Plants vs. Zombies [PC Review]

Posted June 27, 2009 by JGifford.

Reviewed on the PC

Tower defense games are not typically known for their depth or originality. Desktop Tower Defense is a simple game with few options and little variety while Warcraft 3 tower defense maps are simple mods that use the engine and art assets of another game. PopCap Games has deviated from those precedents with their latest offering, Plants vs. Zombies.

The idea is that the player must protect their lawn from hordes of attacking zombies by planting different forms of vegetation that will attack, eat,  slow, or deflect the undead. Though things start simple, with regular zombies encroaching upon the front yard, it quickly gets more interesting and challenging as each level introduces new plants, zombies and game dynamics.

Crazy Dave, the self proclaimed crazy next door neighbor, will be there every step of the way giving you guidance, counsel, and random gibberish. He is just one example of an ever present sense of humor that will keep players smiling through the whole game.

Things progress quickly from what so many other versions of tower defense offer: a simple landscape that is the same from level to level. When zombies don floaties or ride dolphins to attack from the pool, aquatic plants and lily pads enter your arsenal to provide some defense. When night falls and the sunshine used to grow plants is no longer readily available, fungi will instead be responsible for destroying the undead. With options like the exploding Cherry Bomb, the zombie eating Chomper, the allegiance changing Hypno-Shroom, and the protection stealing Magnet-Shroom, there is no shortage of choices for how to deal with the attacking hordes.

While there is a vast number of plants at your disposal, which would seem to spell doom for any who dare come to your house in search of tasty, tasty brains, the zombies have some tricks of their own. This means more than gaining hit points or the ability to fly, however. Zombies will plant ladders to climb over obstacles, drop from the sky to pluck troublesome plants from the ground, and summon backup dancers that attack to the tune of Michael Jackson’s Thriller in their quest for sustenance. This assortment of zombies and plants is quite impressive when compared with other tower defense games.

Throughout the course of the adventure mode, many goodies, like money,  new game modes and menu options, drop from the defeated undead. Money is used at Crazy Dave’s shop to buy new plants, a bigger seed bag, or items for use in the game. The game types that drop are what really allow the inventiveness and diversity of the game to take off however, with about 20 different twists on the rules. While it is obvious that several of these do not have enough meat in them for an entire game made up of that mode to be interesting, it would be nice if some had more than one level.

The music and sound effects complement the art style and personality of each plant and enemy well. The simple tune playing over the springy sound of zombie pole vaulters and the gurgling of zombie snorkelers adds to the attitude and environment of the game perfectly. While there is nothing quite as exhilarating as the ‘Ode to Joy’ moment in Peggle, the Zen Garden provides an interactive space that will leave you as calm as that did elated.

It is truly surprising how much depth and breadth can be found in Plants vs. Zombies. By the end of the game, there will be so many zombie types and so many plants necessary to counter them that it is almost like playing a game of chess where you need to plan for an opponent’s inevitable move. Despite its status as a casual game company, traditional gamers will also find enjoyment in this release from PopCap Games. With interesting relationships between the towers and enemies, so much personality in each zombie and plant, as well as a great sense of humor, it’s hard to think of a gamer that won’t find it worthwhile.

Tagged as Plants, Plants vs. Zombies, PopCap, PopCap Games, Zombies