Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare was one serious surprise when it was revealed at E3 2013. Here was a third-person shooter based on silly little creatures from a tactical mobile game, but nobody could predict how insanely adorable and fun the game could be. It’s simple collection of team-based modes put players in control of the iconic, zombie-slaying plants as they fought through different arenas, and even experienced a new twist on the series’ classic defense action.
PvZ: Garden Warfare 2 looks to double up on the offerings of the first game by introducing a slew of new features sure to please fans and newcomers alike.
So exactly what’s new? Let’s check it out.
New Classes and Characters
PvZ: Garden Warfare 2 could’ve easily kept the same classes as before and just added some new costumes and abilities. Focusing on brand new modes and other mayhem for players to get into is a big deal all on its own, but the folks over at PopCap Games weren’t happy with just that. With all of the new awesomeness coming to the game, it was only right that players had equally awesome characters to use.
To serve this purpose, the studio is introducing three new classes for each side of the war. And to fill those classes are a bunch of new characters that really up the ante in the middle of a fight. Whether it’s Rose with her magical ways (nothing like turning an enemy into a goat), or the imp calling down a mech in glorious fashion, you’ll have new ways to strategize and win the war for your side.
Zombies Matter Too
The first game definitely proved that the upgrade from simple mobile game to third-person shooter worked. Taking the role of the Plants and defending your garden from hordes of zombies was fun and engaging. But, what about the poor zombies? Surely they have something worth defending, and some serious goals they’re striving for.
You’ll get to take on the role of the Zombies in all modes now, and they even have a Graveyard Ops which allows you and up to three of your friends to defend a tombstone from those dastardly Plants. That means there are some insanely awesome Boss Plants added in this time too. Who knew that the living foliage from your backyard could be so menacing.
A Story Mode!
PvZ: Garden Warfare 2 introduces a story mode. You’ll be able to embark on missions for both the Plants and the Zombies as you help each side prepare for war. Suburbia is in shambles as fights break out everywhere, so it’s time to investigate and recruit for the biggest battle either side has ever seen.
You’ll get to meet even crazier characters, both old and new, as well as participate in some truly epic fights. Superheroes, soldiers, mad scientists, and taco-loving robots all await you in PvZ: Garden Warfare 2’s story mode.
Backyard Battleground
Maybe you don’t want to just play all of the modes available. Multiplayer isn’t your cup of tea, the maps just aren’t doing it for you today, or perhaps you just want a bit of freedom as you run around with your customized character. If this sounds like you, then you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time in the Backyard Battleground.
This large, open area serves as the hub for PvZ: Garden Warfare 2. You can access the many different activities available, check out your characters, view scoreboards, talk to NPCs, and get into a lot of action. AI-controlled Zombies and Plants roam the land, there are secret areas and collectibles, and you can even break into the opposing force’s base (although doing so will summon some powerful adversaries).
With some new challenges and activities built just for this area, you’ll never have a shortage of things to do.
New Experience-Based System
The first PvZ: Garden Warfare had players complete bounty-like tasks to earn stars in order to level up and upgrade their characters. While bounties are still present in this latest entry, they are no longer required to level up. You’ll instead earn XP for everything you do in the game.
That includes Story Mode, Multiplayer, and the Backyard Battleground. Each character has a max level of 10, but you can then prestige them up to five times to unlock new perks and ranks for each individual one. Each of those levels will contribute to your overall rank which will also net you some pretty sweet rewards including a very rare, quite magical character.
You Can Do It All On Your Own
PvZ: Garden Warfare 2 allows you to experience every single piece of the action solo if you so choose. This is perfect for if you just want to grind without worrying about connections issues, trying to farm for coins, or practicing strategies on each of the maps. What’s even better is that you aren’t penalized for playing this way either.
You will earn full experience, full coin payout, and even be able to complete multiplayer bounties while playing all on your own. If you want, you can even invite just select friends or play split screen and still reap the same benefits against AI. Nice of PopCap to allow players to play however they want.
If you do decide to play on your own, though, make sure to try out some of the Crazy Settings. Enjoy.
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