PlayStation Vita Critic Reviews

All that said, I got a lot of enjoyment out of the EDF 2017 Portable. What's more, I expect to continue to get lots of enjoyment out of it into the future. From that point of view, it's hard to argue that the game isn't worthwhile. So if you don't mind paying a slightly steep premium to get some building-destroying, bug-blasting fun on your handheld, then take the plunge and download this game immediately.

Just because a game looks and sounds like it's from 1996 doesn't mean it's bad.

Unpretentious in the extreme, comical by accident, irritating when it wants to be. [Issue#229, p.80]

Quotation forthcoming.

The biggest issue here, sadly, is the price. When this launched on Xbox 360, its faults could be excused not only by its big heart but also by its small price-tag: at £25, the original was a budget game in both outlook and its impact on your wallet. So why, well over five years later, is the Vita version being sold full-price at £34.99?

EDF is a perfect fit for the Vita, despite not being a perfect game. It's set up for portable gaming, it doesn't feel like it has been a cheap port with little effort. If you can see past the price point then it is more than worth the space it will take up on your memory card.

However, the $40 price tag is a bit steep, especially considering that the original Xbox 360 version sold for a budget price when it was released. Still, if you want a game that you can pick up, play for five minutes, and put back down again, there are much worse alternatives than Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable.

Features the same flaws and polish issues that marred the original, but also has the same addictive combat that leaves you yearning for more.

Under an almost PS2 visuals, there's a great game. It's extremely fun and addictive, and if you missed its original release on Xbox 360, you can grab this version that adds new levels and enemies, and even a new character that will give a twist to its gameplay. Don't let the graphics mislead you.

All in all, I had a great time playing through the campaigns again – with the collectible nature of the game and character power-ups for armor and weapons it's a great game for a little break from reality. I found the $40 price point to be a little expensive myself, especially when I bought my original game for $20… but if you have some money to drop, it might be worth it to give it a spin.