From iPhone to iPad: Plants vs Zombies
An action-strategy game published by PopCap (they're the people who brought you Bejeweled, Peggle and Bookworm, among other popular titles), Plants vs Zombies forces you to defend your house from the zombie hordes with plant-based protection like pea shooters and cherry bombs. It's a castle defense game but one with a great twist and clever features.
First ported from desktop systems to the iPhone, PvZ was an instant hit, receiving accolades and a fanatical user base. It has now been expanded to the iPad in an upgraded "High Definition" format. The iPad version includes enhanced graphics (as you would expect), an iPad-only mini game ("Buttered Popcorn!"), and exclusive iPad-only achievements for more fun during game play.
So how does the upgraded version compare to the original? It's marvelous. The expanded room fits the game dynamics. Every element of the game from help screens to the game board to the size of the pieces really matches the iPad proportions. It plays so well on an iPad that you'll wonder why it ever was a hit on a tiny little iPhone screen. Fellow blogger Dave Caolo puts it this way: if Twitter clients could be said to define mobile handsets as a platform, then Plants vs Zombies was meant for the iPad.
Like the original version, Plants vs Zombies remains a delightful family-friendly game that's playable by and accessible to a wide range of ages and skill sets. As far as TUAW is concerned, the iPad version is a must buy.
TUAW is commonly provided with not-for-resale licenses or promo codes to permit product evaluations and reviews. For more details, see our policy page. Promo code requests are not guarantees of review.
Share
Source: http://www.popcap.com/games/pvz
Categories
How do old favorites hold up on the iPad? In our "From iPhone to iPad" series, TUAW revisits iPhone applications that have transitioned...
Add a Comment
Really? This game is awesome on all platforms. It's a time waster, it's a mental exercise, and it's fun. If you bought an iPad and you own an iPhone and any other apple products, why is spending 9.99 such a big deal? Its mobile and you can play it anywhere. You have the advantage of touch, all the same fun big and mobile and touch! Seriously people. It's a good purchase and it's a great game. I own it on my mbp,iphone and now iPad. Love it on all platforms.
I am really enjoying the iPad version. I'm not a huge fan of PopCaps other games but they did a great job on this one. I was really disapointed in the iPhone version and fairly quickly gave up and deleted it from my phone. It just didn't play all that well though there were no serious issues.
On the iPad it is just the right size, it is really snappy to get into, the graphics are nice, the game play is smooth. Also getting the achievements working well, the quick play/mini games and survival is really nice. The only major thing missing (other than the zen garden) was the succession of smashing vases which I can certainly live without.
And yes I am totally willing to pay $10 for this game even having paid for the others because the developers of this game did a great job here. I want to be paid well for my hard work and I have no problem doing the same for others.
Sadly there is no way to transfer progress from the iPhone version to the iPad version. Beyond that, I've been enjoying the iPad version quite a bit, enough to pass my progress on the iPhone one.
April 14 2010 at 4:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIm guessing it needs to be purchased again even if you bought the iPhone version? And if it really is $10... Lol is all I have to say.
April 14 2010 at 4:07 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyNo way, no way, NO WAY am I paying $10 for the SAME game yet again. Same game as the iPhone and the PC. And now they want $10 for the SAME GAME?
Sorry. Not a must buy and, to me, it looks like they are harvesting customers.
Exactly. I wan't pay for sure more than $3 or $4 for it.
April 14 2010 at 3:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyYour post is like a kid complaining about the XNOX release of a PS3 game title they already own. Knowing you bought the same game twice before tells me nothing about the actual new release except that it lends itself well to multiple platforms.
Companies are supposed to harvest customers. That's their job.
Anyone that tells you otherwise is trying to sell you something. ;-)
One question I've had on the iPad version of PvZ:
The iPhone version was missing a number of features from the desktop version. Does the iPad version have those features reinstated? If it does, that would explain a lot of the higher price for it. If it doesn't, then it's a really severe case of double dipping it would appear.
(Some of the missing features: the challenge modes, survival modes, etc.)
Deals of the Day
more deals- HHI ReElegant Smart Cover Companion Case for new iPad from $5 + $3 s&h
- Rocketfish Keyboard Capsule for Apple iPad for $15 + $5 s&h
- Used Apple iPad 64GB WiFi + 3G for $240 + free shipping
- AviiQ Portable USB Charging Station with cable rack for $54 + $8 s&h
- Dual USB Car Charger Adapter for $2 + free shipping
- Skullcandy 50/50 Earbuds for $25 + free shipping
Software Updates
more updatesFeatured Stories
more stories
Popular Stories
TUAW (or The Unofficial Apple Weblog) is a website devoted to tips, reviews, news, analysis and opinion on everything Apple.
11 Comments