What Are the Different Versions of Plants vs. Zombies?

The Plants vs. Zombies (PvZ) franchise has blossomed far beyond its initial release, sprouting numerous versions across various platforms. The core gameplay of defending your home from waves of comical zombies using an arsenal of unique plants remains consistent, but each version offers its own unique tweaks, features, and experiences. Here’s a comprehensive look at the different iterations of this beloved tower defense game.

The Original Plants vs. Zombies: A Seedling of Success

The game that started it all, the original Plants vs. Zombies, launched in 2009, and remains a fan favorite for its charming graphics, addictive gameplay, and clever level design. Initially released for Windows and macOS, it quickly gained a massive following. This is often referred to as PvZ 1 to distinguish it from later entries.

Core Features

• Adventure Mode: The main campaign, taking players through various stages, from the front lawn to the pool and the roof.
• Mini-Games: A variety of standalone games that introduce new mechanics and challenges.
• Puzzle Mode: Puzzles requiring strategic placement and resource management.
• Survival Mode: Endless waves of zombies putting your defenses to the ultimate test.
• Zen Garden: A peaceful area to cultivate and grow plants for additional resources.

Platform Variations

The original PvZ also saw releases on:

• iOS: The mobile version brought the game to a new audience and became incredibly popular.
• Xbox 360 & PlayStation 3: Console ports featuring updated graphics and controls.
• Nintendo DS: A handheld version with unique control schemes.
• DSiWare: A downloadable version of the DS game.
• Windows Phone 7: Another mobile port, expanding the game’s reach.
• Online Demo Version: A free playable demo that served as an introduction to the game.

Plants vs. Zombies: Game of the Year Edition

The Game of the Year (GOTY) Edition is an updated version of the original, most notably featuring:

Enhanced Features

• Zombatar Mode: A unique feature that allows players to create their own custom zombies.
• Achievements: 21 in total, adding an extra layer of challenge and replayability. The sound effect for these achievements come from the game Peggle, another PopCap classic.
• Minor Gameplay Changes: Some changes to the game such as the patching out of the popular 4-10 Gold farming method.

Plants vs. Zombies 2: It’s About Time

Plants vs. Zombies 2: It’s About Time is the official sequel to the original game, released in 2013. It introduces several significant changes:

Core Features

• Time Travel: The game takes players through different historical periods, each with unique zombies and plant variants.
• More Plants: A huge expansion of the plant roster with new abilities and strategies.
• Power-ups: Boosts and items that add a strategic layer to combat.
• World Maps: Navigable maps to progress through different time periods and challenges.
• Microtransactions: The game introduced premium plants and items available for purchase.
• Endless Zones: The game introduced a much more robust endless play with specific zones.

Key Differences from PvZ 1

• More Plants: Vastly expands the number of plants and their abilities, requiring players to adapt to new strategies.
• More Levels: Offers a significantly larger and more diverse campaign.
• New Concepts: Introduces time-based levels and new zombie types.
• Better Endless: The endless mode is far more robust, with various challenges and high scores to compete for.
• Faster Paced: The game has a more frantic and quick-paced feel compared to the original.
• Premium Items: The introduction of premium plants and in-game purchases.

Plants vs. Zombies 3: A Different Perspective

Plants vs. Zombies 3 is the latest installment in the main series, focusing on a tower defense style on a grid. Currently, it remains in a beta phase and has seen a mixed reception from players.

Key Features

• Vertical Tower Defense: This entry switches the gameplay perspective to a vertical grid instead of horizontal lanes.
• Unique Art Style: A fresh art style with more of a mobile game feel.
• Experimental Mechanics: The gameplay is drastically different from the original and the sequel.
• Beta Limbo: The game has remained in beta for an extended period, with limited public access.

