Plants vs. Zombies HD for the iPad: Review

INTRODUCTION

Nerds around the world have lauded Plants vz. Zombies since its inception.

Since the game’s release back in 2009, I’ve never been able to understand its enormous popularity; it just didn’t make sense to me… plants and zombies in a video game? Clearly, I was a skeptic– a skeptic that wasn’t interested in ever playing a minute of this “silly” game.

But, when the iPad version seemingly climbed to the top of the App Store charts, I was intrigued to give the game a try.

Is Plants vs. Zombies really as phenomenal as people say? Could it be the best tower defense game ever?!… Keep reading to find the answers to these pressing questions in this TechTrackr.com review.

THOUGHTS

The Splash Welcome Screen

Plants vs. Zombies falls under the category of tower defense games, although this title really pushes the envelope of the entire genre.

The basic premise of the game is to defend your front yard, backyard, and eventually rooftop from the tens of zombies by planting botanical creatures that look like they should be in Little Shop of Horrors. Throughout the game, Zombies approach your house in rows– unfortunately, you only have a limited number of spaces to place your killer plants.

We won’t go into too much detail about specific plants and zombies but the majority of the characters are pretty eccentric (i.e. the Michael Jackson zombie).

The game features some pretty great graphics; I loved how the vivid colors looked on the iPad’s mammoth screen. Also, Popcap really expanded the gameplay functionality (in comparison with the iPhone version)– again, the screen real estate allowed them to make this welcomed change.

In comparison, the iPhone version feels kind of cramped

For $10, you’ll only get the iPad version (iPhone version sold separately) which is perhaps the only true flaw. Additionally, I must admit I was kind of pestered that in order to access Quick Play, I had to beat Adventure Mode first; when my friends asked to check the game out, I had to politely reject them… I was not about to let them screw up my serious progress.

THE GOOD

• Crisp graphics that really “pop”
• Survival modes and mini-games included (not an in-app purchase)
• Fun, even somewhat addictive, game

Check out the vivid graphics

THE AVERAGE/ “SO-SO”

• Price tag- $9.99 is kind of pricey
• “Harder levels” aren’t that much harder– it’s almost too easy at times

At times, the gameplay is too "casual"... You just set up your plants and leave it be

THE BAD

• No online gameplay
• Doesn’t come with an iPhone version– you have to pay an additional $2.99
• Quick Play mode is locked until you beat Adventure Mode

A friend can't enjoy the fun until you beat the game...

THE VERDICT

Rating:

I’ve come to a conclusion (for now at least): Plants vs. Zombies is the best (at least my favorite) game for the iPad. The entire experience  is completely and utterly unique– I truly look forward to playing the game each and every opportunity I get. From the eccentric music to the bizarre character lineup  (a.k.a. the zombies), you definitely won’t regret dropping $9.99 on this iPad app.

A quick caveat to those of you who already own the game for another platform (PC, Mac, iPhone): perhaps this “new” app doesn’t excite you too much… it’s understandable. Popcap didn’t really add anything new or make any drastic changes. But, if you’ve got a Hamilton ($10 bill– duh) laying around, check the game out. It really does look marvelous on the iPad.

VIDEO HANDS-ON Courtesy of PopCap

YOUR THOUGHTS

Do you have Plants vs. Zombies for the iPad? If you’re an iPad owner and don’t have it, did this review change your mind?

Maybe you’re an iPhone owner (so you have the $2.99 iPhone version) but the iPad version’s price tag’s a little to steep for ‘ya?

Regardless of your situation, we want to hear your thoughts on the review and the game itself–please share your thoughts in the comment box!