It’s been nearly two decades since the cult classic game Plants vs. Zombies was first released, and even its multiple sequels and spin-offs have yet to capture the magic that was the original. Other than Minecraft and Club Penguin, my nine-year-old self had a Windows laptop with Plants vs. Zombies installed.
I had played it three times and even made my Skype name inspired by the game, so 25-year-old me was ecstatic to hear about the upcoming remaster. This quirky lane-based tower defense game captured my heart as a child, but did Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted reignite that spark that first made me fall in love with the game?
Gameplay & Story
As with any remaster, Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is practically the same game but with a fresh coat of paint. It’s the same gameplay you know and love, the five classic levels of Day, Night, Pool, Fog, and Roof. When you finish that, you have the Zen Garden to play with again on the side, something that’s still just as enjoyable as before. This game also contributes little to the story, which was already barely there, but it was never a story-focused game anyway.
What’s new with Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is Cloudy Day Mode, a new mode for expert players that limits sunlight, essentially giving you a challenge. On top of that, there’s now an even more hardcore mode called Rest In Peace. I’m not a lover of permadeath modes in games, but veteran players may find this mode exciting after beating the game.
There’s not much more to say about this game that hasn’t been said before. Still, playing through Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted not only reignited my adoration for the original game, but it got me fiending for a revival of the series. I was never a fan of the Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare games and even preferred Plants vs. Zombies 2, which was restricted to mobile devices. Perhaps publisher EA wouldn’t think a new Plants vs. Zombies game would be successful, but all the discussions that have grown surrounding Replanted have proven that fans of this franchise are hungrier for a new game than the zombies are for brains.
Graphics & Design
I forgot how different the 2009 version looked until I viewed old screenshots and gameplay, marveling at how great Replanted looks in HD. It’s typical to look back at old games you played as a kid with rose-tinted glasses, thinking they looked great. But now, compared to games in 2025, it’s wild how much of a difference the HD look has made.
The updated graphics have made playing Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted incredibly enjoyable, although the game’s graphics were never the selling point. Truly, its unique art direction with the adorable personified plants and hilarious zombie designs make the Plants vs. Zombies series what it is. Although I played through the game on my PC, I wouldn’t be surprised if it looked and played just as great on Steam Deck.
Feedback
The main issue comes through when you think about the price. Currently, you can purchase the Plants vs. Zombies GOTY edition for $5 on Steam. If you’re a huge Plants vs. Zombies fan and believe you’ll get a ton of fun out of this, then the Replanted version’s $20 price tag shouldn’t be an issue. Unfortunately, we live in a time where many gamers have to scale back how many games they purchase as they are struggling with paying for rent and groceries.
That may sound like a big price hike to some players, and it’s hard to say whether it’s a fair price for the little bit of content added to the game. Not to say that the few extra modes and levels aren’t worth it on top of the updated graphics, but I would have no problem saying you should buy this game at this price point if it were a brand new game in the franchise and it offered a completely new experience to fans.
Final Verdict
Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is an impressive, retouched version of the classic game we all know and love, so it’s hard not to adore what was already great about the original. On the other hand, when judging it as a remaster, it’s tough not to see the small addition of hardcore game modes as unworthy of a price jump for many gamers. Still, there’s a lot to love here for fans of the original and anyone who wants to play the beloved classic but never got the chance to before.
Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is available on PC (Steam, EA App, Epic Games Store), Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
