It's appropriate that time travel is a theme for Plants vs Zombies 2. It's a time machine itself, capable of vaporising hours in what feels like seconds. The original, a tower defence game, has become iconic, and its zombies are fast becoming PopCap's trademark.

The fundamentals for Plants vs Zombies 2 remain the same: You must sow a variety of different plants to protect your house from a slapstick zombie invasion. The lethal plants include a pea pod that works like an automated gun; a sunflower that gathers sunlight to help generate more plants; walnut barriers; catapulting cabbages, and so on. The sequel adds new features, such as a limited supply of fertiliser that briefly turns your plant into a much more powerful weapon.

There are bonus weapons from outside the plant kingdom too; at certain points you can pinch the heads off your un-dead attackers, sweep them away in a gust of wind or zap them with electricity.

Once again, it’s beautifully presented, with funny, attractive and clear graphics, maps and menus.

Controversially, Plants vs Zombies 2 introduces a free-
to-play element: Instead of a one-off payment, you just pay to access bonus levels, power-ups and dig-outs. But in fairness, the game is generous with its content regardless of whether you crack open your wallet.

The game-play is sublime: PopCap are on to a winning formula, as you strategically plant the right plants to fend off the zombie invasion. You can get nuanced and block the zombies before planting landmines, pummel them with endless vegetables, or get risky by taking your time at the beginning and slowly stocking up on the big guns. It's pitched ideally for both casual and hardcore gamers.
popcap.com/plants-vs-zombies