• Publisher: PopCap
  • Release Date: Aug 15, 2013
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 296 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 99 out of 296
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  1. Jul 23, 2013
    10
    The only reason the user reviews are so low is because PvZ 2 was delayed in the USA so that they would not have any server issues like Sim City had. I am sure that when it comes out in just a few days it will be fantastic. If you are in Australia or New Zealand, you are enjoying it right now. Love the original game!
  2. Jul 23, 2013
    9
    Wow, this hate is overwhelmingly unreasonable. The majority of haters probably didn't even play it yet. Something that's delayed does not have anything to do with the quality. A great, fun, and casual but packed-with-content game as good as the first installment in the series, if not better.
  3. Jul 31, 2013
    9
    After about a 5 days in, this is my second review, one that comes with a broader understanding as to how a free to play game can actually be done properly and fairly to any given player. I originally gave it a 6 because I thought that paying for a plant/upgrade/level was greedy. In hindsight, it's quite the opposite. Yes, it will be far more challenging and difficult to go about thisAfter about a 5 days in, this is my second review, one that comes with a broader understanding as to how a free to play game can actually be done properly and fairly to any given player. I originally gave it a 6 because I thought that paying for a plant/upgrade/level was greedy. In hindsight, it's quite the opposite. Yes, it will be far more challenging and difficult to go about this without paying for anything.. But it's very possible and actually added a new twist in that it challenged me to play without 'cheating' and going the lazy route.

    First off, the game play is absolutely stellar, retina or not (I have a feeling an HD version will surface at a price sometime soon). The new concept makes it easily the best tower defense game out there with a familiar yet fresh take on the beloved first edition. The new plants and zombies made me laugh out loud and displayed how much effort went into this title. As much as I adore the first, this has already become my fav and it is beyond addictive (in a great way). On another note, because I'm a huge fan and want to support devs and creations like this, I have absolutely no problem paying for it. The beauty lies in the fact that they have given me a choice. Playing for free (with the ability to acquire everything) or pay at my own discretion. Again, brilliant and it exemplifies how to do a play for free title properly.

    Pop cap, you have officially become my favorite developer and PVZ2 is now the best game I've yet to play on the iOS. P. S. If you don't want to wait for this gem, do what I did and simply change your location in settings to Australia or New Zealand. This Canadian has been enjoying the down under version early thanks to YouTube! If you liked the first one, don't hesitate to grab this beautiful addition. If you're new, then you're in for one of the most fun games you'll ever play on your phone or ipad. Sorry android, like all of the best titles, you're going to have to wait.
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  4. Aug 18, 2013
    8
    This game is way and I mean way better then the first one. And the first one cost money! This app has amazing cinematography and a new look and feel to it that makes you not able to turn off the game.
    Because its free, it is a must get for anyone!
  5. Aug 21, 2013
    8
    Newsflash to everyone hating the free to play model, you don't need to pay a DIME to enjoy or finish this game. Seriously, the only reason you need to pay anything is if you want shortcut. Yes the premium plants do cost money but you don't need them, there are plenty of good plants in the game for free. You also don't need to pay for coins, the game is pretty generous in the amount ofNewsflash to everyone hating the free to play model, you don't need to pay a DIME to enjoy or finish this game. Seriously, the only reason you need to pay anything is if you want shortcut. Yes the premium plants do cost money but you don't need them, there are plenty of good plants in the game for free. You also don't need to pay for coins, the game is pretty generous in the amount of coins it hands out to you. This is a free to play model that actually works. Now that we got that out of the way on to the game.

    Plants vs. Zombies 1 was a fantastic game, one of the best "Tower Defense- esque" games ever made in my opinion. This one is not quite up to par with the first one though.

    The Maps: The first had 3 different maps that invoked 3 more involved strategies. When you include the night cycle (which is missing from this one) it offered many different styles of gameplay. This one does have 3 different maps but I found the strategies to be pretty similar on all levels except for needing to use one or two different plants. The star challenges do offer a bit of variety on each map but it gets predictable. Overall the designs are good but I found myself wanting more of a variety in levels.

