In a world where giant insects and aliens are hell-bent on bugging you to death, enter "Earth Defense Force 2017" for the Nintendo Switch. The game is a delightful mesh of chaotic action, magnificent mayhem, and a sprinkle of absurdity that can only come from fighting off alien invaders while dodging the most enthusiastic squishing of colossal bugs. It combines the fervor of modern warfare with the flair of a B-movie disaster, resulting in a game that is as ridiculous as it is challenging.
The crux of this game revolves around taking control of an EDF soldier-think of them as the superhero you never knew you wanted, clad in absurdly armored suits while packing over 150 different weapons to choose from. You get to unleash everything from standard assault rifles to gigantic laser machines that could make even the Matrix's Neo feel a little bit inadequate. Because let's face it, when a game gives you a weapon as powerful as a rocket launcher in a world full of smelly bugs, you know it's going to be a blast. The gameplay takes the player through 53 sprawling levels showcasing everything from urban wastelands to expansive caverns, all beautifully embellished with destructible environments. Yes, you read that right-buildings crumble like dry cookies as your rockets kiss them goodbye. There's no penalty for collateral damage (at least it's not a war crime when you're waging intergalactic battle with insect overlords), so let loose. That said, here's where it gets spicy. The game isn't here for a gentle stroll. It offers five different difficulty levels. Picture this: You start on Normal, feel like an unstoppable bug-squashing machine, and think, "Oh this is easy-peasy." Jump to Hard mode, and suddenly, you're outnumbered and flanked by alien ants like you're in a horror movie. This is where the skill comes into play-and I assure you, the game throws everything including the kitchen sink (probably next to a giant ant) at you. You'll need to learn the enemy's patterns and adjust your strategy on the fly if you want to collect those precious higher tier weapons that drop from tougher foes. Additionally, if you want your character to become more formidable, you'll want to repeatedly grind through missions to unlock armor enhancements that double as your health boost. Yes, you read that right, the game encourages you to repeat levels just to feel like the overpowered superhero you are destined to become! Will you rise to the challenge, or will you be thrown under the six-legged bus? The game supports co-op play too, letting you and your buddy burst bugs together, which really turns the whole experience into a festival of flashy explosions and copious amounts of bug guts. Who could resist that? Imagine the bonding opportunities while spam text-chatting each other like peasants!
Visually, "Earth Defense Force 2017" might not win any beauty contests. The graphics are more akin to the late 2000s than today's HD. It feels almost charming in its retro appeal given its cartoony aesthetic. The bugs are hilariously exaggerated to the point where it seems the artists threw realism out of the window for an all-out assault on your visual cortex. Even if the visuals might be slightly dated, the bombardment of everyone's favorite houseguests-the giant flesh-eating ants and flying saucers-makes up for it tenfold as they dive bomb you into oblivion. Every explosion will make you chuckle as much as your chaotic giggle fits while dodging giant insects.
To sum up, "Earth Defense Force 2017" packs a punch with its exciting blend of humor, challenge, and mind-blowing insect mayhem. It's a game that doesn't take itself too seriously while simultaneously throwing you into over-the-top battles that require quick reflexes, strategic planning, and a penchant for chaos. As you advance and uncover better weapons and armor, you'll feel the sweet satisfaction of personal growth and power. Sure, the Switch version might not compete graphically with the latest AAA titles, but what it lacks in polish, it makes up with a glorious, utterly fun, and chaotic experience. So grab your roach spray, gear up, and get ready to defend Earth like there's no tomorrow. It's time to squash some bugs, soldier!