If you’re unfamiliar with what this quirky title from PopCap Games entails, the game’s premise is simple. You’re stuck in your house, bang in the middle of a zombie invasion. They want to eat your brains, and you’re going to have to use those brains to defend your home from them. That’s easier said than done, however, as you only have a bunch of seeds from the Doom and Gloom Company to plant in your garden, each of which grows into a plant with a unique purpose.

"The game’s art style is a delight, as is the soundtrack and audio."

Your plants are your only defense against the zombies, but they’re up to the task. The Pea Shooter does exactly what its name suggests, firing off peas at the zombies to halt their advance. You earn Sun, the currency you need to put down more plants, either by waiting for it to drop at random or by planting Sunflowers. More plants with unique functions are made available to you at the end of every level, and new zombie types join the fray as you keep going.

It’s a tower defense title that continues to be quite addictive, despite being around for several years at this point. That’s largely due to how each level plays out, requiring you to plan out your defenses based on the enemies you’re going to encounter, and managing your resources to fend off each wave of zombies.

The game’s art style is a delight, as is the soundtrack and audio. The zombies are quite a funny bunch, leaving you with notes that showcase their lack of brains and probably justifying their relentless efforts to get their hands on yours. You do have an ally in the form of Crazy Dave, whose shop lets you purchase a few upgrades and tools that can give you an advantage when you next take on the zombies.

"It’s a tower defense title that continues to be quite addictive, despite being around for several years at this point."

As far as the updated HD visuals go, Replanted does a good job of preserving the original game’s excellent art direction while making its visuals and colors pop on a 4K display. Frame rates were smooth even when my screen was filled with plants, zombies, and flying melons and peas with no stutter at any point. On a base PS5, the game runs quite well aside from a few minor glitches that I’ll get to in a bit. I’d argue that, as a port, Replanted does a stellar job, but as a purported remaster, it could have done more to improve on the original game.

If I were to complain about something in Replanted, it would be that Dave’s prices are as astronomical as they were back in the day. He requires coins for his business, and they are doled out rather sparingly over the course of the game. With upgrades being as expensive as they are, a little bit of balancing might have eliminated the need to grind for coins and made things a lot more interesting as a result.

For instance, extra seed slots that allow you to take more plants to the fight cost a whopping 20,000 coins, a sum that I couldn’t get to even after completing the main campaign and diving into a fair bit of the minigames and survival modes.

"The zombies are quite a funny bunch, leaving you with notes that showcase their lack of brains,"

However, Dave also brings interesting twists on the game’s formula in the form of Puzzles and minigames. You get to mow down zombies with Wall-nuts in a very amusing take on bowling, for instance. Or use a slot machine to acquire random plants that you must use to fend off another attack on your property. Each minigame or puzzle is quite entertaining, and a nice diversion from the main gameplay loop.

That’s not to say that the main campaign is stagnant, far from it. The zombies soon start to attack at night, and you’re going to have to use an entirely different set of plants to account for the lack of sunlight needed to use plants that grow in the daylight. They then proceed to attack your backyard, where a range of aquatic plants are your only defense for those that take a dip into your swimming pool. They also launch offensives from your roof, where you’re going to want to use catapult plants to counter them.

While the game isn’t particularly difficult, there are levels where you find that the zombies get quite close to your door and manage to finally get their hands on your brains. There is a sense of challenge on those occasions, as all your hard-earned plants get wiped out by the undead horrors they were meant to defend against. The zombies bring ladders, drive trucks, and even resurrect other zombies in their efforts to overwhelm your defenses, making Plants Vs. Zombies a very entertaining game once it gets going.

"I’m a fan of how the experience is presented, and it’s among the more unique tower defense experiences on the market."

There were a few occasional glitches at a few places, such as me not being able to pick up plants in the Raining Seeds bonus level, but they are few and far between and could probably be fixed with a patch at some point.

