Plants vs. Zombies (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

I can remember first being recommended Plants vs. Zombies by a friend and questioning how an earth such an odd pairing could be entertaining, let alone, a best selling game. After downloading it (to my Mac) I was instantly converted and the charming visuals, mixed with the challenging but achievable gameplay had me hooked from day one. I even found myself making any excuse to have 'just one more go'. Of course, the past few years have thrown up quite a number of 'Tower Defence' type games but there's just something about PvZ (yes, we've abbreviated it already) that separates it from the rest of the pack. So, it's clear it's a wonderful game, on home computers, but just how well does it fare on the DS?

Gameplay

If you happen to be one of the few people who haven't played PvZ the gameplay is based around a very simple Tower Defence framework with the challenge a simple one: stop the zombies from entering your home. What makes this game unique though is the manor in which you defend your home from these brain-eating zombies and the aptly named Crazy Dave has engineered a whole collection of genetically modified plants. There's loads of these to choose from too although early on you'll only have a handful at your disposal. These range from a very simple plant which shoots peas, others which catapult missiles though the air and even the odd one which explodes when a zombie steps on it. PvZ is also incredibly accessible and features a perfectly pitched learning curve so as the zombies become more intelligent, with a greater level of protection, you'll have a more damaging selection of plants to choose from. The area you'll be required to defend also becomes larger and more difficult to protect. You'll begin with a simple lawn but additions such as a swimming pool, fog, rain and even the night all add to the challenge.

There's plenty of gameplay on offer here and even once you've completed the main game you'll still find hours of extra fun with the various mini-games and Survival Mode. There's even a Zen Garden should you wish to calm your nerves after narrowly avoiding your brains being eaten. PvZ also contains something of a rarity these days: a Multiplayer with Download Play, which does appear to have been completely ignored by the majority of developers recently.

Controls

All touch-screen and remarkably intuitive.

Graphics

Form the first dancing sunflower to the energetic American Footballer Zombie, this game oozes charm and it's difficult not to smile when you're in this unique gaming world. There is one slight problem, with this dual screen version though, and because most of the action takes place on the bottom screen it can become a little crowded and, as a result, does occasionally suffer from some frame-rate issues.

Sound

There's some wonderful catchy 'Elevator Muzak' to accompany the levels here which does actually help you concentrate more on defending your home. Elsewhere your be treated to the zombies moaning and groaning with the odd one muttering 'brains' because that's what they want. To eat them and not because they wish to be more intelligent, just to clarify.

Dual screen

While you'll have to use your stylus, there's absolutely nothing even remotely complicated here and the gameplay is a simple interaction of either 'tap' or 'drag'. Your only real problem is when you'll be required to do this with an element of urgency thanks to an armored Zombie managing to munch his way through all of your defences and poised to enter your home. The microphone is also called into play in one of the numerous mini-games with the player required to shout at their plants to encourage them to wake up and become more aggressive.

Final comments

The DS version of PvZ is every bit as entertaining as the one found on home computers. The gameplay remains incredibly simple but frighteningly addictive and little has been compromised for this handheld outing. Our only minor niggle was with some of the frame-rate issues and the odd gamers may find the crowded nature of the main gaming area a little off-putting. Still, there's lot's on offer here and the various mini-games and other challenges will keep you occupied for some time to come. If you knew what the ingredients here, you'd try and bottle them and this is one of the few games which continually has that elusive 'just one more go' quality and putting it down is a challenge in itself. What can we say, Highly Recommended.

Pro: Addictive, Entertaining Gameplay. Lots to Discover, Charming Visuals
Con: You May Already Have It, Some Frame-rate Issues.
Final score: 8.2

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