Plants vs. Zombies PS Vita review

Yet another round of plant-centric zombie defense? Yes, please

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Crisp Vita screen

  • +

    New control options

  • +

    Unlocking everything

Cons

  • -

    Not much new

  • -

    Scuba zombies

  • -

    Putting the Vita down

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How many versions of PopCap Games’ loveable tower defense puzzler Plants vs. Zombies does a household really need on different gaming platforms? It’s a question raised yet again by the arrival of Sony’s newest handheld. But even if you’ve already waged leafy war against hordes of goofy, road cone-topped zombies from start-to-finish in multiple formats like we have, you may find yourself enticed into just one more download. With its ultra crisp presentation and a few subtle but welcome updates that make good use of the new control options, the Vita showcases Plants vs. Zombies at its finest.

The franchise’s core formula remains unchanged on the Vita, though that’s a good thing. You'll have to defend your sunny suburban home--and the delicious brains contained within--from being trashed by rampaging zombies by plunking down a medley of adorable flowers and other smiling plant life across your backyard battlefield grid. Meanwhile, waves of shambling attackers slowly march their way towards you each round, and keeping them at bay requires a mix of careful planning and quick thinking.

Like with most of the previous editions, expect to find lots of unlockable diversions and extra play modes beyond the main campaign to noodle with. Mini-games, the Zen garden, puzzle challenges, and survival mode make a return, bolstering potent fun. Leaderboard integration and the option to create your own custom zombie avatar that carries the flag into battle are nice touches, even if they’re not substantive upgrades. Excellent control options aside, a lack of major platform-specific extras doesn’t hold Plants vs. Zombies on Vita back from being one of the best versions yet.

More info

GenreStrategy
DescriptionYet another round of plant-centric zombie defense? Yes, please.
PlatformPS Vita, DS, iPhone, Xbox 360, PC
US censor ratingEveryone 10+
UK censor rating12+
Release date18 January 2011 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
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I'm a freelance writer and game journalist with a love of all things gaming and geeky.