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CRITIK

Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
Item: Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAction, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Horror, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableFeb 23, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperPopCap

Overview

The battle for suburbia grows to crazy new heights in Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2! In this hilarious, action-packed shooter, zombie leader Dr. Zomboss has strengthened his horde and rebuilt suburbia as a zombie utopia. But hope remains, because for the first time the plants are taking the offensive in an all-out attack to reclaim their turf. Play as the plants in the all-new 24-player Herbal Assault mode, or choose your side in 4-player co-op or Solo Play!

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

88%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 receives mixed reviews from critics. CGMagazine appreciates the single-player campaign, The Backyard Battleground, highlighting various quests and challenges that offer replay value. Examiner also finds the solo campaign entertaining and a fun way to explore the quirky PvZ world. These positive aspects indicate that the game succeeds in providing an engaging single-player experience for players looking to delve into the PvZ universe. On the flip side, several critics express concerns about the story's depth and execution. IGN Denmark and PlayStation Universe criticize the flat narrative and repetitive single-player missions, which may hinder the overall storytelling experience. Hardcore Gamer points out that the campaigns for both Plants and Zombies are short and lack depth, potentially leaving players wanting more in terms of narrative development. These criticisms suggest that the story aspect of the game may fall short in providing a compelling and immersive experience for players seeking a rich narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a lukewarm reception of the story in Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2. While some reviewers appreciate the light-hearted and humorous tone of the game, such as GameCrate and Game Revolution, others, like IGN Italia and Metro GameCentral, find the story elements to be basic and lacking in excitement. The general sentiment suggests that while the game offers an enjoyable single-player experience with quirky characters and amusing scenarios, the narrative may not be a standout feature for players seeking a more robust storytelling experience. Despite the varying opinions on the story, it is evident that the game's focus on gameplay mechanics and multiplayer aspects may overshadow the narrative elements for many players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2's story. Some praise the engaging single-player campaign, while others criticize its lack of depth and repetitive missions. Overall, the game's narrative receives a lukewarm reception, with some enjoying its humor and charm, while others find it basic and unexciting. In the end, the focus on gameplay and multiplayer features may outshine the storytelling for many players.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 for its positive aspects. CGMagazine highlighted the fluid controls, diverse maps, and tasks, along with over 100 playable characters with unique abilities. Cheat Code Central appreciated the fun gameplay and variety of character types, while GameSpot and PlayStation Universe noted the diverse characters with unique abilities and strategic depth. The game's entertaining and well-balanced nature was commended by Hardcore Gamer and Game Rant, emphasizing the variety of characters and game modes available. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain negatives about the gameplay of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2. Metro GameCentral mentioned that while the characters and abilities were varied and imaginative, the gunplay lacked punch and leveling up took too long. GameSpot and PlayStation Universe also highlighted progression pacing issues that hindered character leveling and unlocks. These criticisms suggest that while the game excelled in many areas, there were some aspects that could have been improved for a more seamless experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2. The game was praised for its addicting and enjoyable nature, offering a wide range of characters, abilities, and multiplayer modes. Critics like The Jimquisition and Gameplanet appreciated the expanded classes, new characters, and engaging gameplay experience. Despite some minor flaws mentioned by a few reviewers, the general sentiment is that the game provides a solid and entertaining experience for players, especially in multiplayer settings. The variety of gameplay modes, character classes, and strategic elements contributed to making Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 a highly recommended title among the critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 wows critics with its diverse characters, addictive gameplay, and engaging multiplayer modes. While some point out minor issues like slow progression and lackluster gunplay, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. With over 100 unique characters and well-balanced gameplay, this title is a solid choice for multiplayer fun.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2, highlighting its vibrant, detailed, and fantastic visuals. CGMagazine noted the improved graphics, especially the detailed overhaul of favorite characters like the Ice Pea. Cheat Code Central, GameSpot, and PlayStation Universe all commended the visually detailed maps, diverse character designs, and visually distinct characters, with GameSpot specifically mentioning hazards, bottlenecks, and verticality adding depth to the visuals. Push Square appreciated the vibrant presentation that added charm to the game, while The Jimquisition highlighted the colorful environments, detailed character designs, and cartoon aesthetic that made the game visually appealing. On the flip side, some critics like Hardcore Gamer and Examiner mentioned that while the game looked fine and featured well-designed new characters and maps with colorful aesthetics, it didn't offer groundbreaking visuals or lacked creativity in mission design. Digital Spy also pointed out that the game struggled at times to explain everything properly, which could impact the overall visual experience for players. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the Graphics and Visual Design of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 remained largely positive among the critics who reviewed the game. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2. The game was praised for its gorgeous, vibrant world, stunning visuals, diverse character designs, and charming art style that brought the quirky nature of the franchise to life. Critics like Game Rant, Impulsegamer, and Twinfinite appreciated the lively and quirky visual design, while Gameplanet and Pure Xbox highlighted the improved graphics and varied map designs compared to its predecessor. Despite some minor critiques about lacking groundbreaking visuals or creativity in mission design, the overall reception towards the game's Graphics and Visual Design was highly favorable, making it a visually appealing and engaging experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics overwhelmingly praised Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 for its stunning graphics and vibrant visual design, with detailed character designs and colorful aesthetics. While some critics mentioned minor issues like lack of groundbreaking visuals or creativity in missions, the consensus remains highly positive. The game's lively and quirky art style brings the franchise to life, offering an engaging visual experience for players.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 received a lot of positive feedback from the critics. PSX Extreme praised the game for its great graphical and audio effects, diverse combat effects, dynamic audio, and character-specific sounds that enhance the overall experience. PlayStation Universe highlighted the comical and vivid sound effects that enhance the gameplay experience, with each character having its own distinct sound, adding to the game's charm. Attack of the Fanboy and COGconnected both appreciated the enjoyable audio experience with catchy tunes and fitting character noises, with COGconnected specifically mentioning the spectacular soundtrack that elevates the action on screen. GamingTrend and High-Def Digest also commended the game's great soundtrack, featuring catchy tunes and retro tracks that enhance the wacky shooting gameplay. