‘Plants vs. Zombies 2’: Is PopCap’s Latest Worth The Download?

PopCap Games has finally unveiled Plants vs. Zombies 2 for iPhone and iPad. However, is the follow-up worth the download?

The sequel to the developer’s hit 2009 tower defense game is finally available for mass consumption. Although PC gamers will have to wait a little while longer to get their hands on the new release, iOS users now have access to one of the most highly-anticipated titles of the year.

At the time of this writing, Plants vs. Zombies 2 has a Metacritic score of 87. This isn’t a bad at all considering that a handful of reviewers weren’t overly impressed with the game’s new in-app purchase system. Aside from that, the sequel should hold plenty of appeal to fans of the original.

According to the folks at LevelUp, Plants vs. Zombies 2 is definitely worth the download even if you’re not completely sold on the free-to-play model at work under the hood.

“Every level in It’s About Time can be solved with the plants and tools included for free in the game and it never feels unfinished or reduced. Gameplay changes are organic and improve the game experience. Even though things like the night levels will be missed, this sequel will not disappoint the fans,” the site explained.

IGN reviewer Cam Shea remarked that the sequel is just as tense and addictive as its predecessor. Although the game abandons nighttime for themed levels, Shea seemed impressed with the work PopCap Games put into the next installment of the growing franchise.

“The gameplay is founded on the tension between your game plan and the fact that you’ll almost never have enough sun or space to fully execute said game plan. But that’s the point: when things invariably go wrong, the fun is in scrambling to adapt and emerging battered but victorious,” he wrote.

Pocket Gamer UK explained that some players may not enjoy the repetition or grinding required to unlock new plants and levels. While the sequel may come equipped with a bit of aggravation, Plants vs. Zombies 2 is still worth the time it takes to download the app to your mobile device.

“[The sequel] develops on the first game’s ideas in smart and meaningful ways. Once you’ve unlocked the majority of the plants, it becomes much more enjoyable, and those who conquered the original with ease will relish the much-tougher challenge,” the website said.

Do you think Plants vs. Zombies 2 is worth the download?

[Image via PopCap Games]