Plants vs. Zombies
After having just completed Plants vs Zombies on my iPod touch, I have to take a step back and wonder just what has kept me playing this game to completion (and beyond) on three different platforms. And, with the recent announcement of the DS version to be released early next year, what is still exciting me about the prospect of getting a copy and playing my way through it all over again.
Plants vs Zombies is not like any other desktop tower defence game - or at least any that I have played. PvZ is by no means an easy game to play, but at the same time the traditional rules of desktop tower defence games don’t seem to apply. For starters, the zombies only ever attack from one direction, and only change which direction (or lane if you want) by using an item that you dictate.
The brilliance of PvZ comes in the form of constant reward - after every single level you are rewarded with another tool to which you can help the zombies make their demise… again. This is source of the addictiveness behind the game and the “just-one-more-go” scenario renders you wondering what you’ve done with yourself all evening.
PopCap add a certain polish to their games I can only liken with Nintendo. This is apparent in how well the game and its items are balanced. Every plant or item you get is a sensible addition to your arsenal which means that while you have to play strategically, there’s also an element of exploration involved. The learning curve is shallow, and the narrative (a one Crazy Dave, who surprisingly is crazy in a laugh-out-loud kinda way) is superb and fits the game very well.
I found the best version that I’ve played so far to be the XBLA version - and this is because the HD TV I have makes it look the best. Also there is additional multiplayer that isn’t in other versions, but PvZ really doesn’t need it.
Overall: I absolutely love PvZ and everything about it. I would get this game if you’ve ever played a PopCap game before (Peggle, Bejewelled) or if you need to satisfy your addictive personality with something completely and utterly satisfying.
