Plants vs. Zombies

Popular programs in Strategy

What is Plants vs. Zombies

Popcap Games has created award-winning, addictive games like Bejeweled and Peggle since it came onto the gaming scene in 2000. For those that love tower defense games, Plants vs. Zombies is a fresh take on a classic genre of the game. It was nominated for a few Interactive Achievement Awards.

Gameplay

At the beginning of the game, the player is faced with a blank lawn sectioned into small squares, which are part of longer rows. Each square can accommodate one plant. Each plant costs a certain amount of currency. The currency in Plants vs. Zombies is sunlight. Dots of sunshine fall from the sky randomly, but planting sunflowers will increase sun production. Each dot must be clicked to add it to the bank.

At the end of the rows, Crazy Dave's house must be protected. He has lawnmowers at the end of each row as a last ditch effort at protection. If a zombie makes it to the lawnmower, Crazy Dave releases the mower, which takes out the entire row, including the zombies. The player must replant plants to protect the row. If zombies make it past the unprotected row, they will eat Dave's brains.

Plants

Plants vs. Zombies include a variety of plants. The sunflowers do not do any damage, so the player must build enough of a bankroll to purchase plants that can destroy the hordes of zombies. The player starts with sunflowers and peashooters, but as the game progresses, more plants become available. Some of the plants include beetboxer, blover, bok choy and spikeweed with their individual defensive or offensive capabilities.

Frantic

As the game progresses, the pace and the health of the zombies increase. The player must balance sun production, planting the right defense and using bombs on higher level zombies. At some point in the game, the zombies are seemingly overwhelming. They can destroy plants, which must be immediately replaced while trying to keep up with sun production since that fuels the supply of plants.

Mini-Games

In adventure mode, mini-games will be available for the player and feature zombie versions of other PopCap games like Bejeweled and Insaniquarium. These mini-games open as the player progresses through levels.

Cartoon Graphics

The cartoon-like graphics are cute and delightful while not being overdone. The zombies are not disgusting, so it can be played by younger teens. At times, the zombies are very funny. Some zombies arrive wearing traffic cones on their heads, screen doors stuck to the front of them or other wacky details that will make the player smile.

Pros

The easy start to the game eases the player into the concept and allows the player to appreciate the detail that went into the pleasing graphics.

The music is not annoying.

Crazy Dave has funny lines that keep the player smiling throughout.

Cons

Some players might find the beginning gameplay too easy.

The graphics are not gory, which might be unappealing to some players.