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of the game. The Jimquisition mentioned that while the game has a fantastic and catchy soundtrack, the garbled speech of NPC characters may be annoying to some players. Game Over Online noted that while the voice work is good with amusing gibberish for human characters, the soundtrack itself is not memorable. Additionally, Game Revolution did not consider the sound design and music to be a major focus in their review, suggesting that it might not have stood out as much compared to other aspects of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2. The majority of reviewers appreciated the diverse and character-specific sounds, catchy tunes, and dynamic audio that added to the overall charm and immersive experience of the game. While there were some minor criticisms regarding certain aspects like garbled NPC speech or the memorability of the soundtrack, the general sentiment leans towards the sound design and music being a strong suit of the game, contributing significantly to its overall appeal and enjoyment, as highlighted by critics such as PlayStation Universe, Attack of the Fanboy, and COGconnected.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the stellar sound design and music in Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2, praising its diverse combat effects, character-specific sounds, and catchy tunes that enhance the gameplay experience. Some minor criticisms include garbled NPC speech and a less memorable soundtrack, but overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's dynamic audio and great soundtrack are highlighted as major strengths that elevate the action on screen, making it a standout feature according to reviewers.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, the majority of critics praised Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 for its solid servers, fast player matching, and minimal lag issues. God is a Geek highlighted the rock-solid servers and fast player matching, while PSX Extreme appreciated the bright colors, fantastic effects, and overall appeal that enhanced the experience. IGN Denmark also noted that the game's servers ran surprisingly well, indicating a positive experience for players on the PS4 platform. On the other hand, some negative aspects were pointed out by Hardcore Gamer and TheSixthAxis regarding the online requirement even for single-player mode, which could pose difficulties in accessing content. Hardcore Gamer specifically mentioned the constant connection to EA's servers as a potential drawback. Additionally, TheSixthAxis highlighted the online requirement even when playing solo, which could be seen as a downside for players looking for offline gameplay experiences on the PS4. Overall, the consensus among critics for Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2's technical performance across both the PS4 and Xbox One platforms leans towards positive feedback. While some minor issues were reported, such as sound glitches on the Xbox One as mentioned by Attack of the Fanboy and High-Def Digest, the game generally maintained solid performance with rock-solid frame rates, as noted by Game Revolution and GameSpew. The improvements in split-screen functionality on the Xbox One, as mentioned by Game Rant, were also acknowledged positively. Despite some platform-specific drawbacks like frame rate drops during split-screen on the Xbox One, the overall sentiment suggests that the game delivers a satisfying technical performance on both consoles, with the PS4 receiving particular praise for its stable servers and smooth gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics mostly praised Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 on PS4 for its solid servers, fast player matching, and minimal lag. Some negatives include the online requirement even for single-player mode, criticized by Hardcore Gamer and TheSixthAxis. Overall, technical performance on both PS4 and Xbox One was positively reviewed, with minor issues like sound glitches on Xbox One. Despite some drawbacks, the game delivers a satisfying experience, especially on PS4 with stable servers and smooth gameplay.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the diverse range of content and gameplay options that contribute to the replay value of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2. Critics like COGconnected praised the addicting gameplay and variety of characters, while PlayStation Universe appreciated the ability to level up characters through quests and customization with card packs. The game's wealth of customizable items, unlockables, and over 100 character variants, as mentioned by Push Square and GameCrate, also add to its replayability. Additionally, the inclusion of daily challenges, constantly changing active quests, and a mix of game modes, as noted by The Jimquisition and TheSixthAxis, provide incentives for players to keep coming back for more. On the flip side, some critics pointed out potential negatives that could impact the overall replay value of the game. GameSpot highlighted progression pacing issues that may hinder long-term enjoyment, especially for solo players. God is a Geek mentioned balancing issues with certain characters like Rose, which could affect the game's replayability. Furthermore, Game Rant noted that despite the addition of improved split-screen functionality and unique gameplay mutators, the game still feels somewhat small in scale compared to other titles in the genre, which could limit long-term engagement for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 offers a substantial amount of content and gameplay variety that contributes to its replay value. Critics like Cheat Code Central and Gameplanet praised the game for its solo campaign, co-op modes, hub world with mini-quests, and diverse roster of characters, highlighting the game's ability to keep players engaged through different activities. While there are some concerns raised by critics regarding progression pacing issues and character balancing, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's addictive and varied gameplay, extensive customization options, and the constant stream of new challenges and rewards that enhance the overall replayability of the title.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics love the diverse content and gameplay options in Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2, praising its addicting gameplay, character variety, and customization features. However, some critics note progression pacing issues, character balancing concerns, and a somewhat small scale compared to other games in the genre. Overall, the game offers a wealth of content, engaging gameplay, and constant incentives for players to keep coming back for more.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, with many praising its colorful visuals, fun multiplayer modes, and overall enjoyable gameplay experience. Critics like CGMagazine and GameSpot highlighted the game's diverse gameplay mechanics, well-designed multiplayer modes, and the incorporation of new content, characters, and maps. IGN also commended the game for its modes, customization options, and new character classes, emphasizing the great amount of enjoyment it provides. The Jimquisition even went as far as calling it a "masterclass in sequel creation," lauding its fun and complete experience with plenty of content to enjoy. On the downside, some critics, such as GameSpot and IGN Denmark, pointed out progression pacing issues, lackluster single-player content, and balancing issues as detractors from the game's potential. games(TM) criticized the game for feeling boring and like a time sink, mentioning its fixation on acquisition and leveling up as a negative aspect. Additionally, some critics noted that while the game offers an enjoyable experience, it may not provide a totally new experience compared to its predecessor, as mentioned by Attack of the Fanboy. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is a highly enjoyable and well-crafted game that successfully builds upon the foundation set by its predecessor. The game is praised for its engaging multiplayer experience, diverse characters, solid gameplay mechanics, and high replay value. While there are some minor criticisms regarding certain aspects like progression pacing and lackluster single-player content, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics like Game Over Online and Pure Xbox commending it as a must-play for fans of the series and a great pickup for both kids and adults. The game's ability to cater to a wide range of players, from casual to dedicated, and its overall improvement over the first installment solidify its position as a standout title in the shooter genre.