Other Spinoff Titles and Games

The PvZ franchise extends beyond the main tower defense games, with several spin-offs including:

• Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare & Garden Warfare 2: Third-person shooter spin-offs with class-based combat.
• Plants vs. Zombies Heroes: A collectible card game featuring beloved characters.
• Plants vs. Zombies Adventures (Facebook): A now-discontinued social game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions regarding the various Plants vs. Zombies versions:

1. What is considered the best version of Plants vs. Zombies?

Many players consider the original 2009 Plants vs. Zombies to be the best overall due to its charming simplicity, excellent level design, and the nostalgia factor. Its core gameplay mechanics and replayability are still enjoyed by many. While other entries have added more features and content, the original’s straightforward and addictive nature still captures the hearts of players.

2. What is the oldest version of PvZ?

The oldest version of PvZ is the original PC version, initially released on May 5, 2009, through Steam for Microsoft Windows and macOS.

3. What is the hardest level in Plants vs. Zombies?

Within the original Adventure Mode, level 5-9 is often regarded as the most challenging due to the combination of various tough zombies, including bucketheads, jack-in-the-boxes, and all the roof zombies like the Gargantuar.

4. What is the secret level in Plants vs. Zombies?

Secret levels appear after every first and sixth level in a world, except for S-0 which appears after completing 0-4 (or 0-3 in the Alpha version), and S-1 which appears after completing level 1-3. Completing these levels rewards players with a plant that is usually rented or unlocked later in the game.

5. What are the most powerful plants in Plants vs. Zombies?

In PvZ 1, some of the most powerful plants include the Sunflower (for sun production), Gloom Shroom (for area damage), and the Cattail (for high damage output and balloon popping ability).

6. Has Plants vs Zombies been discontinued?

No, the Plants vs. Zombies franchise is not discontinued. While some specific titles or platforms may have limited support, the core franchise continues with new titles, most recently Plants vs Zombies 3.

7. What is the difference between Plants vs Zombies 1 and 2?

PvZ 2 offers more plants, more levels, new concepts, and better endless play, however, it also features less fun mini-games, a faster pace, and premium content. The original PvZ retains a simpler charm with its focused design and addictive gameplay.

8. What is the original Plants vs Zombies game?

The original Plants vs. Zombies is the 2009 tower defense game developed and published by PopCap Games, released on Windows and macOS initially.

9. What is the strongest zombie in Plants vs. Zombies?

The Giga-gargantuar is the second strongest zombie in PvZ 1, only weaker than the final boss, Dr. Zomboss.

10. What is the last level in Plants vs. Zombies?

Level 5-10 is the final level of the original PvZ Adventure Mode. This level is also the first and only Night Roof level.

11. How long does it take to beat Plants vs. Zombies?

To focus on the main objectives of Plants vs. Zombies, it takes approximately 8 hours. Completionists looking for a 100% save file are looking at approximately 43 hours of playtime.

12. Are there cheats in Plants vs. Zombies?

Yes, there are keyboard input cheats in the original game. Some common cheats are mustache (zombies with mustaches), pinata (candy shower on zombie death), and future (futuristic sunglasses for zombies).

13. Can you beat endless in Plants vs. Zombies?

There is no true “beating” of Survival: Endless. The player must hold off the zombie hordes for as long as possible until the player loses their brains or resets the game.

14. How do you beat a Giga Gargantuar in PvZ 1?

A great method to slow down a Giga-gargantuar in the original is by using Puff-shrooms and an Imitater. By placing these in front of the Giga, they will be constantly destroyed, and the Giga-gargantuar will be incredibly slowed down if not immobilized.

15. What plant does the most damage in Plants vs. Zombies 1?

The Gatling Pea, when paired with a Torchwood, provides the most damage output in the game. However, its inability to work with slowing plants can make it difficult for use in modes like Endless and Last Stand.

The Plants vs. Zombies franchise continues to evolve, offering a plethora of experiences for new and returning players. Whether you’re a fan of the original, enjoy the time-traveling adventures of the sequel, or are curious about the latest installment, there’s a version of PvZ for every type of gamer.