Plants vs. Zombies

 DS
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. Universo Nintendo
    May 1, 2011
    95
    In general, Plants vs. Zombies is an addictive game in all its versions, but on the Nintendo handheld it has at its disposal the largest audience ever owned by a video game and found its best gameplay on the console because of the touch screen.
  2. Thunderbolt
    Jan 27, 2011
    90
    Already played Plants vs. Zombies? Yeah, so have I. Playing the DS version, though, has gotten me hooked all over again. In terms of gameplay and features, PvZ on DS edges out ahead of pretty much any other version out there.
  3. Nintendo Power
    Jan 19, 2011
    90
    PVZ will grab you in its mesmerizing clutches and leave you slack-jawed and ceaselessly shuffling about for more. [Feb 2011, p.86]
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  5. Pocket Gamer UK
    Jan 18, 2011
    90
    Plants vs. Zombies belies its cartoonish appearance with a deep and engaging tactical experience providing lasting appeal.
  6. Impulsegamer
    Aug 15, 2011
    86
    In the end, Plants vs. Zombies is a very apt game on the Nintendo DS that successfully ports this franchise to this console. With perfect controls thanks to the stylus and the exact same gameplay you find on any of the other platforms, this is one game that DS users should investigate because casual gaming doesn't get any better than Plants vs. Zombies.
  7. Nintendo Gamer
    Mar 7, 2011
    86
    Still a brilliant game. [Feb 2011, p.64]
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  8. GamingXP
    Jun 1, 2011
    85
    Plants vs. Zombies has been well ported, the good concept of gameplay works on the NDS.
  9. NintendoWorldReport
    Feb 17, 2011
    85
    Plants vs. Zombies is a fantastic handheld game, and well suited to the Nintendo DS. Unfortunately, superior versions of the game are available for much cheaper on almost every other platform, making the DS version a hard sell.
  10. GameShark
    Feb 28, 2011
    83
    Plants vs Zombies is no exception with all of the charming and addictive tower defense strategy excellence ported over to the DS with great results. Sure the frame rate may chug a little, but if it happens, it's because your overstocked lawn is on its way towards raining chlrophyll tinged death on slavering, undead hordes.
  11. Game Informer
    Jan 20, 2011
    83
    Plants vs. Zombies is a great game, but explore your options before committing to this version of it.
  12. NZGamer
    Oct 17, 2011
    80
    The game's many levels and wide variety of zombie-crushing activities represent good value for money. It's simple to play, highly addictive, and entertaining... and best of all, it's portable.
  13. Cubed3
    May 23, 2011
    80
    There's a huge amount of addictive gameplay on offer in Plants VS Zombies, all tied up in a humorous package that is perfect for short and long play sessions. Another success for PopCap that will keep many players busy for a good while, Plants VS Zombies is no weed.
  14. Guardian
    May 6, 2011
    80
    Brilliant; cute as a button, ingenious in its design and as addictive as any core title you could mention, this is one of the best investments you will make all year.
  15. Machinima
    Feb 25, 2011
    80
    The fun gameplay coupled with an incredible amount of replayability should keep this cartridge in your handheld for months.
  16. My Gamer
    Jan 30, 2011
    80
    Still, the PC version of Plants vs. Zombies remains the one that most gamers will want to start with, but if you only have a DS or want a full-featured portable version of the game, the slowdown is the only major problem with the port.
  17. DarkStation
    Jan 28, 2011
    80
    Although not the optimal version of Plants vs. Zombies, I would say that this is a worthy entry into the Nintendo DS lineup. If you haven't yet tried this amazing game the DS is a good version to see what all the fuss is about.
  18. GameSpot
    Jan 22, 2011
    80
    The DS version of this great tower defense game can be a little confusing but is a lot of fun to play both solo and competitively.
  19. Video Game Talk
    Jan 21, 2011
    80
    Unfortunately, this is the worst performing version of Plants vs. Zombies and oddly the most expensive.
  20. IGN
    Jan 18, 2011
    80
    Unfortunately, this version doesn't run as well as the others and has a more expensive price tag. So Plants vs. Zombies DS is only for those who don't have a PC, iPhone, iPad, or Xbox 360.
  21. Worth Playing
    Feb 4, 2011
    75
    Though Plants vs. Zombies on the DS may claim to have the most features, it fails to live up to expectations in all the areas that matter most. The new minigames add very little, the graphics and sound are garish, and the controls are too limited for a game that has been so much more impressive elsewhere.
  22. Metro GameCentral
    May 10, 2011
    70
    Not the greatest, or best value for money, version of the game but a surprisingly decent port that still has all the same undead charm.
  23. Gaming Age
    Mar 4, 2011
    67
    There are better platforms to have this on, sure, but if you're looking to try the game out for the first time there's nothing wrong with choosing this as your platform of choice.
  24. GameZone
    Feb 4, 2011
    60
    Although it's still a fun and imaginative game no matter where you play it, there are cheaper and far superior Plants vs. Zombies offerings on almost every other platform. I'm not sure why PopCap delivered watered down audio/visuals, but the fact that they did essentially rules out the DS version for anyone with a PC, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Xbox 360.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best DS Game of 2011
8
#8 Most Discussed DS Game of 2011
14
#14 Most Shared DS Game of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 52
  3. Negative: 5 out of 52
  1. MegaGamer37
    Jan 23, 2011
    10
    This is basically Plants vs. Zombies on the DS. No new changes other than the smaller screen size. So if you already have it on any otherThis is basically Plants vs. Zombies on the DS. No new changes other than the smaller screen size. So if you already have it on any other system, you know what you're getting, though I'm not saying it's bad. Still as fun as it ever was. Recommended for tower defense fans who wants something new.… Full Review »
  2. lowkey42o
    Feb 4, 2011
    3
    I don't understand why this is getting such great reviews, I rented it from game fly and the graphics / interface are far inferior to theI don't understand why this is getting such great reviews, I rented it from game fly and the graphics / interface are far inferior to the previous versions I played. WHY would I pay 29.99 for a DS game I can get for$3 with sharper graphic and smoother gameplay. A ten means perfect this far from that.… Full Review »
  3. Crea
    Jan 19, 2011
    10
    Top screen to see big zombies and touch screen to play with tiny cute zombies! I like playing zombie shooting and baseball :) They are reallyTop screen to see big zombies and touch screen to play with tiny cute zombies! I like playing zombie shooting and baseball :) They are really cute and funny.… Full Review »
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