Great game but not definitive
When I first heard Plants vs. Zombies was getting the remaster treatment, I couldn’t help but smile. The original game is a modern classic, one of those perfect “just one more level” experiences that somehow made a lawn full of pea shooters and undead invaders endlessly entertaining. Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted sets out to reintroduce that quirky magic to a new audience with upgraded visuals, new modes, and local multiplayer. The good news? The formula still works. The bad news? The remaster doesn’t grow much beyond the roots of the original.
The core loop remains just as addictive as ever. You’re once again defending your home from waves of zombies using an arsenal of plants, each with its own quirky abilities. Managing sunlight, planning your layout, and reacting to the different enemy types still feels rewarding. It’s proof that great design never really ages.
MSRP: $19.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $19.99
Replanted also adds a few twists to the familiar formula. For instance, the “Cloudy Day” limits sunlight, forcing more strategic play, while “Rest in Peace” mode offers a roguelike challenge with permadeath. These modes are genuinely interesting, giving veterans new reasons to rethink old strategies. Local co-op and a plants-versus-zombies PvP mode round out the package, letting you share the chaos from opposite sides of the battle. It’s clear the developers understood that the charm of Plants vs. Zombies lies in its simplicity they didn’t overcomplicate things. The humor is intact, the soundtrack still pops, and there’s something timeless about watching rows of your little green warriors mow down an advancing horde.
That said, Replanted doesn’t always live up to its “definitive edition” label. The new HD visuals are serviceable, but not much more. Some of the art looks clean and bright, while other parts feel strangely flat or upscaled. The character animations retain their cartoonish energy, but the environments lack the sharpness and color depth expected on modern hardware. I do like that the game comes with graphic modifiers like the 8-bit zombies or the Headcrab from Half-Life that replaces buckethead zombies.
Performance-wise, it’s mostly smooth, though a few small hiccups and minor bugs creep in. None of them ruin the experience, but they make the remaster feel rushed rather than revitalized. Even the sound design, one of the original’s biggest strengths feels a bit off. The music mix doesn’t hit quite as hard, and certain effects sound like they were lifted straight from the old version without any cleanup.
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect is the lack of meaningful new content. The extra modes are nice, but the campaign remains almost identical, and some familiar levels and features are even missing. It’s a remaster that feels more like a light touch-up than a full modernization. Despite its shortcomings, it’s hard not to enjoy Replanted. The base game is still incredibly fun and approachable. There’s something about Plants vs. Zombies that never gets old; that blend of humor, strategy, and personality keeps it engaging even after all these years. It’s a game that reminds you why the franchise became a household name in the first place.
Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is a good time, just not a great remake. It captures the heart of the original perfectly, but doesn’t do enough to justify itself as the “ultimate edition.” If you’ve never played Plants vs. Zombies before, this is absolutely worth jumping into. For returning players, though, it’s more of a comfortable rerun than a revitalized revival.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
