PS4 subscribers gain access to Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, Kingdom Hearts 3 and Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory. There’s also Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, and What Remains of Edith Finch. Rounding out the line-up of PS4 titles is Earth Defense Force: World Brothers, Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain and Onee Chanbara Origin.

PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers also gain access to five classic Ratchet and Clank titles on PS3. These are Ratchet and Clank, Ratchet and Clank 2: Going Commando, Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal, Ratchet and Clank: Deadlocked, and Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. For details on the PlayStation Plus Essential titles available for November, head here.

Famitsu’s latest charts for software and hardware sales are in, and sales figures for the week ending April 21 are largely uneventful, with only one new entrant into the top 10 of the software charts, that being Langrisser I & II at second place with over 11,000 copies sold of the PS4 version. The Switch version occupies sixth place, with over 9,000 copies sold. Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain, which debuted on top of last week’s charts, is still in pole position, though with significantly lower sales, having moved almost 13,000 copies throughout the week.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is in at third place, with sales of over 11,000 units and just a few hundred units short of second place. Meanwhile, Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit, which debuted in second place last week, has fallen down to fourth place, selling over 9,000 units.

On the hardware front, the Nintendo Switch continues to be the highest selling console, but has seen a significant drop in sales. It moved over 40,000 units across the week, which is down notably from the 54,000 units it sold the previous week. Meanwhile, the PS4 has collectively sold over 11,000 units (Pro and base model combined), which is about as much as it sold last week as well.

You can get the full software and hardware charts below.

Software charts (followed by lifetime sales)

1. [PS4] Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain – 12,923 / 68,496
2. [PS4] Langrisser I & II – 11.902 / NEW 
3. [NSW] Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – 11,080 / 3,029,577
4. [NSW] Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit – 9,074 / 35,708
5. [NSW] Yoshi’s Crafted World – 9,061 / 100,733
6. [NSW] Langrisser I & II – 9,031 / NEW 
7. [NSW] Minecraft – 8,532 / 737,500
8. [NSW] Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission – 8,161 / 93,283 
9. [PS4] Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – 7,654 / 231,649
10. [NSW] New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – 7,299 / 575,844

Hardware charts (followed by last week’s sales)

Nintendo Switch – 40,338 (54,101)
PS4 – 6,702 (6,662)
PS4 Pro – 4,661 (5,131)
New 2DS LL – 2,600 (2,676)
New 3DS LL – 632 (664)
PS Vita – 571 (575)
Xbox One X – 44 (47)
Xbox One S – 39 (19)

[Via ResetEra]

Famitsu has released its weekly charts for video game software and hardware sales in Japan. During the week ending April 14th, D3 Publisher and Yuke’s recently-released Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain managed to take the pole position for a strong debut, selling over 55,000 copies.

Nintendo Labo VR – more specifically the Toy-Con 04 VR Kit – also had a pretty solid debut, taking the second spot with over 26,000 units sold. The recently released Nintendo Switch version of Final Fantasy 10 and 10-2 HD Remaster, meanwhile, takes the third spot, with nearly 17,000 copies sold.

Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission, which was the highest selling game last week, is in at number four with over 14,000 copies sold. Recent major releases Yoshi’s Crafted World and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice are still in the top 10, at fifth and seventh respectively.

On the hardware front, things are about what you’d expect, positioning-wise. The Switch is still the highest selling console for the week, but has seen a boost in sales, selling over 54,000 units as compared to 46,000 last week. Meanwhile, the PS4 has collectively sold over 11,000 units (Pro and base model sales combined), down from 13,000 last week.

You can check out the full software and hardware charts below.

