesn’t and maybe even if it does because I’m such a huge EDF fan, but this is one of those titles I firmly feel will REALLY help the Vita out in terms of being popular worldwide.

EDF 3 Portable Coming To PlayStation Vita (In Japan, At Least) With 4-Player Co-op

Posted on June 11, 2012 by geelw

BRING BACK THE BUGS! Hey, D3Publisher of America: I’m putting you on notice NOW. If you aren’t planning to snap this up and get it out in North America instead of another kid-friendly game that might sell a few more copies, you’re nuts. In the nicest possible way, though. Seriously, you’re loved around here for some cool games and all, but THIS one has to get a US release. Not only is this looking exactly like the Xbox 360 game many PlayStation-only fans of the series never got to play, Sandlot actually ADDED a four-player co-op mode.Which is an excellent move, by the way (provided the slowdown present in the original game has been taken care of).

I’m stealing one screenshot from Andriasang (thanks, guys!) to show you this is no joke, but here’s a link so you can check out the rest of them and start yelling into your Vita like it’s actually got a phone built in. Day one purchase? Oh, absolutely. ESPECIALLY if D3 is smart enough to consider that dual game card package, provided they can release it at a decent price point. If not, a single cart is still fine, but I’m gathering that a single cart and download voucher deal for a friend might be another way to go. OK, let me stop giving out free ideas and get back to hoping we see this one drop into stores as soon as possible…