TechRadar Verdict
Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is considered the definitive version of the original game, integrating content from the 2009 PC release with additions from console and mobile platforms. While some artistic adjustments might not appeal to all players and initial launch bugs required attention, it remains a seminal tower defense and puzzle game that is highly recommended today.
-
Fantastic, creative tower defense action
-
Plenty of charm and humor
-
All the PvZ content in one package
-
Art style might not appeal to purists
-
Some bugs and inconsistent experience at launch
While many older games are receiving reboots, the 2009 Plants vs. Zombies was not widely anticipated for a refresh. In its original form, it is a fantastic puzzle-meets-tower-defense game where sentient, weaponized plants protect a suburban house’s unseen dweller (the player) against an expanding variety of zombies. With cartoon-like visuals and a simple presentation, the original PvZ already offered a complete experience, also performing very well on mobile devices.
However, Plants vs Zombies: Replanted was released, prompting an evaluation of its enduring appeal with updated visuals.
The updated visuals in PvZ: Replanted benefit from higher resolutions and HD textures, resulting in a cleaner and sleeker appearance compared to the 2009 version. However, this visual upgrade may diminish some of the original’s charm and art direction, as the distinct lines and shadows that defined lower-resolution assets appear somewhat softened with the HD treatment. This can lead to graphics that feel both more and less refined in different areas, with minor inconsistencies observed between plant seed packets and their in-game appearance.
Menu design also reflects a blend of elements from various game versions over the years. While generally functional, these menus sometimes feel slightly disjointed, potentially due to combining too many features compared to the simpler original PC release.
Initial reports indicated a lack of precise refinement, with various bugs and glitches appearing upon Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted‘s launch. While minor issues like asset placement were noted, subsequent patches have addressed many of these problems, demonstrating PopCap’s commitment to improvements.
Despite the art style changes, in motion PvZ: Replanted offers a fantastic visual experience. The animated ‘peashooters’ – cute sentient pea plants that fire peas – synchronized with the game’s cheerful and catchy music, contribute to its endearing appeal. The extensive creativity evident in the diverse array of plants available to the player is also a highlight.
Plants are unlocked as players progress through levels, which begin on front and back lawns and gradually increase in complexity. These plants encompass offensive, defensive, support, and augmenting types, each featuring unique designs that showcase the creative and unconventional ideas prevalent among smaller developers in the 2000s.
Similarly, the zombies evolve from their initial Shaun of the Dead-inspired shambling to various fun and challenging forms. PopCap’s humor is evident not only in the designs but also in a virtual almanac that provides witty and quirky descriptions of each plant and zombie’s personality.
Tower defence with brains
Plants vs. Zombies remains highly enjoyable. The concept of defending a suburban home from a zombie invasion is both amusing and surprisingly deep.
Players familiar with PvZ on various platforms are adept at establishing effective defensive patterns using projectile plants, supported by protective nut plants, and funded by strategically placed sunflowers. Sunlight serves as the primary currency in PvZ battles, essential for deploying chosen plants.
This core gameplay largely mirrors the original, including occasional difficulty spikes within an otherwise balanced progression, a characteristic also present in the initial release.
Experienced players may appreciate these challenges, along with levels that introduce variations, such as receiving random plants on a conveyor belt instead of pre-selection. This adds an element of unpredictability, though randomization may not always favor the player.
Minor additions, such as the option to speed up gameplay, can increase the challenge or accelerate slower segments where defenses are established and sunlight economy is stable. Conversely, the cheerful music and overall pleasant atmosphere of Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted create an enjoyable experience that discourages rushing.
The core appeal of Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is its comprehensive integration of content from various PvZ versions. This includes co-op and versus multiplayer modes from console releases, the original game’s plant garden feature, and a wide array of mini-games.
These mini-games are a highlight; for instance, one mode provides increased sunlight drops, enabling a boosted economy and greater flexibility to experiment with expensive plant combinations not typically viable in the standard game.
Another mode features cloud cover, which can diminish sunflower output or render them inactive. This requires players to adapt their economy or utilize plants that do not rely on direct sunlight for production, presenting an enjoyable challenge for PvZ veterans.
A quirky, creative take on defending against a zombie apocalypse combined with some fun mechanics, means the core Plants vs Zombies experience still impresses today.
These diverse modes and mini-games offer significant replayability beyond the main adventure. While some stand out more than others, they collectively make Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted an excellent game for casual play, performing well even on a Steam Deck.
The core adventure mode remains a standout feature, praised for its charm, distinctive style, creative elements, and balanced progression of enemies and plant abilities.
Some might wish PopCap had introduced more fresh nuances to the adventure mode to re-engage seasoned players, perhaps alongside further visual refinements.
Despite this, Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted stands as the definitive edition of a unique game that has captivated many players. Even without nostalgia, it is a fantastic puzzle and tower defense title highly recommended for play today.
