GameSpot Score 8.5 great
Critic Score 8.9 26 reviews
User Score 89

 

The Good

* Clever array of plants and zombies
* Charming visuals and music
* Gentle learning curve
* Numerous enjoyable extras
* Low price point.

The Bad

* Takes a long time to reach challenging levels.

Plants and zombies aren't exactly what you'd call natural enemies, given the latter's single-minded hunger for brains and the former's complete lack thereof. Despite being brainless, plants apparently appreciate the hand that waters them, so when zombie hordes come to eat your brains, it's Plants vs. Zombies. To protect your own gray matter, you create defensive fortifications around your house by cultivating a wide variety of cute, combat-ready plants to handle the goofy varieties of zombie attackers. Plants vs. Zombies is solidly rooted in the tower defense genre, but it grows and branches in such a charming, accessible way that almost anyone can pick it up and have a lot of fun. The basic gameplay is pleasantly engaging, but it will take seasoned defenders a few hours before they can play legitimately challenging levels. Fortunately, Plants vs. Zombies rolls out new units and environments at a good pace, and the minigames, puzzles, and Survival mode offer some clever and challenging diversions. It's a delightful game that is both addictive and accessible, and you'll never look at your garden the same way again.