For a franchise based mostly on mobile devices, Plants vs Zombies has been running strong for the better part of the last two decades.
Since appearing first in 2009, the PvZ series has been a staple for lovers of tower defense games. With the emergence of more powerful hardware, EA has experimented more with the main franchise. While Plants vs Zombies 3 is yet to go live globally, let’s look at how the rest of the fully-released titles hold amongst each other.
Disclaimer: This only includes full releases and games that are available worldwide.
7. Plants vs Zombies: Adventures
This is possibly the only game in the series I don’t miss playing. First, you had to log into social media, as the game was a Facebook exclusive. Like the plethora of browser-based games that were popular on Facebook, Adventures did alright.
The main objective was to raise and grow your plants and then use them to defend the vehicles. There was even a bit of PvP in the Brainball mode. However, Plants vs Zombies Adventures never had the depth and complexity of the main franchise and was shut down in 2014.
6. Plans vs Zombies: Garden Warfare
Garden Warfare was the franchise’s first big ticket spin-off, and the decision to branch out from the old formula bore dividends. The game switched away from being a typical tower defense title, and fans instead had a third-person shooter on their hands. Players could choose different classes from both Plants and Zombies, and each had its own set of strengths and weaknesses.
With Garden Warfare, PopCap aimed to appeal to a larger audience, especially to those who love shooters. The shift away from tower defense to squad-based shooting action across PvP and co-op modes showcased the developers’ intentions. The core gameplay was simple—a team-based shooter where you control classes from either faction and level them up. After completing the levels, you could unlock different customization items to personalize the characters.
While there are few complaints you could have about Garden Warfare‘s gameplay, both Battle for Neighborville and Garden Warfare 2 have more content to offer.
5. Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville
While Battle for Neighborville has plenty of similarities with Garden Warfare, I loved the subtle differences offered by the gameplay. Yes, it’s another third-person shooter with the same core formula as Garden Warfare.
However, this entry has more classes than both Garden Warfare 1 and 2 and offers more game modes as well.
In fact, the classes were classified into four sub-groups, offering more specialization during matchmaking. While there’s a strong emphasis on PvE modes, Battle for Neighborville has certain PvE zones as well (where you can find different rewards). There’s also local split-screen support if you and your friend want to play on the same system.
Battle for Neighborville is visually more appealing than Garden Warfare 2. However, it has to cover some more miles if it wants to outdo Garden Warfare 2‘s legacy.
4. Plants vs Zombies: Heroes
The positions of Heroes and Garden Warfare 2 could be altered because the former is one of the most unique PvZ games of all time. With Heroes, EA attempted to develop a CCG, and the game has plenty of fans despite being available exclusively on mobiles. You get to pick cards from both factions and new special items are released routinely to keep the decks fresh. The presence of single-player and multiplayer allows you to play the game at your own pace.
Heroes isn’t a revolutionary CCG – it does what you expect a digital card collector to do. But it’s not just a mere Hearthstone meets PvZ, as the different game modes and general content add their personalities. It’s a very different product than anything else that has been released as part of the franchise.
3. Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
Garden Warfare 2 is a notable upgrade over its predecessor, and introducing new classes is a world of good for those who loved Garden Warfare. Once again, you can pick characters from both factions, but with more choices. The same can be said about the modes, and you can play co-op or PvP. The broader categories can be further subdivided into many modes, including new ones like Graveyard Ops, Herbal Assault, and more.
The sequel feels more up-to-date in terms of presentation, and the new classes and maps help keep interest high. While the core gameplay is still focused on squad-based action, the new modes make everything much more engaging. It’s a definite upgrade over Garden Warfare visually and gameplay-wise, and there are still hours of fun to have from it in 2024.
2. Plants vs Zombies
The OG of the entire franchise, Plants vs Zombies is where it all started in 2009. PvZ‘s introduction as a great tower defense title on mobile devices was remarkable back then. Its premise is simple: plant some plants that can gather sun and shoot bullets, to gradually hold out against the oncoming zombie horde. The game’s success led to launches on other platforms like PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. While the core gameplay was simple, a wide variety of plants and deep reliance on real-time strategizing captivated many.
While some would rate it on top, I just feel that the sequel has better content (as long as you can look past microtransactions).
1. Plants vs Zombies 2
The PvZ franchise knows how to make sequels, and Plants vs Zombies 2 is the biggest testament to that. The second game received new additions to both factions, and it’s available on multiple platforms (I have always preferred playing on my phone). While the core gameplay remained the same, adding Plant Food to charge up the plants felt innovative.
While both mainline titles are good, the second game will feel better regarding gameplay and presentation to someone playing in 2024. But do note that the second title, unlike the one released in 2009, does offer microtransactions.
