Earth Defense Force

Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon

Released on Console and Steam

Earth Defense Force is a third-person action shooter featuring single-player and co-op modes. While enormous waves of giant insects continue to batter the player with more devastating waves, the player is challenged to select new weapons while creating a strategy to defeat the enemy.

Early sketch of an island city. In this example, I am thinking about how to represent points of interest in the cityscape.

Early sketch for a level layout exploring avenue vistas with monument buildings at POIs to help the player navigate.

The greatest challenge we faced was many destructible buildings and objects. To manage the drawing load, I suggested changes in elevation, allowing sections of the open city map to have portals, hiding, and showing content when needed. Rivers, parks, avenues, and highways were all used to help in this effort. These features also helped organize the space and guide the player through the scenario, creating outdoor rooms and visual monuments for orientation. My responsibilities included

  • Primary scenario and level design on two levels
  • Gray level construction in 3D Studio and the engine
  • Setup of all level content from art and game programming in engine
  • Scripting of level and mission events
  • Final encounter design, construction, and revision.
  • Cinematic building including VO and audio placement
  • Testing