Aside from the main campaign, puzzles, and minigames, you also get a survival mode that lets you take on multiple waves of zombies while switching up your loadouts between them. It’s a great chance to build a defensive lineup that’s quite fun to see in action. There’s also RIP mode, in which you take on the main campaign once again, with the added caveat that you start all the way back from the beginning if the zombies manage to eat your brains.

The Zen Garden mode is a nice touch, letting you cultivate plants that reward you with valuable coins from time to time. Once again, the prohibitive pricing of valuable items like fertilizers for my plants acted as an obstacle to my progress, leading me to ignore it altogether. It’s there for those of you who might want to kick back and relax after a bout with the zombies, though.

"The game’s art style is a delight, as is the soundtrack and audio."

The option to bring a friend along to the party is also there, with local co-op or versus modes available for you to try out. While I doubt that most of you are going to need help repelling the zombies, getting to play against your buddies in versus mode can be a fun way to spend your evening. You play as either the plants or the zombies in a gameplay loop that keeps things quite interesting indeed!

The presence of so many options, each of which puts a unique twist on the core gameplay loop, makes Plants Vs. Zombies Replanted a very entertaining option for those of you looking for a bit of casual fun from your consoles. I’m a fan of how the experience is presented, and it’s among the more unique tower defense experiences on the market.

It’s quite easy to recommend this one, considering how its pacing and various game modes keep things interesting right off the bat, and manage to sustain that engagement long after you beat the final boss and roll the credits that are accompanied by a very catchy song. Whether you’re a newcomer to the game or a long-term fan looking to take a nostalgic trip back to its early days, Plants Vs. Zombies Replanted is going to keep you entertained for many fun-filled hours.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

“While we find it super exciting to see fans on the Lawn already, we hadn’t quite finished getting the lawn ready yet for our 10/23 launch date. In fact, you will continue to see the game updated as the team is hard at work putting the final touches on the Lawn leading up to our global release.”

It also noted that some concept art was created after the game’s original launch. “Plants vs. Zombies is a beloved IP that has seen hundreds of passionate artists and developers contribute to it over the past 16 years, and as we work to bring that all together in PVZ: Replanted, we want to make sure we are giving you the best experience possible.

“That means showing you original concept art and work that, in some cases, was created after Plants vs Zombies 1 launched in 2009. We did this to not only showcase Plants vs Zombies 1, but also the many more great Plants vs Zombies games it inspired. This legacy continues with our passionate team of artists, who continue to bring Plants vs. Zombies to life across the franchise.”

Considering the various gameplay changes, intentional or otherwise, PopCap said it can be a “delicate balance between making sure it feels like the original from 16 years ago while also making sure it operates in a modern context. We hear your feedback here and are already hard at work to deliver the game we all know and love, specifically when it comes to the audio, and the more nuanced actions of our characters (looking at you, Dr Z!).” It also denied the use of generative AI.

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted will be available for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 for $19.99. Aside from 4K resolution support, it includes Cloudy Day Mode, a more challenging option due to less sun, and Rest in Peace Mode, an Ironman take on Adventure Mode.

Players can also go hands-on with lost levels, earn new Achievements, and either team up in co-op or engage in PvP. Check out our feature for more details.

It’s PvZ, but HD

Even though there’s enough appetite for a new entry, Plants vs. Zombies is instead returning to its roots – this time, in glorious HD. Proving that good game design is timeless, the original garden themed tower defence is back, now with a freshly mowed lawn and re-painted fence. This is an HD port of the original game – same source code, upscaled and widescreened in 4K. Some graphics are being imported from the iPad HD port, with the remainder being retraced. While mechanically unchanged, Plants Vs. Zombies: Replanted’s sharp edges aren’t just for beauty’s sake but ensure obscured elements from earlier versions – seed packet sprites, item price fonts, particles – are more clearly visible.

