Plants Vs. Zombies

  • Couch Co-Op: 2 Players
  • + Co-Op Campaign
  • + Co-Op Modes

Plants Vs. Zombies Co-Op Review - Page 2

Co-op Mode is unfortunately not available from the start of the game; rather, it is unlocked by playing Adventure Mode.  Don't worry, though, because co-op is fully supported throughout the entirety of that campaign.  It would have been very easy for Pop Cap to leave co-op to one particular mode, so it's great to see that it was integrated in this way.  Player 2 can drop in or out at any time, and both players share a common pool of sunlight.  Each player has full access to all the plants, as well.  The action can be very slow for two players at the start of a level, and communication is important, especially if you are saving up for an expensive plant.  At times, you might feel like you are working against one another rather than cooperating.  Co-op Adventure Mode is nice, but flawed. 

The dedicated Co-Op Mode, on the other hand, fixes many of these issues.  Each player has access to only four plants at a time, which means the plant selection is much more important than normal.  Oddly, players do not share sunlight in Co-Op Mode, but in a strange twist, this helps to promote the teamwork feel somewhat.  You have to watch both your pool and your partners constantly.  Every once in a while, a double sun drops, which require both players to collect it simultaneously.  Communication and good planning are even more important in Co-Op Mode, and once a level is completed, there is a rewarding sense of teamwork for both you and your co-op partner.

I was quite impressed with the co-op in Plants Vs.Zombies.  Though it's limited to two players locally, the full integration in Adventure Mode is almost seamless, and very enjoyable, though not quite as much as that of Co-Op Mode.  Playing in Co-Op mode feels almost like a new game, with all manner of interesting decisions to make and additional complexities that are welcome in what is, at its heart, a simple game.  The Xbox Live Arcade version costs $15, which is actually less than the standard price on PC, and well worth it.  The disc version retails for $20, but also includes full versions of Zuma and Peggle, easily worth the extra five-spot.  Either version is highly recommended, as Plants Vs. Zombies for the Xbox 360 is the best version of the game yet; it is a no-brainer, if you'll pardon the pun. 

Verdict

Co-Op Score
4/5
Overall
4.5/5

The Co-Op Experience: 2 player co-op throughout Adventure Mode, plus a dedicated Co-Op Mode where each player has his or her own plants to cultivate.

Co-Optimus game reviews focus on the cooperative experience of a game, our final score graphic represents this experience along with an average score for the game overall. For an explanation of our scores please check our Review Score Explanation Guide.




 

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