Software charts (followed by lifetime sales)

1. [PS4] Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain – 55,573 / NEW
2. [NSW] Nintendo Labo VR Kit – 26,634 / NEW
3. [NSW] Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster – 16,839 / NEW
4. [NSW] Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission – 14,132 / 85,122
5. [NSW] Yoshi’s Crafted World – 13,197 / 91,672
6. [NSW] Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – 11,346 / 3,018,497
7. [PS4] Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – 11,034 / 223,995
8. [NSW] Minecraft – 9,123 / 728,968
9. [NSW] New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – 8,447 / 568,545
10. [NSW] Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – 7,834 / 2,254,250

Hardware charts (followed by last week’s sales)

Switch – 54,101 (46,850)
PS4 – 6,662 (8,347)
PS4 Pro – 5,131 (5,507)
New 2DS LL – 2,676 (3,469)
New 3DS LL – 664 (919)
PS Vita – 575 (482)
Xbox One X – 47 (60)
Xbox One S – 19 (33)

[via ResetEra]

Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain is developed by Japanese developer Yuke’s, which works on the WWE 2K series and previously developed the Pacific Rim video game. It’s the second game in the series that isn’t made by Sandlot, the first being the aforementioned Insect Armageddon, and as such doesn’t use any of the classic EDF assets, but still retains the series’ iconic horde of giant insects such as ants, spiders, and more.

"Iron Rain doesn’t use any of the classic EDF assets, but still retains the series’ iconic horde of giant insects such as ants, spiders, and more."

Iron Rain also sheds away the light and comical tone the series is known for and has replaced it with a more serious plot as well as an actual cast of named characters. This new installment is also the first in the series to introduce a completely customizable main character.

Iron Rain is set in an alternate North America and begins with the EDF (Earth Defense Force) finally fighting back against the alien invaders called the “Aggressors” and their giant flying Hivecraft. The battle culminates with most of the EDF’s forces being decimated by the Hivecraft and the player becoming the lone survivor and hero of the pivotal battle, successfully destroying the Hivecraft with the help of the EDF’s new Type-S PA Gear exosuit.

The game then jumps forward seven years as the player wakes up from his/her coma. Now wielding the last existing Type-S PA Gear, the player, who now goes by the codename Closer, joins Blast Team as they defend against the returning and rapidly growing threat of the Aggressors as well as the appearance of the Kindred Rebellion, a group of anti-EDF renegades that oppose many of the EDF’s policies.

While Iron Rain does present a more substantial plot than its predecessors, many of its elements are still pretty cliche, and most of the plot and character development is presented either through running dialogue within the missions or in between. Regardless, the relatively stronger plot and the addition of actual characters and character development made the experience significantly more engaging and immersive. Each of the characters felt fleshed out enough to be invested in them.

"While Iron Rain does present a more substantial plot than its predecessors, many of its elements are still pretty cliche, and most of the plot and character development is presented either through running dialogue within the missions or in between."

As previously mentioned, Iron Rain still keeps the same wave-based third-person shooter gameplay as its predecessors wherein players are placed in enclosed but large maps and fight off hordes of enemies. The game allows players to switch between the classic center-positioned third-person camera angle and the off-set over-the-shoulder camera angle

Players have access to four different PA Gear types that are unlocked at different points in the campaign including Trooper, Jet Lifter, Heavy Striker, and Prowl Rider. Each of the PA Gear types have their own set of special abilities that use the Energy Core meter. The player can also use the Overdrive ability to use special abilities without consuming energy while also being able to fire and reload weapons faster.

Character loadouts are limited to two weapons and each PA Gear can carry a limited amount of items. Like other EDF titles, Iron Rain features a large variety of weapons across several weapon types for players to unlock. But while many of the weapons are pretty balanced when it comes to their respective strengths and weaknesses, there are a few that feel like they were created just to pad the weapon count in the game.

Players also slowly gain access to a wide assortment of items they can equip and use during missions that range from recovery items and traps to turrets and vehicles. Apart from the weight limit of each PA Gear type, bringing items on missions also include a cost that will be deducted from the earnings after each mission. Unlocking weapons, items, and upgrading the player’s health all cost either money, gems, or both.

"While many of the weapons are pretty balanced when it comes to their respective strengths and weaknesses, there are a few that feel like they were created just to pad the weapon count in the game."

