Mini-Review: Plants Vs. Zombies

For those who love gardening and are interested in the Zombie Apocalypse

So as I was looking for a break from the free-roaming mayhem of Infamous and Red Faction: Guerrilla (which I’ll post my thoughts on next week when I’ve played some more of the multiplayer) I remembered that Popcap games (makers of insanely popular games such as Bejeweled and Peggle) had released a new tower defense game (well, they termed it a “Flower-Defense” Game) that I had been dying to get my hands on.

The game I’m talking about is Plants Vs. Zombies which is an interesting little combination of puzzle game and tower defense that offers loads of quirky characters and dialogue (the Michael Jackson zombie is, by far, my favorite thing to kill and see on the screen at the same time) as well as delivering an amazing experience for the price ($20 through Popcap for the PC and Mac systems, but oddly enough only $10 on Steam as of writing this article). Throughout the game you’ll go through different “house” locations (front yard, backyard, rooftop) and will plant different flowers,nuts, and fruits that will help save your precious lawnmowers (and yourself) from the zombie horde.

The game, surprisingly enough, offers a ton of different ways to play with the regular story mode (that boasts 50 levels) and then a ton of mini-games that will keep your interest once you do complete the story. On that note, don’t go into the game expecting an epic tale of zombies versus plants, it is still your typical tower defense game with a purpose and very little more ( which is perfectly fine because most people go into these games expecting entertainment and challenge over some great story line).

The style and characters presented within the game will give it a memorable flair throughout your playing. The second you meet your neighbor, Crazy Dave,  you’re going to quickly remember him and enjoy every second you get to see of him. Beyond that, the zombies all come off as interesting and unique enemy types that will sometimes leave you scrambling when there is a huge wave of them and the little notes they leave you at times are amusing in a “we’re coming eat your brains” sort of way (yeah, I’m sticking with that thought).

This is the first game of Popcap’s that I actually feel confident in recommending on this website. While Bejeweled and Peggle are interesting asides they are definitely something I haven’t gone beyond playing the free online versions of. Plants Vs. Zombies is something I strongly recommend buying but if you’re still wary you can, as per the usual with Popcap Games, play a demo of it before making your final decision and laying down the cash.