I’d be lying if I said I haven’t already had a peek in the garden at the flowers blossoming, the sun shining and the zombies trying to crash the party already. I was lucky enough to be able to preview Plants vs Zombies: Replanted a few weeks ago. You can read that here if you want a TLDR version of this review. I don’t have an awful lot to add, but PvZ did have a bit to add so let us discuss. 

It’s tricky to not just repeat the same ol’ stuff from the preview, because PvZ, if you’ve played before is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s the same charming, chaotic tower defense we all know and love from many moons ago. 

The Grass is Always Greener (Until The Zombies Show Up)

My preview was on the PC; however, I was able to check out the PS5 version this time around. Graphics are still crisp af; sharpened art catapults this right into the current day and updated effects give a new lease of life to the game without tampering with its heart.  In fact, I feel like we all microdose memory issues when it comes to remembering a game from years ago. When we see how it used to look, it almost shocks us into wondering if that was real. PvZ: Replanted allows you to add retro peashooter and zombie assets, and I was honestly shocked by how pixelated they were. However, if you remember and desire that nostalgic graphic style, it is possible to experience it. It is mad, isn’t it, but it shows what a new lick of paint can really do. I think I have said this before, but I am all about respecting the original and this is what has happened in Plants Vs Zombies: Replanted. The joy in rediscovering forgotten favourites is getting into the later stages and audibly shouting, ‘Ohhhh yeah, I remember this.’ Which is evident throughout every single section of PvZ. 

The sound design is equally delightful, every zombie groan and thunk or splat of a pea. I do wonder if this edition could have spruced up a soundtrack and given the option of old and new? But I also forgive this – considering I think it really is about those sound bites. 

Bloom or Doom? 

PvZ: Replanted has also added a co-op mode. One I managed to check out, it even has that old school feel when you start a level and it says ‘Player 2 press start to enter’ (or whatever it actually says) at the right hand of the screen. Miles and I jumped into co-op and it is very easy to start embodying the same attitudes towards this as those of Overcooked.

We found ourselves badly communicating and shouting about how best to use the sun for plants. A few levels in we totally found a great strategy and rhythm and time flew past. It’s possible to do the whole campaign in multiplayer and doesn’t rely evenly on both players. If one player is less familiar with games or tower defence, then it won’t matter, as the other player can pick up the slack while they get accustomed! Theres also a VS mode which likely ramps up the competition (and the shouting) but I prefer to play nicely before it gets too competitive in the household. 

Controls are relatively easy too, you have a cursor you’ll just move to automatically pick up the sun when your cursor moves over it. Trigger buttons can dictate which item you will spend your sun on and its explanatory from there going forward. I did wonder how the controls may port over and how accessible they would be, it took a level or two to get used too but actually I think this feels quite accessible in comparison. 

Bowling for Plants

Something I never really thought about playing PvZ back in the day were the extras. The 20 mini-games return, each offering that quick-hit dopamine rush as you chase gold trophies. Vasebreaker and Survival modes are back too, perfect for testing your tactical mettle and I never really paid all that much attention to these modes but now that I’ve finished the campaign they’re weirdly moreish and the reason I just keep going back. There is something really satisfying in unlocking the mini games one by one, but also playing the i,zombie and vasebreaker endless modes. I’m determined to get the trophy streak (10 and 15 respectively) and the thrill of the chase is currently feeling really addictive. 

The Zen Garden also makes a welcome return allowing you to grow your own plants to conjure more money. You can also gain quite alot of traction with wealth in the minigames and puzzle sections. Which help towards buying all of Crazy Daves additions in the shop. 

Additionally, Cloudy Day, a new bunch of levels for after the campaign has been added too. This is a mix between day and night time, where clouds will periodically cover the sky preventing players from collecting sun when clouds are ahead, but as a pay off you can purchase plants at a discounted rate during that time. It’s fun and adds something a little new for players who remember this game fondly.

Moreover, Permadeath mode unlocks once the campaign has been completed to add an extra challenge to those who want to test their strategy and skills with the highest of stakes the further you play. I think the restraint here has been refreshing. Whilst people love to have new nice things from franchises they love, there’s also no harm in just re-mastering the old game and sprinkling in a little extra to bring it up to more modern times. PvZ is confident enough to stand on its own. 

Overall, It’s been such a wonderful return to a beloved franchise from many moons ago. It’s respectful of the original whilst adding new features to freshen it up, and keep you returning for more. If it is your first time jumping in, I would thoroughly recommend this, especially as it add’s the co-op feature for more fun. I do think long time fans will also love jumping back in.

Plants Vs Zombies: Replanted is available now on PS5 (review platform), Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Developer: PopCap Games, The Lost Pixels
Publisher: Electronic Arts

Disclaimer: In order to complete this review, we received a copy of the game. For our full review policy, please go here.

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