'Earth's Dawn' review, latest news: battle lines drawn against alien invasion in new 2D action-RPG

"Earth's Dawn" is the latest 2D side-scrolling action-RPG to hit the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. However, enthusiasts who want compelling narratives to be incorporated into their games may not find this particular title satisfying.

"Earth Dawn" takes its player to a not-so-distant future wherein an all-consuming alien adversary, the E.B.E., is threatening to wipe out an entire civilization of humans. The only thing keeping the aliens at bay and humanity from total annihilation is a counterattack team known as A.N.T.I., which consists of technologically enhanced humans. It is an age-old narrative that Japanese game developer OneorEight has decided to put their own spin on.

But as WCCFTech noted, a compelling narrative only comes secondary to gameplay and setting when it comes to action-adventure games like "Earth Dawn." The news outlet also praised the game's mission design, which bears some similarities with "Mercenary Kings," in that many of the side missions involved hunting for either a specific collectible or foe. The game offers about a hundred different missions scattered over half a dozen areas in the game. The player's intended objective is always specified, making it easier to complete each mission at the shortest amount of time.

Gamespew also mentioned game progress for "Earth's Dawn" is set by a counteroffensive system that determines which main missions are available for the player at any given time. There is a timer that appears on the headquarters menu that counts down the hours before the next mission becomes available, during which time a player is free to choose what to do. Taking care of some free missions or preparing for the upcoming story mission are both ideal ways to spend the extra time.

Destructoid took note of the game's art style, which is easy on the eyes and can alone draw attention to the game. But the game suffers from a lack of variety in the enemies, which could easily bore a more discerning player.

"Earth's Dawn" is published by Rising Star Games for North America and is playable on the PS4 and Xbox One. Watch the official gameplay trailer below.