Plants Vs Zombies HD Review

So we’ve all had a sniff of the digital crack that is Plants vs Zombies. You’ve probably played it on your computer or your iPhone for hours on end, but now we have a remixed version of the game optimized for our sparkly new iPads. As the young kids say, “That’s what’s up!”

Before we dig in, this game is fundamentally the same thing you’ve been playing for months. So if you’ve been living off the grid, be sure to read our review of the iPhone port which explains the nooks and crannies of the game. Plants vs Zombies HD takes the iPhone game and supersizes it, literally, to fill all that extra sweet screen real estate.

We know it’s cliché to call a game gorgeous, but that’s the first impression you’ll have after seeing your favorite plants and zombies faithfully reproduced in high definition. Everything pops so nicely, and it’s great seeing a bunch of new details that were previously difficult to see from the smaller screen.

Much ado has been made about the 11 multi-touch points, but in practical use, it only really comes in handy close to the end of the Adventure Mode. Some of us find the game a bit too easy, but the final levels requires a more dedicated focus to prevent "yer brains" from being eaten. Make no mistake, though, the larger screen enables a more tactical and precise way to play.

Upon completing the game’s 50 levels in Adventure mode, new minigames and a much-needed Survival Mode become available. Most of the minigames are fun stuff like Bowling and Whack-a-Mole games. Buttered Popcorn is the iPad exclusive minigame, and like the other games, it matched the ridiculousness that this game is so famous for. Unfortunately, Plants vs Zombies HD is not online-connected, so the experience still feels very solitary.

Put simply, Plants vs Zombies HD brings the essence and lunacy of the original game intact. That being said, we’re not sure hardcore fans who’ve beaten prior versions will find enough newness to fork up another 10 bucks. We’re just stoked to see how much better this game looks and plays on this new platform, and it really whets our appetite for the next chronicle of the war between our two favorite irreverent armies.

Editor's Note: This review covers the content exclusive to the iPad version of this game. For the full game review, click here.