The Mystery of Vanished Levels: Why Did PvZ2 Remove Extra Stages?

The statement “They have been removed from the game, probably to save space but come back as 100 gem quests” hints at a core reason behind the removal of extra levels in Plants vs. Zombies 2 (PvZ2). While not explicitly stated by PopCap, the primary driver for streamlining the game’s level structure was likely to optimize game performance and reduce the game’s file size. The added complexity of more worlds, plants, and zombies in PvZ2 meant that the game was becoming increasingly demanding on mobile devices. To maintain a smooth and accessible experience for all players, especially those on older devices, some content, specifically those early ‘secret’ levels, had to be sacrificed. These extra levels that appeared between worlds were not part of the main story, so they became the primary candidate for removal to preserve the core gameplay experience.

By repackaging these removed levels as 100-gem quests, PopCap likely sought to provide an alternative way for players to experience that content while simultaneously monetizing it. It’s a common practice in mobile gaming to reintroduce removed or archived content as premium or limited-time events, allowing developers to continue to generate revenue and keep the game fresh for engaged players. Therefore, the removal of extra levels was a pragmatic decision that addressed both technical challenges and business considerations.

Optimization and Space Savings

The evolution of Plants vs. Zombies from the original to the sequel introduced significant enhancements. The introduction of multiple worlds, each with unique mechanics and visual styles, meant a considerable increase in the overall storage space required for the game. Early versions of PvZ2 had a more liberal structure with those ‘secret’ levels appearing between normal levels, usually after every 5 or 6 level in some of the Beta versions. However, to streamline the game and allow more users access to a smoothly running app, these extra levels were eventually cut.

By removing these extra, optional levels, the game’s file size could be reduced. This is critical for a mobile game, especially as older devices have limited storage capacity. A smaller file size also results in faster download and installation times, improving the overall user experience. It’s also likely that some of these secret level stages were not as finely balanced as regular stages, so removing them created an opportunity to offer a smoother and more polished core game.

Reintroduction as Gem Quests

The repurposed levels were not simply deleted but transformed into 100-gem quests. This allows players to re-experience some of this content if they choose to spend resources or save up. This system serves a few purposes:

• Monetization: Gem quests represent a potential revenue stream for the developers, as players can purchase gems with real money.
• Content Availability: By moving the removed levels behind a premium currency wall, the game is able to control when and how players access them.
• Content Preservation: It ensures that the work done on these stages isn’t entirely lost.

This approach means that while the levels may no longer be part of the core game progression, they remain available for dedicated players who are willing to spend gems to play them.

Streamlined Gameplay

Beyond pure storage limitations, the removal of extra levels also contributes to a more streamlined gameplay experience. The primary aim of a game developer is to ensure that most players are having a good time, and too many levels between progression points could lead to player burnout and a more confusing sense of progress. By focusing the game on a main sequence of levels and world progression, the gameplay is more focused, allowing players to understand what to expect.

The initial concept for PvZ2 had a lot of interesting and varied concepts, such as the old idea of the ‘secret realms’. Ultimately this became more of a focus for the Chinese edition of the game. By streamlining the standard edition, the developer likely aimed to make the experience more accessible and engaging for the average user. The focus on gem quests for added content ensured players who wanted that extra challenge could seek it out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Plants vs. Zombies 2 to help you better understand the game.

What is the Useless Plant in PvZ2?

Many players consider the Chomper to be one of the worst plants in the game. It’s expensive, often eats the wrong zombies, and is relatively useless without wall plants.

What is the Maximum Level of Plants in PvZ2?

Plants in PvZ2 can reach a maximum Mastery level of M200. The lightning bolt icon turns into a star once a plant reaches Mastery.

What are Secret Levels in PvZ2?

Secret levels were difficult, additional levels that appeared after certain stages in a world and appeared after the 1st and 6th normal level in some beta versions. However, these extra levels were eventually removed and reintroduced as Gem quests.

What is the Hardest Zombie to Beat in PvZ2?

Many consider the Octo Zombie to be one of the toughest, with its unique octopus-throwing ability.

What is the Slowest Zombie in PvZ2?

“Creeper” zombies are the slowest in Plants vs. Zombies 2.

How Do You Beat Giga Gargantuar?

A combination of Puff-shrooms and Imitater Puff-shrooms can essentially immobilize a Giga-Gargantuar by slowing him to a crawl.

How to Cheat in Plants vs. Zombies?

The original PvZ had various cheat codes, such as:

• future: Futuristic sunglasses for zombies.
• mustache: Zombies with mustaches.
• pinata: A shower of candy when a zombie dies.
• trickedout: Alternate Lawn Mower appearance.
• sukhbir: Toggles the zombie’s call for brains sound.

In PvZ2, cheat codes must be entered via the tree’s special flower with a question mark.

What Does the Ghost Do in PvZ2?

The Ghost Pepper attacks by haunting all zombies in its lane, dealing continuous damage, and it will explode after 30 seconds to do damage to all nearby zombies.

What is the Secret Realm in PvZ2?

The Secret Realm is a unique game mode in the Chinese version of PvZ2, offering themed worlds that are separate from the standard story campaign.

Is PvZ2 Better Than 1?

Many believe that PvZ2 is better than the original because it introduces new mechanics, plants, levels, bosses, and PvP. It is also a faster-paced experience.

Is There Endless in PvZ2?

Yes, each world in PvZ2 has an Endless Zone, unlocked by completing a specific level in that world.

What is the Best Damage Plant in PvZ2?

Blover is arguably one of the most powerful plants in PvZ2 because it instantly kills any plant knocked back or off the ground when it is planted.

What Plants Shoot Backwards in PvZ2?

Split Pea is the only plant that can shoot both forward and backwards.

What Plants Are Not in PvZ?

Notable plants missing from the first PvZ include Scaredy-shroom, Chomper, Shamrockstar, Pumpkin, Aspearagus, and Umbrella Leaf.

What Does Nightcap Do in PvZ2?

Nightcap is a premium plant that shoots piercing poisonous stars in a four-tile area ahead of her.