TL;DR

Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 wowed critics with its vibrant visuals, fun multiplayer modes, and diverse gameplay mechanics. It received high praise for its new content, characters, and maps. While some critics noted progression issues and lackluster single-player content, the game was lauded as a sequel masterclass, offering a complete experience with plenty of enjoyment. Overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics highlighting its engaging multiplayer, diverse characters, and high replay value, making it a standout title in the shooter genre for fans of all ages.

CRITIK

Reviews

119 reviews found

100

Twinfinite

Xbox One

Feb 18, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game has a lot of good going for it and is a masterclass example in value.

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The Jimquisition

PlayStation 4

Feb 28, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is praised as a masterclass in sequel creation, offering a fun and complete experience with plenty of content to enjoy. It is described as lovable, preposterous, and completely rampageous, earning a superb rating of 9.5/10.

CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Feb 18, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Plants Vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is an amazingly delightful third-person shooter. It combines the ridiculousness of plants facing off against zombies with serious controls and competitiveness. It is a solid experience that anyone with a competitive streak can enjoy.

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ZTGD

Xbox One

Feb 18, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised as a worthy sequel that improves upon the issues of the first game. It is described as a competent shooter that breaks the mold stylistically and thematically. The added single player components and improvements make it a game that should not be missed.

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Pure Xbox

Xbox One

Mar 8, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 builds on the original brilliantly, with new content and improvements. The current balance issues are acknowledged by the developers.

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Game Over Online

Xbox One

Feb 26, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is an outstanding shooter, well worth the time for anyone who enjoyed the first game. It's a perfect third-person shooter for kids and a good pickup for adults.

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ICXM

Xbox One

Feb 18, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the game as a multiplayer shooter packed with content and a big step forward for the franchise.

Destructoid

Xbox One

Feb 18, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 impresses with its expanded gameplay, engaging single-player content, and high replay value, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

Cheat Code Central

PlayStation 4

Feb 18, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review overall praises the game, stating that it is a shooter for everyone and a joy to experience.

GamingTrend

Xbox One

Feb 18, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is addicting, charming, and packed with more content than you can shake a husk of corn at, making it a highly recommended game.

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