Did Plants vs. Zombies Win Game of the Year?
The short answer is: No, Plants vs. Zombies did not win Game of the Year in either 2009 or 2010, despite the existence of a “Game of the Year” edition. While the game garnered immense popularity and critical acclaim, the prestigious Game of the Year awards for those years went to other titles. In 2009, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves took home the honors, and in 2010, Red Dead Redemption claimed the title. It’s important to note that the “Game of the Year” label on the Plants vs. Zombies edition refers to a specific repackaging of the game with added features, not an actual award.
The Confusion Around “Game of the Year” Editions
Many games receive a “Game of the Year” edition following their initial release. This usually indicates a repackaging of the original game with additional content or bonus features. The Plants vs. Zombies Game of the Year Edition, released in July 2010, is a prime example of this. This edition did not signify that the game had won any major “Game of the Year” accolades, but rather provided an enhanced experience for players. This difference is crucial to understand, as it often leads to confusion.
What’s in the Plants vs. Zombies Game of the Year Edition?
The Game of the Year Edition of Plants vs. Zombies included several additions and changes:
- Achievements: It added 21 achievements (20 in the physical and non-Steam versions), with the achievement sound effect borrowed from Peggle, another popular game from PopCap.
- Zombatar Mode: This edition granted access to the Zombatar mode, allowing players to customize their own zombies.
- Minor Game Changes: Some small changes were implemented, most notably the patching out of a gold farming method in Level 4-10.
These additions enhanced the experience for many players, which certainly helped the Game of the Year edition achieve a Steambase Player Score of 98 / 100 with an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam.
The Legacy of Plants vs. Zombies
Even without a Game of the Year award, Plants vs. Zombies has carved out an enduring place in gaming history. Its original release for PC and Mac on May 5, 2009, marked the beginning of a phenomenon. The game’s blend of strategy, tower defense, and quirky humor resonated with a vast audience.
Why is PvZ so Popular?
Plants vs. Zombies stood out for several reasons:
- Accessible Gameplay: Its easy-to-learn mechanics made it appealing to casual and hardcore gamers alike.
- Charming Aesthetics: The hand-drawn art style and whimsical characters created a unique and memorable experience.
- Addictive Nature: The progression system and varied challenges kept players engaged for hours.
- Diverse Platforms: The game’s availability on multiple platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile) helped it reach a broad audience.
The first Plants vs. Zombies game, for many, still represents the pinnacle of the franchise, even compared to the subsequent titles, such as Plants vs. Zombies 2. This is due to its balanced gameplay, appealing graphics, the fun mini-games, the classic art style, and a focus on a relaxed pace that many feel was lost in later installments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was Plants vs. Zombies originally released?
Plants vs. Zombies was officially released on May 5, 2009, for PC and Mac. A physical version was released on August 18, 2009.
2. What is the difference between the original version and the Game of the Year Edition?
The Game of the Year Edition, released in July 2010, included 21 achievements (20 in some versions), access to Zombatar mode, and minor game tweaks, notably patching out the level 4-10 gold farming exploit.
3. Is the Game of the Year Edition of Plants vs. Zombies worth it?
Yes, the Game of the Year Edition is highly regarded by players, as evidenced by its “Overwhelmingly Positive” Steam rating of 98/100 based on over 113,000 reviews.
4. How many levels are there in Plants vs. Zombies GOTY edition?
The game contains 50 Adventure mode levels that take place through the day, night, fog, in the pool, and on the roof, in addition to other modes like mini games, puzzle, survival and the zen garden.
5. Is there an endless mode in Plants vs. Zombies?
Yes, there is a Survival: Endless mode where the player tries to hold off endless zombie hordes for as long as possible. The only way it ends is if the player’s brains get eaten or they reset the game.
6. Which Plants vs Zombies game is considered the best by fans?
Many consider the original Plants vs. Zombies, released in 2009, as the best in the franchise, citing its paced gameplay, aesthetics, and charm.
7. Is Plants vs. Zombies 2 better than the original?
While Plants vs. Zombies 2 introduces more plants and levels, many players prefer the original for its relaxed gameplay, classic art style, in-game achievements, and overall balance. Some consider PvZ2 to be faster-paced and have more pay-to-win aspects.
8. How many times can you replay Plants vs. Zombies?
You can replay Adventure mode as many times as you like after completing it once, using previously acquired plants.
9. What is the oldest version of Plants vs. Zombies?
The original version released on May 5, 2009, is the oldest, originally made available via Steam for Microsoft Windows and macOS.
10. Why was content removed from Plants vs. Zombies 2?
Content, including extra levels, were removed from PvZ2 probably to save space but it is often brought back as 100-gem quests.
11. What is the toughest plant in Plants vs. Zombies?
While opinions vary, popular contenders for the toughest plants include the Winter Melon and Gloom-shroom. Others may say Torchwood or Repeater due to their damage output when in synergy.
12. What are the best plants in PvZ 1?
According to some sources, some of the most effective plants in PvZ 1 are Sunflower for resource generation, Gloom-shroom for area damage, and Cattail for high damage output and balloon popping.
13. Is Plants vs. Zombies 3 free to play?
Yes, Plants vs. Zombies 3 is free to play and will feature microtransactions.
14. Why is Plants vs. Zombies not free now?
After EA acquired PopCap Games, they shifted the focus towards microtransactions in Plants vs. Zombies 2, moving away from the original’s one-time purchase model.
15. What is the strongest zombie in Plants vs. Zombies?
The Giga-gargantuar is considered the second-strongest zombie in the game, just behind Dr. Zomboss.
In conclusion, while Plants vs. Zombies is a beloved game, it never won the prestigious Game of the Year award. However, the Game of the Year Edition is a testament to the game’s popularity and staying power, offering players an enhanced experience with added features. Its impact on gaming remains undeniable, and it is still fondly remembered and played by many worldwide.