Global Defense Force Review (PS2)

[CRTGAMER]

Looks to be a great game. Love the spinoff of 50s Sci Fi movie Them!, those giant ants!

The Pal version seems to be the one to get if video conversion can work. I know PAL ICO has a built in 60hz option in the game offering correct screen sizing for NTSC. Does PAL Global Defense have that option built in the game somewhere? I converted a PS1 game Little Big Adventure Relentless from PAL to NTSC with good results with exception to top-bottom edges of game screen stretched out of range of TV.

There is the japanese NTSC version, is Global Defense language friendly if in the Japanese language?

Unlike some other Simple 2000 games, Global Defense Force is 50 Hz only.

I also own the Japanese version, and it's menus are completely in Japanese. Since weapon descriptions are somewhat important the PAL version is preferable. Once NTSC patched, there is no difference between the performance of either version on an NTSC tv. Still, the Japanese version is completely playable if you can read some Japanese or don't mind the trial and error that comes playing a game in another language. Either way, you'll need a chipped PS2 as PS2 games are region locked by default.

The only thing the Japanese version that the European release doesn't is frantic (and rather annoying honestly) radio chatter and screams. This is all in Japanese, but its the kind of thing you would expect a news broadcaster to sound like in a Godzilla movie.

My earlier post I mentioned Global Defense Japanese versions Simple 2000 Vol 81 and Simple 2000 Vol 103.
Turns out the first one is Simple 2000 Vol 31. Website links below.

The one I just bought for 12 dollars.
The prequel to GDF: Earth Defense Force.
http://www.d3p.co.jp/s_20/s20_031.html



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Might get this, if the first one plays out.
http://www.d3p.co.jp/s_20/s20_081.html



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The Tactics version, almost bought it, can't read Kanji.
http://www.d3p.co.jp/s_20/s20_103.html



Once I play around with The Chikyuu Boueigun (Simple 2000 Vol 31) I'll give an update.
A blue PS2 CD, should be able to go HDAdvance with it, looking forward to killing giant ants!

[Satoshi_Matrix]

If you missed it, I already reviewed The Chikyuu Boueigun 1.

http://satoshimatrix.wordpress.com/2010 ... ck-review/

It's also excellent. I picked up the PAL version and ran then pal-to-ntsc yfix, but no matter if you call it Monster Attack, Chikuii Boueigun or Earth Defense Force, it's still the same excellent PS2 budget game.

This is the game that was remade on the Xbox 360 as Earth Defense Force 2017.

[CRTGAMER]

If you missed it, I already reviewed The Chikyuu Boueigun 1.

http://satoshimatrix.wordpress.com/2010 ... ck-review/

It's also excellent. I picked up the PAL version and ran then pal-to-ntsc yfix, but no matter if you call it Monster Attack, Chikuii Boueigun or Earth Defense Force, it's still the same excellent PS2 budget game.

This is the game that was remade on the Xbox 360 as Earth Defense Force 2017.

Great review! Some discussion here about the 360 version not as good.

What do you think of PS2 (1st one) Earth Defense Force versus the 360 2017 version?

In converting your PAL versions to NTSC, any problems with part of the image cutoff out of the screen?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Monster Attack is much much shorter than Global Defense Force or EDF 2017 at only 26 missions. It lacks the underground missions and a few of the weapons and enemies added in 2017. Truth be told, 2017 is a much better game, but the original is fun to play through as you can see the roots for many of the concepts in 2017.

The y-fix program for PAL PS2 games does a good job at not cutting anything off. The same program seems to have greater issue with PS1 games. I haven't been able to get Vib Ribbon to transfer correctly. I need to buy some CD-RWs so I can rewrite them if they burn wrong.

[CRTGAMER]

PS2 Japanese version Earth Defense Force installed fine through HDAdvance and Flip Lid.

Drove the tank, motorcycle and helicopter. Enjoyed control of helicopter although I wish it were more responsive. Definitely not like PSX Stunt Copter. Lots of yellow Ant blood. Interesting game but frame rate is a little slow. Does PS2 Global Defense Force have a faster frame rate?

The y-fix program for PAL PS2 games does a good job at not cutting anything off. The same program seems to have greater issue with PS1 games. I haven't been able to get Vib Ribbon to transfer correctly. I need to buy some CD-RWs so I can rewrite them if they burn wrong.

EDIT
A taste of Vib Ribbon for your PC:
http://www.gosfish.co.uk/games/details.asp?id=162

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Did you read my Global Defense Force review? I covered the framerate with everything else. It tends to be rather awful. That said, it's still a must play game.

[CRTGAMER]

Did you read my Global Defense Force review? I covered the framerate with everything else. It tends to be rather awful. That said, it's still a must play game.

I did, a great review. Just curious if PS2 Global Defense framerate was improved at all compared to PS2 Earth Defense. Have you tried the Tactics (Simple 2000 #103) version as well?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

There isn't any noticeable difference in the framerate between The 地球防衛軍 2 and Global Defense Force in NTSC forced. The only difference is one has English menus and the other has cheesy Japanese monster movie voice overs.

As for Global Defense Force Tactics, I've got that one too, but I don't find it nearly as enjoyable. It's a turn based strategy game that closely mimics the gameplay of Fire Emblem, except replace groups of bandits and armies with EDF soldiers and giant bugs. All said and done, it's unremarkable.

[myktek]

Global Defense Force is actually part 2 in the series and 2017 is part 3 if I remember right. Insect Armageddon is part 4 that is coming out soon.

Global Defense Force is the best of the bunch, 2017 was a rushed port to 360 but I still loved it. When I get bored and have nothin else to play, I bust it out and kill some ants.... lol

The new one should be good as it's being made by a different studio and you will be able to choose from different soldiers.