New Content

Replanted’s Steam page confirms the remaster is “packed with new secrets and content to uncover.” We know Adventure Mode will feature, followed by Mini-Games, Puzzle, and Survival Modes once the campaign has been completed. As for new content, well, it’s not entirely new: Bonus Levels! is a mode exclusive to Replanted – packaging the majority of the Limbo page mini-games from the original PC version, including them as newly playable levels whereas earlier versions required a Cheat Engine to access.

Mini-Games Will Feature

Plants Vs. Zombies and Mini-Games are peas in a pod. Of the series’ storied Mini-Game catalogue, most are returning in Replanted – HD polished like the rest of the game. Confirmed as included are fan-favourite detours Wall-nut Bowling, Slot Machine, ZomBotany, and more, with the remaster promising even more chaotic fun than their earlier versions.

Some Platform-Exclusive Mini-Games Excluded

There are a couple of reasons why certain Mini-Games that appeared on specific platforms are set to be excluded in Replanted. First, certain platforms relied on extra apparatus – the Nintendo DS and its stylus, for instance – meaning we’re unlikely to see Homerun Derby or Air Raid in Replanted. Secondly, Replanted’s cross-platform launch suggests some Mini-Games wouldn’t be compatible, meaning iPad and Android-exclusive Buttered Popcorn could miss out.

New Multi-Player Modes

Something new Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted brings to the table is two multi-player modes: Team Up is a co-op mode with two players defending the yard together, and PvP where two will battle head-to-head to take control of the zombies. Both of these modes are local only, and currently there is no word on whether online multi-player will become available.

No Microtransactions

Here’s some welcome news – it has been confirmed that Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted will not feature microtransactions. All skins, cosmetics, and upgrades are attainable in-game; everything is included in the price. Furthermore, there are currently no DLCs planned. Whether that changes in the future likely depends on how commercially successful this remaster is.

New Solo-Challenge Mode: Cloudy Day

Cloudy Day is a gloomy new feature, where dark clouds block sunlight and sunflowers take an adorably animated snooze. Appearing in ten non-linear Adventure Mode levels, Cloudy Day tasks players with managing their sun production, using sunny periods to plant as many sun-producing plants as possible and stockpiling their produce before the storm rolls in. Under cloud cover, players will need to rely on their existing defences until the sunshine returns. During cloudy spells, seed packet costs are halved and they’ll reload faster. Cloudy Day presents new layers of strategy, with players having to think strategically about their defences in preparation for a rainy day.

Another New Solo-Challenge Mode: Rest in Peace

Or R.I.P., for short – Rest in Peace is a hardcore permadeath mode set to test the mettle of experienced PvZ players. This optional toggle for Adventure Mode transforms the campaign into a one-life gauntlet, where losing a level forces players all the way back to the start. There’s a rogue-like twist to R.I.P. Mode too, with Crazy Dave pre-selecting three seeds to use exclusively on each level. With difficulty set to ramp up quickly, Rest in Peace promises the tensest PvZ experience to date.

Tree of Wisdom Returns

The original Tree of Wisdom revealed hints the more it grew, with “cheat codes” rewarded as its hefty trunk reached certain milestones. It’s likely the Tree of Wisdom will function similarly in Replanted, however there is an innovation tied to the tree unique to the remaster. Now, players can customise visual options via the Tree of Wisdom’s toggle buttons, with one confirmed option being to switch to a pixellated Browncoat Zombie skin. There’s a pre-order bonus item that can be toggled on or off here too – we’ll outline this item later.

PvZ 2’s Speed-Up Button Appears

A welcome quality of life addition makes it way over to Replanted – the ability to speed up time. While not available in the 2009 original, now Plants vs. Zombie players will be able to turbo boost the action up to 2.5x faster. Levels can take a minute to get going, so the speed-up function is a nice addition. It can make gathering sunlight a little trickier though.

There’s an All-New Art and Concept Library

Placed in a new section within the Almanac, the all-new Art and Concept Library charts all the development and pre-production art and sketches of the game. On the one hand, this is a nice nod to the game’s legacy, and should provide an interesting browse for new and veteran players alike. On the other hand, there’re legitimate question marks over the Library given the game’s original artists are not affiliated with the remaster.

