And in addition to the class restrictions, players are limited to using weapons within one of their earned experience levels (вЂњTiersвЂќ). Weapon drops are fairly infrequent, with only the gameвЂ™s larger foes dropping equipment (and not always). While you can purchase some implements of destruction from the loadout screen, the best weapons are all dropped by enemies. Tactical armor allows for the use of turrets while the Battle armor takes a beating with its energy shield while packing some of the heaviest ordinance in the game. Quick-moving Jet armor sacrifices damage resistance for speed and powers all its weapons and abilities from one regenerating energy pool that can leave you on empty if you arenвЂ™t careful. The more specialized armor types are more role-specific. The all-around performing Trooper armor gets access to the widest variety of weapons and reloads at a faster rate, making it a valuable contributor to any team. Instead of simply being capable of wielding any weapon which you grab, loadouts are now limited to class-specific weapons available to four specialty armor types. How many shotguns have you seen where the shot homes in on a target? Not many, IвЂ™d wager, but they exist here.В The weapons are a huge part of the appeal in Earth Defense Force, but this time around they come with some restrictions. With the advanced armor of the EDF, you might just have a fighting chance against the Ravagers in wielding some of the most absurdly powerful firearms found in games. Those are still in there, of course, and the shouting of your AI partners during heated battles still provides a lovely bit of comic relief to the pressure of being set upon by gigantic spiders. The dialog is delightfully (and professionally) voiced, with tongues planted firmly in cheeks, and winds up being very funny in a much more intentional manner than the screams of вЂњEDF! EDF! EDF!вЂќ found previously. ItвЂ™s kooky and weird, to say the least, with its story told through radio communications with characters вЂњOpsвЂќ and вЂњIntelвЂќ who provide you with your objectives. Your objective as a member of Strike Force Lightning is to save the city of New Detroit from the Ravagers, an invading extraterrestrial force, even if it means leveling the place to do it. And if you donвЂ™t have them, who have you got?Д®arth Defense Force: Insect ArmageddonВ enters this very uncomfortable territory by presenting a game which is not only a dramatic overhaul of its predecessor but manages to capture the very essence of what makes it fun to shoot bugs in the face.Д®arth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon (Xbox 360, PS3) But if you make too many changes, you risk damage to the success of your game among that rabid fan base that your original release garnered. On the one hand, thereвЂ™s an expectation that the following product need to be superior to the original.

Following on a cult hit is a dicey proposition.

Wave of destruction d3