Earth Defense Force 5 details Air Raiders, vehicles

D3 Publisher has updated the official Japanese website for Earth Defense Force 5 with new screenshots and information about the game’s Air Raider Soldiers and variety of vehicles.

Get the details below.

■ Air Raiders

In recent years, urban warfare with terrorist groups has often occurred. However, in towns with limited visibility, effective aerial support could not be carried out in disorderly battle, and for every battle the casualties built up. Therefore, a specialist was necessary to accompany foot soldiers and effectively request aerial strikes at proper timing.

They’re called Air Raiders, and although foot soldiers, they have the authority to instruct the air force and gunners to attack. They work with attack aircraft and gunners from the front line, and annihilate enemies with the help of heavy-duty artillery. They may also request vehicle drops from transport aircraft.

As a Civilian that Joins the Battle

One of the protagonists, who will later become an Air Raider, is an excellent engineer who visited an Earth Defense Force base to repair a broken down vehicle. Other than having a license to operate heavy-duty vehicles, he seems to be an especially trusted character, as he is permitted to use the army radio communications even though he’s a civilian.

Bombing Plan 1A (aerial strike request)

Air Raiders can request an air strike from tactical bombers to attack from the sky. It is possible to designate the bomber’s entry location and entry direction, and the aerial strike is accurately performed at the designated location.

Evolution Point: It is now possible to designate an air strike area, so you no longer have to worry about a misfire.

Autocannon A (autocannon fire request)

Using a beacon injection device, Air Raiders can request an autocannon firing from the heavy-duty attack aircraft DE202 that circles the sky. The autocannon is fired accurately towards the landing position of the injected beacon.

Evolution Point: The time from request to strike has significantly reduce. The strike now occurs about one second after the request, and when a certain amount of time passes (15 seconds), another strike is possible.

Limpet Gun (bomb shooting device)

An adsorption bomb injection device. The injected bomb clings to the point that it hits and detonates when the explosion button is pressed. It adsorbs not only to enemies, but to all things and places, including ally soldiers, vehicles, buildings, and the earth itself.

Robot Bomb (self-propelled bomb)

A self-propelled bomb equipped with its own artificial intelligence. It moves towards the locked-on target. In using this, it is possible to bypass obstacles and attack enemies hiding in buildings and such. It explodes when it approaches the target. If by some possibility the target disappears from its location before the bomb reaches it (or when a certain period of time has passed), you can safely detonate and dispose of the bomb. In these cases, the explosion is small and does not damage its surroundings.

Evolution Point: Unlike the Roller Bomb from the previous game, the Robot Bomb is a lock-on type. It will bypass obstacles and head towards the enemy.

Stag Beetle

A beetle-shaped special bomb that flies autonomously. It flies forward and clings to the object it touches. With remote detonation, it can be detonated at any any time with the press of a button.

Evolution Point: The number of highest performing Stag Beetles installed has increased to 40. It is easier to handle and has become an excellent weapon.

■ Vehicles

Transport Aircraft Noble (unable to board)

A small transportation aircraft of the Earth Defense Force. When an Air Raider requests a vehicle, it flies the vehicle to the battlefield. The container with the vehicle is dropped accurately at the request point. While this vehicle doesn’t participate directly in battle, it is a reliable source of support.

Evolution Point: Previously, this was a helicopter-type transport aircraft, but now it is a jet engine-equipped transport aircraft, allowing it to travel at somewhat high speed.

Combat Frame Nyx A

A boarding-type, reinforced exoskeleton developed for use in urban warfare with terrorists. It wraps around and safeguards the soldier’s body. While protecting against dangers such as bombs, it can move in the same way as a human. It has thrusters equipped on its back, allowing the user to fly for a short period by holding down the jump button.

Th A Armament has a large gun called the “Revolver Canon” able to fire at rapid speed equipped to its right arm. A “Rocket Gun” is mounted to its left arm. Various firearms can be equipped, and it is possible to mount a heavy weapon to its left arm. Since it is possible to use several weapons properly depending on the situation, it can be useful in various situations.

Combat Frame Nyx Firefly

A boarding-type, reinforced exoskeleton developed for use in urban warfare with terrorists. It wraps around and safeguards the soldier’s body. While protecting against dangers such as bombs, it can move in the same way as a human. It has thrusters equipped on its back, allowing the user to fly for a short period by holding down the jump button.

It is an F Armament Combat Frame that specializes in close combat. It has a “Combat Burner” on its left arm, and “Shotguns” mounted on both shoulders. Although they exhibits tremendous power in close combat fighting, both weapons have a short range and are not suited for battles at long distance.

Caravan Rescue Vehicle

A rescue vehicle for the medcial treatment of soldiers. It was made for use on battlefields where shells are flying. The body of the vehicle is protected by thick armor. In addition to a driver, one to three people can enter the back treatment room. While in the treatment room, armor gradually recovers.

Evolution Point: The Caravan Rescue Vehicle has become a heavy-duty armored vehicle with increased defensive power. Its hill climbing ability has also increased thanks to its huge continuous track.

Heavy Duty Vehicle EMC

A large vehicle equipped with an integrated electric shock gun. Multiple electric shock guns generate several hundreds of electric shocks in the span of seconds to destroy the target. It has a short range and consumes an vast amount of electric power, but has the ability to destroy a building in seconds. However, because it is only an experimental weapon, the manufacturing cost for a single vehicle is said to be $100 million. Additionally, it is presumed to be useless in modern warfare. But in order to destroy the enemy’s hard armor, dozens of these vehicles were hurriedly constructed and deployed.

In the following screenshot, the vehicle is shown shooting its several electric shock guns at Erginus. It is gradually damaging the enemy’s hard armor, but the damage to the EMC itself is significant.

Earth Defense Force 5 is due out for PlayStation 4 this summer in Japan.

View the screenshots at the gallery.

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