Pre-Order Bonus

We mentioned it a minute ago – pre-ordering Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted gives a delightfully retro peashooter skin, drawn in the same pixellated style of the already-mentioned Browncoat Zombie. It’d be nice if more retro skins are available in-game as one-or-two pixellated characters might look out of place in Replanted’s high-res garden. Also worth pointing out here is that Replanted is a digital only release. No physical release has been revealed so far.

Release Date, Platforms, and Price

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted releases worldwide on October 23rd. The game is available on pretty much every major platform, both past and current generation hardware. PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, and PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store, or the EA app. Reasonably priced too, retailing at $19.99 / £17.99.

PC Requirements

Playing PvZ: Replanted won’t require too demanding a setup: 3rd gen Intel i3 or AMD FX-6300 processor, Intel Integrated Graphics and 4GB RAM are your minimum requirements. An Intel i5 or equivalent CPU, Radeon HD 7730, GeForce GT 640 or better GPU, and 8GB RAM are recommended specs. 4GB storage space is required. Controller support is available on PC, which is especially useful for those local co-op and PvP sessions.

No Mod Support

Replanted will not ship with official mod support. Despite this being a heavily requested feature, modding continues to be sidelined. Reportedly, the original 2009 game code was tough to modify, and without Steam Workshop Support, the modding community surrounding PvZ wasn’t as plentiful as it arguably could have been. It’d be nice if this changed, but players should be prepared for official mod support to not arrive.

As detailed by GabrielOflTM’s review, Replanted has missing levels and some that are outright broken, poorly upscaled art, and numerous bugs. There are loading screens when transitioning from menus to intros, menus from the mobile version, and other strange choices. None of the levels have the correct soundtrack and if you try speeding up the game, the music speeds up as well.

Overall, it’s not an ideal experience for either long-time fans or those jumping into the franchise for the first time. Electronic Arts hasn’t said anything about the game’s current state ahead of launch, so stay tuned for updates and potential fixes.

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted launches on October 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 for $19.99.

Ghost of Yōtei

Easily the biggest game of the month, and certainly a contender for Game of the Year, but that’s to be expected. Sucker Punch Productions’ skill for creating engaging open worlds is on full display once more as Atsu scours Ezo for revenge against the Yōtei Six. There’s more variety and less repetition, while the combat system has been expanded to include more weapons, fresh mechanics like disarming enemies (and throwing weapons into their imminent carcasses), and a wolf that occasionally helps out. In a year where Sony desperately needs some PS5 exclusives, Ghost of Yōtei looks to be an incredible showcase for the console when it launches on October 2nd.

Battlefield 6

About four years ago, the Battlefield franchise suffered a slump that few thought it could ever recover from. But here we are with Battlefield 6, a combined effort between DICE, Ripple Effect, Criterion and Motive Studio, which could take the series to new heights of success. The return of an epic globe-hopping campaign is already fantastic, but even the multiplayer with its Classes, weapon feel, and grounded atmosphere has us excited. Even Portal and the new Battle Royale don’t look too shabby. Launching on October 10th, Battlefield 6 will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Game Freak’s latest Pokémon title also marks the series’ debut on Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the original Switch, but it goes even further by taking place in a single city. As a new trainer in Lumiose City, it’s your job to investigate the strange outbreak of Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon while having their wish granted in the Z-A Royale. Between new Pokémon and Mega Evolutions, a free-for-all competitive mode called Battle Club, and much more, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is certainly shaping up well. It’s out on October 16th for Switch 1 and 2.

