D3 Publisher has released new information and screenshots of Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain introducing the mega-giant creature Raznid, the eight-player online Mercenary Mode, and other new enemies.

Get the details below.

■ Huge Insects That Multiply

Green Bomb Beetle

A giant creature thought to be a subspecies of the Bomb Beetle. Its mirror-like iridescent armor refracts light, halving damage dealt by optical weapons. Its visually striking exoskeleton is traded on the black market as a luxury item.

■ Sentitrons

Scourger Beast

It could be said that the Scourgers released to the world from the beginning of the war are threat to humanity indeed. However, for the current Earth Defense Force which is well strengthened by mobility and fire power due to the appearance of the new PA Gear, they are not as much a threat as once since they are already well analyzed and therefore considered easy to defeat. But unbelievable new fact has been found. Scourgers were thought to be slow bipedal weapons in the purpose of invading and destroying cities, but they were confirmed to have a secondary battle form.

Scourger Beasts transform themselves into quadrupedal walking type instantaneously and not only their appearance, but their mobility has greatly increased and there is no sign left of the slow bipedal walking type once they transform. Although the output of the beam gun which was on their chest is now restricted, it curves and lifts like a sickle to make an accurate sniper, and at times, they attack by jumping greatly in the air. Even though not using this function until today is a big mystery, because Scourgers are normally very slow and from their nature of stopping when there are no enemies around, they are originally thought to be weapons that can withstand long-term warfare. Because of the fact that the fighting power of the Scourgers relatively dropped as Earth Defense Force also introduced new PA Gears and weapons, Scourgers too seemed to stop preserving fighting power and exercised its true power. Anyway, it is no exaggeration to say that they have transformed themselves into a terrible wild beast weapons which are specialized for counterattack infantry.

■ Mysterious Pillar Discovered

Unbreakable. Un-attackable. What exactly is this mysterious pillar!?

Pillar

A mysterious “Pillar” object that has suddenly appeared in various areas around the world. While thought to be an Aggressor weapon, Pillars never initiate an attack. However, when the Earth Defense Force attempted to destroy one, the Pillar’s defense mechanism responded by releasing a precise electrical attack that obliterated the attacking team. Also, because no Earth Defense Force weapons have made even a scratch on a Pillar’s surface, they are believed to have an extremely durable exterior, or to possess a protective shield.

—Yeah, I’d say this tower or pillar is strange indeed. But since it’s not attacking me, it wouldn’t be so dangerous if I get closer to it.

—Since the gigantic creatures are around, it may be dangerous though. But as an Earth Defense Force mobile soldier, I must start attacking.

—What? It seems like the shape changed a bit, but did I really destroy it!?

—Hey, if that’s not enough, eat this rocket launcher too!

—Boom!! But it doesn’t look like an explosion…

While still largely a mystery, they emit a very intense heat, and are thought to store immense amounts of energy inside. Many giant creatures and ravagers gather around them, perhaps seeking this energy, reating a place of social interaction for the Aggressors. The Earth Defense Force continue to carry out missions to exterminate the enemies gathered around these Pillars, and while it is unknown if these missions are effective, there are some that question this strategy.

—…Oh, a lightning strike!

Pillars will not move unless they are attacked, but the number of them continues to increase. Eventually, they even appeared in downtown area. So, what are these silent and mysterious pillars…? What are the invaders trying to do?

■ The Ultimate Weapon Appears

The ultimate biological weapon sent by the Aggressors. An unprecedented ultra humongous creature appears. At last the world ends!?

A Desperate Sight

Even the smallest of hope has been crumbled.

Raznid (designed by Ryu Oyama)

An enigmatic mega-giant creature summoned by the Hivecraft. The total height is about 310 meters, and the total length reaches about 1000 meters including the tail. With its sharp claws and fangs, it may look like a wild animal; but, with its rock-like exterior, 6 legs, and elongated spinal tail, this grotesque being bears no resemblance no any organism on Earth. The massive projections from its shoulders instill fear in anyone that gazes upon them.

Hive Crafts which seem to have invaded various planets one after another. They seem to gather the genes of the invaded planet’s creatures and make themselves weaponized like Sideros and Beizal. No one knows where this Raznid came from, but Aggressors who were concerned about the progress of the Earth invasion may have thrown this creature as a final and ultimate weapon. If so, Raznid may have been transferred from the home planet of the Aggressor or a place near by.

Finally, the Aggressors have thrown their last card. Raznid, beyond the wisdom of mankind, does not accept any attack by the Earth Defense Force. Can humanity and the Earth Defense Force eliminate this unprecedented threat? Or will little hope just crumble down?

■ Online Versus Mode “Mercenary”

A resources competition of the Earth Defense Force and Kindred Rebellion. A hot, aggressive, and fun mode to play. Up to eight players can play at the same time. Humanity, fight against each other.

Mercenary Mode

In addition to online co-op mode, Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain supports online versus mode which competes for energy gem divided into two teams. The rule is very simple. Join either team: Team Earth Defense Force or Team Kindred Rebellion, collect energy gems by defeating the Aggressors, and deliver them to the yellow recover drones. The team gathering more energy gems within the time limit wins. Also, the team which made ahead of 3 Waves wins.

—Collect Gems by defeating enemies!

—Deliver to the yellow recover drones.

—Team Earth Defense Force gets points!

—No worries, when dead, power yourself up with a respawn bonus.

—Strengthen your weapons with the green drones!