Plants vs. Zombies: A Head-to-Head Comparison of the Original and Its Sequel
The original Plants vs. Zombies (PvZ), released in 2009, became a surprise hit, captivating players with its quirky charm and addictive tower defense gameplay. Its sequel, Plants vs. Zombies 2: It’s About Time (PvZ2), arrived in 2013, introducing significant changes while retaining the core mechanics. While both games revolve around planting various flora to fend off waves of brain-hungry zombies, they differ in several crucial aspects. The primary difference between the two lies in their gameplay pace, structure, monetization, and overall design philosophy.
Gameplay Pace and Structure
PvZ1 is often lauded for its relaxed and methodical pace. Players have time to strategize, consider plant placement, and learn the unique strengths and weaknesses of each zombie type. The level progression is linear, with each stage introducing new challenges incrementally. This gradual difficulty curve makes the game accessible to players of all skill levels. The game also features a number of mini-games that add variety to the experience.
PvZ2, on the other hand, is a significantly faster-paced game. The waves of zombies come at a much quicker rate, often with more complex enemy compositions. This increased intensity requires faster reactions and more frantic decision-making. The structure of PvZ2 also differs greatly, as it introduces world themes that feature unique environments and special zombie types, instead of a linear progression. Each world requires the player to adapt to a different set of challenges, which can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Plants and World Design
Another key difference lies in the number of plants available per world. In PvZ1, players unlock most of the plant roster relatively quickly, allowing them to experiment and adapt their strategies from a broader selection. PvZ2 introduces the plants more gradually, with fewer plants being made available as you progress through each world. This approach encourages players to master the plants specific to each world before moving onto the next, but can also lead to feelings of a smaller roster at any point of progression. The game also features plant food, a new mechanic that allows players to temporarily power up their plants, further increasing the frantic gameplay.
Monetization and Free-to-Play Model
PvZ1 was originally a premium game, requiring a one-time purchase to access all its content. This allowed players to enjoy the game without any interruptions or paywalls. PvZ2 adopted a free-to-play model, which meant the game itself was free to download and play, but featured microtransactions for in-game currency, premium plants, and other items. While the game can be enjoyed without spending any real money, the microtransactions can sometimes make the game feel imbalanced, with some premium plants offering a significant advantage. This is one of the major points of criticism by fans of the original game.
Overall Experience and Design Philosophy
The design philosophy behind each game also contributed to their different experiences. PvZ1 aims for a simpler, more streamlined experience with a focus on strategy and charm. Its aesthetic is also more grounded, with a cartoonish style. PvZ2, in contrast, strives for a more varied and complex experience, with more diverse worlds, zombies, and mechanics. This approach can sometimes feel more cluttered, especially to players who enjoyed the clean design of the first game. In short, the original Plants vs Zombies tends to be more kid and “skill issue” friendly, while PvZ2 pushes the player to improve and think fast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Plants vs. Zombies game is generally considered the best?
Many fans argue that the original Plants vs. Zombies is the best in the franchise due to its simplicity, relaxed pace, and cohesive design. The original has no microtransactions, no paywalls, and is enjoyed for its focus on core gameplay rather than forced progression. While PvZ2 introduced new and exciting mechanics, the original is often preferred for its timeless appeal.
2. Is Plants vs. Zombies 2 a free-to-play game?
Yes, Plants vs. Zombies 2 is a free-to-play game. However, it features microtransactions for premium plants, in-game currency, and other items that can give players an advantage.
3. Are there any differences between Plants vs. Zombies and Plants vs. Zombies HD?
Plants vs. Zombies HD is essentially the same game as the original but includes four new achievements and an exclusive mini-game, “Buttered Popcorn,” in which players tap zombies to place butter on their heads before attacking with corn cob cannons.
4. What is the hardest level in Plants vs. Zombies 1?
Level 5-9 in adventure mode is widely regarded as one of the most difficult levels, featuring a combination of various zombie types, including bucketheads, jack-in-the-box zombies, and roof-top zombies, including Gargantuars.
5. How many different versions of Plants vs. Zombies 1 are there?
There are many different versions of the original Plants vs. Zombies including the original PC version, iOS, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Game of the Year Edition, Nintendo DS, DSiWare, Windows Phone 7 and an online demo version.
6. Was Plants vs. Zombies 3 ever in development and then cancelled?
Yes, a PvZ3 project was cancelled by EA to allocate more resources to a Star Wars game.
7. Is Plants vs. Zombies 2 a good game?
Plants vs. Zombies 2 is a generally well-regarded game, praised for its variety, new mechanics and world designs. It works well with the free-to-play model, allowing the game to be enjoyed without needing to pay to play.
8. Which plant is considered the weakest in Plants vs. Zombies 2?
The Chomper is often considered the worst plant in PvZ2 due to its high cost, inconsistent eating habits, and general uselessness without support from wall plants.
9. What is the strongest zombie in the original Plants vs. Zombies?
The Giga-Gargantuar is the second-strongest zombie, only surpassed by Dr. Zomboss.
10. How can you easily defeat a Giga-Gargantuar?
Using Puff-shrooms strategically placed in front of a slowed Giga-Gargantuar, and instantly placing an Imitator Puff-shroom when the previous one is eaten, can render the Giga-Gargantuar practically immobile.
11. Are there secret levels in Plants vs. Zombies 1?
Yes, there are secret levels that appear after every first and sixth level in each world, except the first two, which appear after completing 0-4 and 1-3 respectively. Upon completion, they reward a plant that is normally only rentable or available later in a world.
12. Which plant deals the most damage in Plants vs. Zombies 1?
A Gatling Pea combined with a Torchwood deals the most damage in PvZ1, although it is difficult to use against frozen or ice zombies.
13. Does Plants vs. Zombies 2 have a story mode?
While PvZ2 does not have a dedicated story mode in the same way as PvZ Garden Warfare 2, it does have Story Quests, which can be done as both plant or zombie characters in solo missions.
14. How long does it take to complete Plants vs. Zombies 1?
The main story of PvZ1 takes about 8 hours to complete. A 100% completion can take around 43 hours.
15. Is Plants vs. Zombies 2 suitable for kids?
PvZ2 is generally not recommended for children under 10 years of age. Although there is cartoon violence, it is still seen as suitable for older children and adults who like strategy and fantasy-based combat games.