Console: iOS
Date Released: February 15, 2010
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2012
Reviewer: Jon
Pros
* Graphics are in HD and look great
* Humor is a perfect fit and helps to enhance replay value
* Plenty of enemy variety and unlockables keep the gameplay fresh
Cons
* I hate myself for not finding anything bad about this game
* If you like your iPad, keep this one under wraps because your friends will become easily addicted
Plants vs. Zombies, where do I start? I am sure a lot of you have already played this title, but maybe you missed the wagon like I did and just never tried it out. Perhaps you have played it, but not on the iPad. Regardless this is a fresh look at a stellar new franchise.
Like I stated before, I have never played Plants vs. Zombies on any platform. I must admit that while I had a lot of curiosity about the title, whenever I would look at screenshots or gameplay footage I just didn’t get it. I understood the concept, but I didn’t quite see what all the fuss was about. Luckily I put aside my first impressions and gave P vs Z a fair chance.
Presentation : A
Graphics / Animation / Sound
Everything about this title looks amazing. The art style is fairly basic, but every element holds a particular charm that never strays from the overall feel of the game. Graphics are crisp and entertaining to look at. There is a certain amount of humor that comes across in not only visuals, but sound as well. From the Disco Dancing Zombies, Moans for Brains and a Giant Potato that can slow down enemies I can’t help but laugh after elements like these are presented for the first time.
The music in P vs Z is actually very good. Composed by Laura Shigihara, the soundtrack consists of quite a few high quality pieces that provide a playful yet eerie Tim Burton-esque feel. The soundtrack is so good in fact, that it was released separately for purchase and is available here.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-1MX_gmgMM]
Single Player : A
Game mechanics / Length / difficulty
Plants vs Zombies could be classified as a tower defense game I suppose, but placing it under that mantle just simply doesn’t do it justice. PopCap Games have done an outstanding job with creating a unique and lovable title that simply never gets old.
Your main objective is to defend your house from wave after wave of unique zombies. The battlefield will consist of your front yard, back yard and even the roof of your house. Variables consist of things like pools, gravestones, and the staggering difference in gameplay between night and day. The Day/Night cycle can make a huge impact since you activate your plants using sunlight as a resource. How does this work you may ask? Simple, drops of sunshine float down from the top of the screen that you must collect by touch. This can be supplemented by planting sunflowers that slowly produce sunshine on their own.
Using this element you fend off the hordes of zombies using a variety of plants that all have different abilities. They can range from shooting projectiles, eating zombies at close range, or even exploding to take out a group of undead. One thing this game excels at is spreading out the introduction of new elements as you progress. Beating each wave unlocks the use of a new plant for your arsenal. There were countless times when I continued to play just to see what I would unlock next. Every new addition ranges from something extremely useful, to an item that is just fun to use.
The variety of these “weapons” come in handy since every few wave you are introduced to a new type of zombie. Things get interesting very quickly as Zombies in football gear, disco outfits, and even inner-tubes (to wade through the pool) will charge your way. Finding the right combination can be challenging since there are so many variables. The greatest strength of this game is that it never gets too difficult, or tiresome. I always found myself wanting to play longer and only stopped due to my own time limitations.
Multiplayer : F
Game mechanics / features / Online features
There isn’t any multiplayer modes in this version of the game. Various other platforms however include a few different modes like Co-op and Vs. While it never felt needed, I would love to see an update with these added features. But until then….
Replay Value : A
Lasting appeal / Bonus Content / DLC
Plants vs Zombies is no doubt something special. Very rarely do you see a game of this type do so many things right. For a very simple game, things never get repetitive and it always leaves you thirsty for more.
On top of the main adventure mode, there is an unlockable quick play option, survival mode, mini-games and a brand new Buttered Popcorn mode. There is even a viewable almanac that includes every type of plant and zombie you come across in case you need to brush up your facts between games. This game sits at a $6.99 price tag for the iPad version. While this may seem a tad pricey for a simple zombie game, there is a ton of content and if you ask me it’s worth every penny.
Overall : A