While Iron Rain retains the same ammo mechanic as its predecessors, wherein players have an unlimited pool of ammunition and can keep reloading their weapons indefinitely, there are certain weapons in the game that have an actual limited amount of ammo and cannot be reloaded or replenished within the mission. With the amount of enemies players have to deal with in missions, it’s good that this mechanic was kept intact.

As with previous EDF games, the Aggressors in Iron Rain come in two types: Giant Creatures and Ravagers. The former can range from giant insects to kaiju while the latter are different robotic weapons including mechs and giant spacecraft. The Kindred Rebellion also possess both mechs and giant creatures that are hostile to the player.

Unlike Earth Defense Force 5, which had over 100 missions, the campaign of Iron Rain has been trimmed down to a little over 50 missions. The decision to reduce the number of missions could have been made to help the game’s story progress better, given that this installment has a bigger emphasis on its plot. While some of the missions were definitely tedious and felt like filler, most of them were still engaging and progressed the plot rather well.

Sadly, while many of the gameplay elements were interesting and enjoyable, the game’s controls oftentimes just felt janky and sluggish. Going from sprinting to anything including shooting and even using some of the special abilities at times requires players to let go of the analog stick first, which is a caveat you no longer often see in modern shooters. Vehicle and mount movement was also unresponsive and the implementation felt archaic and tacked on.

"The decision to reduce the number of missions could have been made to help the game’s story progress better, given that this installment has a bigger emphasis on its plot. While some of the missions were definitely tedious and felt like filler, most of them were still engaging and progressed the plot rather well."

Thankfully, the visuals of Iron Rain have improved significantly over its predecessors, even over last year’s Earth Defense Force 5. While it doesn’t come to par with many modern AAA shooters, the series has never really put more importance on the fidelity of its visuals over making sure it ran smoothly in spite of the sheer number of elements presented during each mission. As such, any visual improvements are greatly appreciated and Iron Rain has done a great job balancing its graphical improvements and performance.

Overall, Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain is still a generally enjoyable experience and is taking strides that would be good for the series moving forward. In spite of its issues and its tendency to become tedious and repetitive, the game is riddled with a large number of fun moments. The inclusion of a more thought out plot along with the gameplay improvements its making give it a more engaging experience that could give the game more attention outside of its usual audience.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 4.

Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain, the newest entry in the long running third person action series, is close to release- but publisher D3 is warning that the game might be difficult to find at brick and mortar stores in Japan. As revealed via D3’s Twitter, the game has already seemingly sold out at many physical retailers in the country, with D3 encouraging people to buy the game from the digital PlayStation Store.

Whether or not this means the game is more popular than expected or due to a it being a smaller shipment is anyone’s guess, but the Earth Defense Force series has seen a slow increase in popularity in recent years, so maybe that’s worth thinking about.

The series revolves around the EDF as they fight against a variety of bug-alien monsters intent on destroying Earth’s human population. Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain is being developed by Yuke’s (known for the WWE games) and will release worldwide exclusively for the PlayStation 4 on April 11^th.

https://twitter.com/EDF_OFFICIAL/status/1115537835770015745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1115537835770015745&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwinfinite.net%2F2019%2F04%2Fearth-defense-force-iron-rain-shortages%2F

Shovel Knight: Showdown

Fancy a Smash Bros. style showdown? Shovel Knight: Showdown is a competitive multiplayer fighting game which features beloved characters like Shovel Knight, Shield Knight, Specter Knight and even the Enchantress battling it out across different game modes. Up to four players will clash to either collect gems or eliminate each other in melee combat. Story Mode is also included with different rivals, minigames and encounters for each character. Shovel Knight: Showdown will release on April 10th for all supported platforms (except Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita) and will be free for those who own Treasure Trove.