    Zombies: It is a solid collection of bad guys to fend off but I found myself missing quite a few zombies from the first one. It was odd that they did not include a couple of types like the gargantuar or zombie bob sled team.

    Plants: Not as much of a variety but that is understandable since there are no swimming/flying zombies and there is no night cycle. A couple of stand outs are the Lightning Reed and Snap Dragon, the Snap Dragon is very powerful for the cost.

    Powerups: A nice addition to the game though this obviously aims at making money. While you don't really need to use the special attacks or purchase plant food that often they do make many maps much easier and you get plenty enough coins to not need to use real money. You are forced to use the special attacks to get some of the stars( in specific the ones that force you to not spend anything for 60+ seconds) as it is impossible to not lose lawnmowers in those levels which is annoying.

    Overall it is a fun game and the free to play models does not bother me, I did not pay anything and beat the game. It is not as good as the first but unique in its own way, I highly recommend this to any fans of plants vs. zombies 1.
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  6. Jul 26, 2013
    10
    Wow what an unbelievable title. This is how sequels should be made with more content and strategies. The story and zombies are awesome.

    Disregard the F2P concerns this game is designed to appeal to all!
  7. Dec 7, 2013
    8
    The overuse of IAPs is the only disappointment of an otherwise well improved, extremely fun and far more engaging sequel to one of the best games (mobile and otherwise) of our time.
  8. Oct 19, 2013
    9
    A fun game for kids, it has a potential to be a blockbuster. There are some glitches but overall it is a great tile. Good job devs i 9 stars goes to you.
  9. Jul 7, 2015
    10
    Plants vs. Zombies 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to 2009's 'Plants vs. Zombies'. There's tons of new characters, and the extra challenges in each level make it a much harder game than the first one. The game doesn't lose any of its charm in the new art and gameplay style.
  10. Jun 13, 2015
    10
    As a free-to-play fan, I couldn't have asked for much more. It improves on the first one in lots of ways and offers a very fun experience. It makes me actually feel like a destroyer. Plants vs. Zombies 2 It's About Time is a must-have for anyone with an iOS device.
  11. Jan 6, 2016
    9
    Ok i can see the hate with the other users, but in my opinion, its a great sequel, yea some of the plants that where in the original are ones you have to buy, but the game can be played without them, and the difficulty spike makes it so you have to THINK about what plants to bring, the minigames are repettitive, but so is the main game, and the minigames are a fun distraction from the mainOk i can see the hate with the other users, but in my opinion, its a great sequel, yea some of the plants that where in the original are ones you have to buy, but the game can be played without them, and the difficulty spike makes it so you have to THINK about what plants to bring, the minigames are repettitive, but so is the main game, and the minigames are a fun distraction from the main game, all and all this is a good game...but has the flaws of the omega currency, in this case gems, whoch ruins the fun sort of...but if this game had a life system then i would give it a lower score, but thankfuly it doesnt Expand
  12. Jan 13, 2016
    9
    A seriously addicting game that's both fun and challenging. The unique worlds add in different strategies and great levels of challenge. At some points, the zombie combination comes off as sheer annoyance (specifically in the Dark Ages, Big Wave Beach and Neon Mix Tape), but for the most part, the game is incredibly fun. It has many throwbacks to the first game while adding in new plants,A seriously addicting game that's both fun and challenging. The unique worlds add in different strategies and great levels of challenge. At some points, the zombie combination comes off as sheer annoyance (specifically in the Dark Ages, Big Wave Beach and Neon Mix Tape), but for the most part, the game is incredibly fun. It has many throwbacks to the first game while adding in new plants, zombies and mini-games to keep the game feeling fresh. I overall heavily enjoy the game, more so as new worlds kept being released. Expand
  13. Feb 18, 2016
    9
    Since the game is about to "end" I'll sum it up. It's a worthwhile sequel, and yes, It may have that Free-to-play nonsense, but it is at least worth checking out. I do have an issue with Gold Leaf being exclusive to her native world (Lost City), but almost everything else is on the verge of perfect.
