App review: Plants vs. Zombies Heroes, newest installment to popular series is complex and cartoonish
Plants vs. Zombies Heroes (Electronic Arts)
A screenshot from Plants vs. Zombies Heroes (Electronic Arts)
Parents need to know that Plants vs. Zombies Heroes is a collectible card game in which the living-impaired take on mutant flora for control of the backyard. (Common Sense Media/TNS)
Parents need to know that Plants vs. Zombies Heroes is a collectible card game in which the living impaired take on mutant flora for control of the backyard. But while zombies like to eat people, and the plants attack by shooting seeds at their enemies, the violence in this game is strictly cartoonish, and neither bloody nor gory. Players can use real-world money to buy gems, which can then be used to buy packs of new and better cards. Also, while the zombie versions of Ben Franklin and other famous people might prompt kids to learn more about these historical figures, this game itself might also prompt kids to ask for some of the many, many Plants vs. Zombies toys or other games that are available at fine stores everywhere. Read the app’s privacy policy to find out about the information collected and shared.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
In Plants vs. Zombies Heroes, the undead have risen once again, and it’s up to the flowers to stop them. Or, if you prefer, the plants are getting uppity again, and it’s up to the living impaired to keep them in check. But while earlier Plants vs. Zombies games were land wars fought by grunts, this has battles taking place between new, more complicated characters, each of whom command soldiers and have their own individual attacks as well. But regardless of which side you’re playing as (there are missions for both), this is a deep and complex card battle game that has you using strategy, and hoping for good luck, as you fight this epic battle for control of the yard … and the world.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
Though not as serious as some, this card battle game does have a complexity and depth that will appeal to fans of the genre … if they have a sense of humor. Plants vs. Zombies Heroes adds a fresh take on this war by adding new boss characters, each of whom not only command the usual minions, but who also have their own individual attacks. Just don’t be fooled by the cartoonish antics of the flowers or flesh eaters; this is a deep and somewhat complicated card battle game that requires strategy. It’s possible younger gamers might get frustrated at first, or their parents might get frustrated when their kids get the hang of it sooner than they do. But if you’re looking for a chuckle while fighting for your survival, or if you’re as big of a fan of card battle games as you are this series, Plants vs. Zombies Heroes will give smart warriors a strategically good time.
RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for ages 10 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Educational value: 0 out of 5
Ease of play: 4 out of 5
Violence: 1 out of 5
Sex: 0 out of 5
Language: 0 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 0 out of 5
Consumerism: 4 out of 5 (Are products/advertisements embedded? Is the title part of a broader marketing initiative/empire? Is the intent to sell things to kids?)
APP DETAILS
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Price: Free
Release date: October 26, 2016
Category: Strategy Games
Size: 136.00 MB
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 or later; Android 4.1 and up
