Fairy Tale Spotlight: The Air Raider (Earth Defense Force)

When I was first introduced to the Air Raider class of Earth Defense Force, I thought it might be broken. It certainly did not feel very well balanced. Most of his weapons did not work and he seemed to die pretty easily. I felt like I was playing the Ranger class but severely broken. I soon, however, found out what the problem was: The Air Raider is intended as a support class.

If one is to make good use out of an Air Raider, you really need to to be playing the game co-op. Here are a few reasons why. Aside from being able to use a rather disappointing limpet gun, most of what makes the Air Raider great is their ability to call in vehicles and air strikes. But they are not allowed to do any of those things until a certain number of enemies have been dispatched. So at the moment each battle begins... they are a bit useless.

The games will allow you to play them in single player, but you are forced to go in with a limpet gun and take on the forces with only that lousy thing until you get can enough support to bring out a vehicle or a single air strike. At the end of the day, it is a bit too much work for them. And shame on the Earth Defense Force for putting so much on him, in that case.

No, the Air Raider is at his best when paired with either a Ranger, a Wing Diver, a Fencer, or a combination of all three. While the others do their beast in killing monsters, the Air Raider will soon begin providing support. Soon there will be air strikes, missiles, and gun turrets showing up. Tanks, helicopters, and other exotic vehicles will soon become available for the other players (and the Air Raider) to use. Everything soon becomes a bit more interesting and fun as the battle progresses.

Not to be overlooked is another very queer ability of the Air Raider. They have the ability to create lock on points for missile launchers. And it is a bit more than that. They can make these points work more efficiently. Working in tandem with classes that support missile launchers, they can decrease the time the missiles take to lock on and also increase the distance they can get a lock. You'll soon find new and creative ways to help the other players out.

Armor-wise, the Air Raider kind of sucks, but don't worry. The other players can sometimes form a little bromance with their cute little Air Raider who gives them free things for killing monsters. It is very common for the other classes to be protective of the little Air Raiders. So if you get into trouble, just call out for help, and the other players in the game will often come to your rescue.

I totally enjoyed playing the Air Raider in co-op. I know support sounds boring, but I spent so much time in giant tanks, mech walkers, and bringing down hellfire from the sky itself to care. Hell, I could even direct a satellite laser where to fire! None of the other classes could do that. Who knew the smallest person on the battlefield had the powers of heaven in the palm of his hand? Freaking brilliant.

Thank you for reading my blog! Did you enjoy it? Either way, you can comment below, or you can email me at tkwadeauthor@gmail.com. You can also visit my website at www.tkwade.com. Check out my books! Thanks!