  14. Jan 11, 2020
    8
    Worthy sequel of the first one. Challenging even though now it's not so fair, but at least they added some power ups. The humour continues like on the first game. Overall worse than the first game because it lacks extra content and the way the game was released (through updates) isn't a good release. The change from paid to free to play did wrong this game specially because the prices areWorthy sequel of the first one. Challenging even though now it's not so fair, but at least they added some power ups. The humour continues like on the first game. Overall worse than the first game because it lacks extra content and the way the game was released (through updates) isn't a good release. The change from paid to free to play did wrong this game specially because the prices are abusive. Also it's weird how this game wasn't ported to more platforms like 3DS, PC or Switch. Expand
  15. May 5, 2019
    10
    This game was way better than the first one. It has more plants and more unique features.
  16. Feb 28, 2021
    8
    This takes everything great about the first game and just improves on all of them. There are way more plants, enemies, levels and types of mini games to keep you entertained for hours! The only downside of this is that EA decided to add in a load of extra microtransactions and quite a few new ads, as it’s a free game this is fine and you don’t need to pay to win. Overall I highly recommendThis takes everything great about the first game and just improves on all of them. There are way more plants, enemies, levels and types of mini games to keep you entertained for hours! The only downside of this is that EA decided to add in a load of extra microtransactions and quite a few new ads, as it’s a free game this is fine and you don’t need to pay to win. Overall I highly recommend to fans of the first game or anyone who likes fun and engaging tower defence games. Expand
  17. Mar 18, 2020
    10
    Why is the user score 5.7. This game is amazing. This is equal or a bit better than the original.
  18. Aug 3, 2023
    8
    Отличное продолжение замечательной игры. Прошёл все уровни. Советую всем кто любит оригинал
  19. May 25, 2023
    8
    Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time, la esperada secuela del exitoso juego de defensa de torres, nos lleva de vuelta a la batalla entre las adorables plantas y los hilarantes pero mortales zombis. Aunque este juego ofrece una experiencia entretenida y adictiva, no logra alcanzar la excelencia de su predecesor.
    En cuanto a los géneros que combina, como Strategy, Real-Time, Fantasy,
    Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time, la esperada secuela del exitoso juego de defensa de torres, nos lleva de vuelta a la batalla entre las adorables plantas y los hilarantes pero mortales zombis. Aunque este juego ofrece una experiencia entretenida y adictiva, no logra alcanzar la excelencia de su predecesor.
    En cuanto a los géneros que combina, como Strategy, Real-Time, Fantasy, General y Defense, Plants vs. Zombies 2 presenta una mezcla interesante que añade profundidad y variedad a la jugabilidad. El jugador debe planificar cuidadosamente su estrategia, colocar diferentes tipos de plantas con habilidades únicas y usarlas sabiamente para defender su jardín de las hordas de zombis que se aproximan.
    El apartado gráfico y el diseño de los personajes siguen siendo encantadores y coloridos, manteniendo el estilo distintivo que hizo que el primer juego fuera tan atractivo. Los nuevos mundos temáticos y los zombis creativos agregan un toque fresco y emocionante a la experiencia de juego.
    Sin embargo, donde Plants vs. Zombies 2 no logra estar a la altura de su predecesor es en la estructura del juego y en su sistema de monetización. A diferencia del primer juego, que ofrecía una progresión más lineal y desbloqueo de contenido constante, esta secuela presenta un modelo de juego más basado en eventos y micro transacciones.
    El enfoque en eventos y la disponibilidad de plantas y mejoras a través de compras en la aplicación puede ser un obstáculo para aquellos jugadores que buscan una experiencia de juego más equilibrada y sin interrupciones. Aunque es posible disfrutar del juego sin gastar dinero real, el ritmo de progresión puede ser más lento y frustrante en comparación con el primer Plants vs. Zombies.