The Outer Worlds 2

For a game that goes “bigger and deeper” than the original, with an overhaul to Skills and Flaws alongside much larger planets and a third-person perspective, The Outer Worlds 2 certainly feels like the underdog heading into October. Maybe it’s the sheer range of other big-name sequels to look forward to, but the new, more-serious story (which still packs moments of dark levity) looks intriguing, and there’s plenty of room for more niche playstyles. Whether you’re a team player or a solo operative intent on killing all NPCs, The Outer Worlds 2 could satisfy that role-playing fix when it launches on October 29th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger

Seven years after Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory, a new entry in the Digimon Story is finally upon us with Time Stranger. Launching on October 3rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, it was actually announced way back in December 2017 and offers a brand new story with time travel elements. Following an incident that would change the world, the player, as part of a mysterious organization, ventures back in time to try to prevent it. On top of over 450 Digimon to collect, players travel to Illiad in the Digimon World and attempt to unravel what’s going on. Will it end up overshadowed by Pokémon Legends: Z-A or stand out all the more? We’ll find out in the coming days.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy has returned, and thankfully, it isn’t part of a compilation that’s available only for a limited time. This time, Nintendo Switch players can experience each title in the series for $39.99 separately or for $69.99 in a bundle. Switch 2 owners can play both games at 4K courtesy of a free update, and there are new features like more Storybook Chapters, amiibo support and Assist Mode. These are more like re-releases than remasters, but if you’ve ever wanted to play two of the best 3D platformers ever made, they may be worth checking out on October 2nd.

ARC Raiders

As if it isn’t competing for time with all the other big releases, Embark Studios’ ARC Raiders is sandwiched between two triple-A shooters (with Battlefield this month and Call of Duty in the next). Nevertheless, if the response has proven anything, it’s that it may very well hold its own. Launching with four maps with different conditions and challenging foes, the extraction shooter packs Embark’s sleek shooting with a distinct post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Between mastering different skills, competing quests, taking a shot at the leaderboards, or trying to understand the world as a whole, ARC Raiders promises a lot, and we can’t wait to dive in when it launches on October 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Little Nightmares 3

The heavyweight survival horror titles are already out, but there’s still Little Nightmares 3 to look forward to ahead of Halloween. Set in The Spiral, the story follows Low and Alone as they attempt to escape its hellish landscape. Between towering monsters, sentient puppets, and other horrors, it’s a tall task, but each packs unique tools like arrows and a wrench for puzzle-solving and self defense. And while couch co-op isn’t supported, there is a Friends Pass, meaning another player can join in without owning the game. All the better to spread the terror when Little Nightmares 3 launches on October 10th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

Keeper

You never truly guess what Double Fine Productions will pump out next, and Keeper, out on October 17th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, is truly unique. You control, of all things, a sentient lighthouse that ventures across the world to learn more about its purpose. Between encountering other strange entities in a wordless narrative and the trippy visuals, it’s certainly shaping up to be an adventure unlike any other.

Jurassic World Evolution 3

You kind of know what you’re getting with any Frontier Developments management sim, and Jurassic Park Evolution 3 is no exception. The usual campaign, sandbox and challenge modes return, but there are over 80 species, each with variants (including juvenile dinosaurs), and more complex creation tools to embrace alongside new attractions. Couple this with new locations, and there’s plenty to look forward to when it launches on October 21st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Ninja Gaiden 4

One of the gold standards for incredible hack and slash action-adventures, Ninja Gaiden, is finally getting a new mainline title on October 21st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. Ninja Gaiden 4 follows Yakumo of the Raven Clan as he ventures to the remains of Tokyo to slay the Dark Dragon. The Order isn’t having it, though, and neither is series mainstay, Ryu Hayabusa (who’s also playable), leading to some bloody battles. While possessing an array of armaments, Yakumo also has Bloodraven Form to modify his attacks and even unleash Bloodbath Kills to maim several foes at once. Promising accessibility via Hero Mode and hardcore challenge courtesy of Master Ninja difficulty, Ninja Gaiden 4 could be the most epic title in the series yet.