Mortal Kombat 11

Don’t call it a comeback. NetherRealm Studios’ Mortal Kombat 11 boasts a more methodical yet bloodier fighting system where the past and future collide. Take control of series’ favourites like Raiden, Scorpion, Noob Saibot and many more while making use of devastating Fatal Blows and gory Fatalities. With a gear system, a brand-new story and stunning visuals, Mortal Kombat 11 is looking to dominate the competition when it releases on April 23rd for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Days Gone

SIE Bend Studio makes no bones about the gameplay for Days Gone. As an open world action adventure in a land full of zombies, players control Deacon St. John as he fights to survive. Keep that motorcycle fueled, upgrade your favourite weapons and battle hordes of zombies across a perilous map full of open roads and dense forests. Deacon will have clear out infected nests and deal with mutated forms of wildlife when he’s not fending off attacks from human adversaries. Even if it does nothing new, Days Gone still promises a gripping post-apocalyptic adventure with a gorgeous world to explore. It’s out on April 26th for PS4.

Super Meat Boy Forever

Team Meat’s beloved platformer is back and features heaps of changes to the traditional formula. More of an auto-runner, Super Meat Boy Forever features plenty of jumping, punching, sliding and dying like its predecessor. Using random generation for its levels and allowing players to control both Meat Boy and Bandage Girl, Super Meat Boy Forever promises a challenging experience for fans. It releases next month for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC, iOS and Android.

World War Z

A co-operative zombie shooter with multiple classes, each with their own abilities and play-styles, that takes place in locations across the world. Sounds fairly typical but in keeping with its connection to the film, World War Z will see players swarmed by hundreds of zombies at once. No two scenarios will play out the same and there are PvP modes where the zombies can suddenly invade as well. It all looks mildly intriguing but we’re still curious how World War Z will play when it releases on April 16th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

Anno 1800

A return to the olden days of colonization and city-building, Anno 1800 takes place at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Players will construct elaborate cities with beautiful ornaments, introduce electricity to their citizens, maintain happiness (or suffer riots as a result) and manipulate the press when things aren’t going. Along with the sheer range of new and returning features like Blueprint Mode and Trade Routes, Anno 1800 will also feature a brand new session called The New World which players can explore and colonize. With several years worth of sequels to draw on, Anno 1800 should be the series’ best yet when it launches on April 16th for PC.

Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain

If you’ve played any of the Earth Defense Force titles, you know what to expect with Iron Rain. There are aliens. They must be shot over a number of missions. Rinse and repeat. Iron Rain includes four classes – the Trooper, Jet Lifter, Heavy Striker and Prowl Rider – each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. With a more serious tone, 50 campaign missions and co-op support for up to five players, Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain could be a good time-waster with its pick and play mechanics. It releases on April 11th for the PS4.

Imperator: Rome

Paradox Development Studio is at it again with another grand strategy title, this time focused on the Roman Empire’s creation. Much like its Europa Universalis series, Imperator: Rome is about nation-building and expanding one’s empire, incorporating different military tactics and trade practices while dealing with rebels and rival nations in the process. Even if it isn’t easy to get into, the era of treachery and war could be one that grand strategy fans will sink their teeth into for years to come. Imperator: Rome releases on April 25th for PC.

Fade to Silence

Developed by Black Forest Games, Fade to Silence is a survival title in a world overrun by ice. If that weren’t enough, you have various monstrosities roaming about, making life even tougher. Along with surviving and gathering resources, upgrading gear and battling against these monsters, players will have to deal with the frigid temperatures. Bringing on followers and building up one’s base to access better resources and gear is also a must. Though it’s currently in early access, Fade to Silence will release on April 30th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

Cuphead (Switch)

It seemed impossible but Studio MDHR’s tough-as-nails side-scrolling platformer Cuphead is coming to the Nintendo Switch. Releasing on April 18th, the lovingly animated title sees Cuphead and Mugman on a journey to reclaim their souls from The Devil. To do this, they’ll have to battle a range of difficult bosses with numerous phases and wacky attacks along with clearing some run and gun stages across Fleischer Studios-inspired worlds. Though it’s tough, Cuphead is still an excellent experience and a great addition to the Switch’s library.