SUMMARY/STORY:
Released in 2014, this third-person shooter was developed by PopCap Games and published by EA (Electronic Arts). It’s rated for ages: everyone 10+. Based on the original mobile game, the plot imagines the Plants fending off the Zombies from taking over the world! The story changes depending on which game mode users are participating in.
ENGINE/GAMEPLAY:
Developed in just two years, this game feels slightly incomplete. PVZ isn’t really an innovator, but it’s more of a kid-friendly rebranding. One can imagine a sense of relief for parents, who don’t need to worry about blood, swearing, or mature content. The game also feels repetitive or falls flat because co-op ability is unavailable. With that being said, users can still invite their friends to join their public or private servers. However, please keep in mind that the game require on-line access.
As a third-person shooter, the game allows up to 24 players in a 12-on-12 battle as either Plants or Zombies. From there, users can pick between four different Plants and four different Zombies, as displayed on the case. Each Plant or Zombie has individual strengths and weaknesses. There is also a customization feature to either upgrade or personalize characters. An added bonus is that each Plant and Zombie has roughly ten alternate versions of the base character with different looks, abilities, and gear.
GRAPHICS:
There really isn’t much to expect from this game in the graphics department. Essentially, they’re solid for the time being, but don’t hold up quite as well as today.
GAME MODE(S):
This game is just built on game modes! Ten of these can be found under the ‘multiplayer’ tab while Garden Ops is almost a spin-off mode.
Team Vanquish – Teams compete to see who can get 50 kills before the other team. Revivals take a point away from the other team.
Classic Team Vanquish – it’s Team Vanquish without customization.
Gardens and Graveyards – The Zombies attempt to capture all of the Plants’ ‘Gardens’ by turning them into ‘Graveyards.’
Classic Gardens and Graveyards – it’s Gardens and Graveyards without customization.
Gnome Bomb – Plants and Zombies aim to blow up to three of their opponents’ bases.
Suburbination – Plants and Zombies strive to capture three different bases.
Taco Bandits – The Zombies try to kidnap three tacos from the Plants.
Welcome Mat – A beginner’s map that allows players to learn the ropes.
Vanquish Confirmed – think Team Vanquish — yet, to earn a point, players must pick up orbs.
Mixed Mode – A randomizer of any game mode (besides Garden Ops), with a limit up to 16 players in a single server.
Garden Ops – The Plants hold onto their base in 10 rounds against AI zombie opponents (limit of four players).
REVIEW:
This game is really in a class of its own. Unlike other games, such Halo or Star Wars: Battlefront, this game doesn’t have a main story or campaign mode to follow. Because of this, it’s easy to hop in and not need to be caught up on anything. Is this better than the sequel? No, not by a longshot, but there’s a certain magic to this game that’s hard to find amongst other kid-friendly, third-person shooters.
BONUS FEATURES:
N/A.
ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
