Is Plants vs. Zombies 2 a Prequel? Unraveling the Timeline
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No, Plants vs. Zombies 2 (PvZ2) is not a prequel. It is a direct sequel to the original Plants vs. Zombies (PvZ1). The game continues the story, sending players through different time periods in an effort to stop the zombies from conquering the world. It does not precede the events of PvZ1; it follows them. The main premise involves time travel, which allows the game to explore various eras, but it is firmly established as a continuation of the narrative set up in the first game.
Understanding the PvZ Timeline
The core concept that can lead to confusion is PvZ2’s time travel mechanic. It sees the player battling zombies across various historical periods, from Ancient Egypt to the Far Future. However, this does not mean the game’s events happened before PvZ1. The game makes it explicitly clear that the player is revisiting these eras in a time-traveling adventure after the events of the original game.
The chronological order of events in the main PvZ series is as follows:
- Plants vs. Zombies (PvZ1): The original game where the player defends their home from a zombie invasion.
- Plants vs. Zombies 2 (PvZ2): The sequel where the player travels through time to defeat the zombies in various historical settings.
- Plants vs. Zombies 3 (PvZ3): The most recent installment, which is a direct sequel to PvZ2.
Therefore, the time-hopping in PvZ2 is a narrative device that serves as a continuation of the original game. The levels, while set in different eras, are encountered after the events of the first title.
PvZ2: Time-Traveling Narrative
It’s essential to grasp that the time travel in PvZ2 is the game’s core mechanic, not a pre-existing timeline. Here’s a further breakdown:
- The Time Machine: The central plot element involves Crazy Dave and his time-traveling RV, Penny. They’ve travelled to past and future, which gives the game a unique narrative.
- Chronological Order of Worlds: The worlds in PvZ2 aren’t presented in strict chronological order within the game’s timeline itself. The order in which the player encounters them is a gameplay progression mechanic, rather than a time-based one. They do not represent a linear journey through history.
- Continuity: Despite time travel, the game still retains continuity with the first game. Familiar characters, plant types, and gameplay mechanics all return.
Why The Confusion?
The time travel concept in PvZ2 can make it seem like a prequel, especially if players focus on the historical settings of different worlds. The game itself does not always explicitly place itself after the first game. However, within the franchise’s broader context, it is a direct sequel that further expands the gameplay and narrative introduced in PvZ1.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Plants vs. Zombies
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify the timelines, gameplay, and other aspects of the Plants vs. Zombies series:
What is the Chronological Order of PvZ2 Worlds?
The order you play the worlds isn’t a linear historical timeline, but here’s a general list of when the worlds are generally placed in timeline, from past to future:
Jurassic Marsh, Frostbite Caves, Ancient Egypt, Dark Ages, Pirate Seas, Lost City, Wild West, Big Wave Beach, Neon Mixtape Tour, Player’s House, Far Future.
This order represents the player’s progression through the game and not necessarily a historical timeline within the PvZ narrative.
Is PvZ3 a Prequel?
No. PvZ3 is a direct sequel to PvZ2, continuing the story and gameplay established in previous titles.
Is PvZ2 Better than PvZ1?
Whether PvZ2 is “better” is subjective. PvZ2 features more plants, more levels, new concepts, and better endless modes. However, it is also considered more fast-paced, with less fun mini-games and an abundance of premium content. PvZ1 is more relaxed, with better mini games, a more in depth achievement system, and an “I Zombie” mode. Some players prefer the classic gameplay of the first game.
How Old is Plants vs. Zombies 1?
Plants vs. Zombies 1 was officially released on May 5, 2009, for PC and Mac. It switched to a free-to-play model on iOS and Android in 2013.
Where Does PvZ Take Place?
The main setting of the Plants vs. Zombies comic book series and general world that is referenced in PvZ1 and 2 is a city called Neighborville.
Why Did PvZ2 Remove Levels?
Some levels were removed from PvZ2, likely to save space, and have been brought back as 100 gem quests.
Is PvZ2 Safe?
PvZ2 is generally considered safe for most players. However, it contains cartoon violence where users use plant weapons to eliminate zombies. It is not recommended for children under 10 years old.
What is the Most Useless Plant in PvZ2?
Many players consider the Chomper to be the worst plant due to its high cost, tendency to eat the wrong zombies, and reliance on wall plants.
Will there be a Plants vs. Zombies 4?
According to information from the gaming community, Plants vs. Zombies 4 is unlikely as a main entry in the tower defense series as the story was said to be completed in earlier releases. Other titles in the franchise, like Garden Warfare, have been released since.
Is PvZ3 Only on Apple Devices?
No. While the soft launch of PvZ3 did specify that the minimum requirements for Apple devices are at least an iPhone 6S with iOS 13.1, it is also available on Android devices. Minimum requirements for Android include the Android Galaxy S6 tier with KitKat (4.4) or higher.
What is the Oldest Version of PvZ?
The first version of Plants vs. Zombies was released on May 5, 2009, for Microsoft Windows and macOS through Steam.
What is the Hardest Zombie to Beat in PvZ2?
The Octo Zombie is considered one of the toughest zombies in PvZ2, especially due to his ability to use octopus assistants in the Big Wave Beach world.
What is the Final Boss in PvZ2?
Dr. Zomboss returns as the final boss in each world of PvZ2.
Is there Survival in PvZ2?
Yes, Survival mode is available in all worlds in PvZ2, where players must survive continuous waves of zombies.
Why is PvZ So Addicting?
The addictive nature of PvZ is attributed to intermittent rewards, which create a similar effect to slot machines where each action gives the player a chance at a reward.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Plants vs. Zombies 2 is not a prequel. It is a direct sequel that takes players on a time-traveling adventure after the events of the first game. While the time travel mechanic introduces various historical settings, it’s a continuation of the narrative. The timeline is straightforward: PvZ1, then PvZ2, and then PvZ3. Understanding this chronological order and the game’s time travel mechanics is key to enjoying and appreciating the entire PvZ series.