    A pesar de estas deficiencias, Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time sigue siendo un juego altamente entretenido y adictivo en su género. Los fanáticos de la franquicia encontrarán nuevos desafíos y una amplia variedad de contenido para explorar. Si bien no alcanza la perfección de su predecesor, sigue siendo una opción sólida para los amantes de la estrategia y la defensa de torres.
    En resumen, Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time ofrece una experiencia de juego divertida y desafiante, pero no logra superar el encanto y la simplicidad que hizo que el primer juego fuera tan querido. Con una puntuación de 8/10, esta secuela se destaca en su género, pero queda a la sombra de su predecesor en términos de innovación y progresión de la jugabilidad.
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  20. Aug 30, 2021
    9
    Lots of new and fresh things, really original ideas, more and more plants with unique abilities, too bad it wasn't released on PC, sad when this game has microtransactions
  21. Jan 16, 2022
    9
    It is fun game. I always play this game even I already end the story of the game. Nice Idea for Popcap about the all plants, Zombies and the places.
  22. Jan 17, 2022
    8
    An enjoyable and well-executed game that conveys outstanding personality, with absolutely addictive and incredulous modes filled with characteristic plants and delightful zombies! Despite the tremendous gameplay which is arguably better than the original, the freemium model is troubling. Online YouTubers have demonstrated the possibility of passing levels without paying provided withAn enjoyable and well-executed game that conveys outstanding personality, with absolutely addictive and incredulous modes filled with characteristic plants and delightful zombies! Despite the tremendous gameplay which is arguably better than the original, the freemium model is troubling. Online YouTubers have demonstrated the possibility of passing levels without paying provided with reasonable luck, but personally, I find it to be extremely difficult. This indisputably lowers my rating of an otherwise 9.5/10 game. Expand
  23. Jan 27, 2022
    9
    It's good but it's not a 10 because it doesn't give me me nostalgia and good vibes like the first game does
  24. Feb 21, 2023
    8
    Nice sequel of the first one good ideas on expanding the game with the maps and diferent types of plants and zombies,the only problem that i have its why the game is not in pc, it would be so much more papular and better than just being a phone game,i hope popcap develop pvz3 one day and its for all consoles and pc that would be amazing.
  25. May 19, 2023
    10
    THE NEGATIVITY ARE JUST NOSTALGIA MEATRIDERS. the first game was great but this was wayyyy more fun and creative and we actually had stuff to grind for and the whole concept and idea was too perfect and created so many creative levels. this is a sequel done right
  26. Jul 27, 2023
    9
    Plants vs Zombies 2 expands on the original in every aspect, there are more levels, more types of levels, more enemy types, more boss fights and more plant types. The game is really fun and it does not deserve the amount of criticism that it gets, yes the micro-transactions do harm the experience but not in a way that would completely destroy the game. If you enjoyed the first Plants vsPlants vs Zombies 2 expands on the original in every aspect, there are more levels, more types of levels, more enemy types, more boss fights and more plant types. The game is really fun and it does not deserve the amount of criticism that it gets, yes the micro-transactions do harm the experience but not in a way that would completely destroy the game. If you enjoyed the first Plants vs Zombies then you will enjoy this one for sure. Expand
  27. Sep 7, 2023
    8
    Just as good as the original. It's harder and more chaotic and has a better survival endless but has microtransactions, level up system, and the levels are shorter. Overall great game. The new updates with arena and all these weird plants no one will use drag it from a 9 to a 8 but still quite great.
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 36
  2. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Games Master UK
    Sep 18, 2013
    93
    A fantastic sequel, unhindered by its free to play model. Plant this on your device now! [Nov 2013, p.78]
  2. Sep 10, 2013
    93
    Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time just works well in every way. The game makes good use of the Free to Play-model, with which you'll only pay for something to make it a bit easier for yourself. The game is just as enjoyable without spending a dime though.
  3. Hyper Magazine
    Sep 4, 2013
    80
    A big improvement on the first game, albeit one hampered by the free to play model. [Oct 2013, p.77]