Kingmakers

What happens when modern soldiers are sent back in time to fight medieval battles containing hundreds of units? You get Kingmakers, with its unique mix of third-person shooting, extensive military equipment and base-building, launching on October 8th for PC. When you’re not engaging in the battle, you can take an overhead view and command units. All this and co-op for up to four players? If nothing else, it looks like a fun bit of controlled chaos.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault

Nothing can stop a good merchant, especially one like Will, who ventures into dungeons to collect the wares himself. Moonlighter 2 directly follows the first game’s events, as you venture into The Endless Vault, collect valuable artifacts, and sell them in your store. The profits can be used to upgrade the town of Tresna, your own shop and even equipment to delve deeper into the dungeons for more profitable finds. With a jump to full 3D and new mechanics – like using your own backpack as a weapon – there’s plenty to look forward to when Moonlighter 2 launches in Steam Early Access on October 23rd.

Double Dragon Revive

The classic side-scrolling beat ’em up franchise returns courtesy of Arc System Works and Yuke’s when Double Dragon Revive launches on October 23rd for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. Alongside Story Mode with support for up to four playable characters, there’s Extra Mode with more than 50 mission types and a uniquely separate story across multiple unlockable episodes. Between this and Absolum, it’s a great month for beat ’em up fans.

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted

After botching Battle for Neighborville and Plants vs. Zombies 3, PopCap Games is going back to the drawing board. Or more specifically, to the first garden in Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, an HD version of the tower defense that started it all. Fortunately, there’s a lot to justify that $20 purchase, from a new hardcore mode to the more forgiving but still challenging Cloudy Day Mode. You can even compete in local PvP as the zombies or defend together in co-op. Replanted launches on October 23rd for Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.

Tormented Souls 2

The original Tormented Souls didn’t push any boundaries, but for a title inspired by old-school Resident Evil, it wasn’t half-bad. Tormented Souls 2, out on October 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, continues the story of Caroline as she ventures to a mysterious yet sinister new location. While you’ll be shifting between realities, solving puzzles and fighting off new enemies, tank controls are still in effect, and you won’t have unlimited saves, just like the survival horror games of yesteryears, but you can enable assist mode.

Once Upon A Katamari

A new Katamari title that isn’t a remaster? Somehow, it’s true as Once Upon A Katamari launches on October 24th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The Prince is once again tasked with fixing the sky after The King of All Cosmos destroys it yet again, and this time, you’re venturing through time, rolling up the Ice Age and other notable eras. With character customization, new tools and KatamariBall, a new four-player competitive mode, the good times may indeed be ready to roll.

Dispatch

What happens when Mecha Man no longer has his mech suit to fight crime? He does the next best thing, taking on a job as a superhero dispatcher. That’s only the start of Robert Robertson’s ordeals, however, as he works with ex-supervillains, dispatching them to different locations with unique consequences. Between unlocking new abilities and managing their various personality quirks, Dispatch is a unique mix of narrative adventure and hero strategy with a strong cast. The first two episodes debut on October 22nd, followed by the next two on October 29th for PS5 and PC, with the final four out in November.

Wreckreation

I’ll admit to being somewhat disappointed with Bugbear’s Wreckfest 2 (which has seen several updates after launching in early access), but Wreckreation, developed by the team behind Dangerous Driving, could fill that void. It’s out on October 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and introduces the 400 square kilometer sandbox that is MixWorld, which you’re free to build up and wreck alone or with others. With extensive customization tools and plenty to discover, it’s an interesting proposition, and hopefully one with a lot of staying power.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection

Have you ever wanted a definitive collection of all classic Mortal Kombat titles? Yes, even Mythologies: Sub Zero and Special Forces? Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection could be the answer as it contains Mortal Kombat 1, 2, 3, 4, Trilogy and much more with multiple versions, online play with rollback netcode and instant access to all secret characters. You can explore the lore of the series and its characters, and learn more about the franchise’s development courtesy of new creator interviews. Launching on October 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, it could very well be a must-buy for any fighting game fan.