The Plants vs. Zombies franchise became more popular than I think even developer PopCap would have imagined, with its funny style and simple, addictive gameplay becoming a hit first on computers, then in your hands on mobile. The straightforward take (literally) on the tower defense formula, using a variety of plants you grow and place on the grid to repel approaching zombies, was a success spawning multiple ports and a sequel.
Despite that success, PopCap and EA are opting to switch up the gameplay entirely rather than make a different iteration of the core game. As reported earlier, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare is going to be a multiplayer-only third-person action game, a real departure from what made the series a hit.
It looks to have maintained its humor and charm, but I'm just a bit cautious about a game switching its genre so drastically. It could be an attempt to cash-in on the franchise's popularity with a mass-appeal action format, or it could be a very fun game. I obviously hope it's the latter, but as I said, a part of me remains cautious. The new art is quite cool regardless, in my opinion, and the screenshots look fun-hopefully the game follows suit!
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare will be available on Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC. Content will be added to it over time in an attempt to keep players coming back for more. Classic plant units from the previous game will return, and new characters will be available to use on the battlefield. The game features 10 maps and three game modes for up to 24 players simultaneously.
The game goes on sale tomorrow, February 25, with a retail price of $39.99 on Xbox One and $29.99 on the Xbox 360 and PC
