Easy and Fascinating Tower Defense:

The tower defense genre is perhaps one of the oldest and, at its core, most simplistic of game types. A sub-genre of the strategy games field, tower defense games require the player to use limited resources to secure a given location from repeating waves of attack. The Square-Enix and Namco collaboration "Crystal Defenders" is an example and part of the core gameplay of "Defense of the Ancients" was derived from tower defense. However, few games are used as the showcase example more than last year's breakout hit, "Plants vs. Zombies."

The title doesn't seem to bring in anything new to the genre. The basics remain unchanged and most of its features are familiar to long term players of the tower defense genre. Still, the game has a few quirks that makes it interesting to veteran players. The games doesn't involve mazes and juggling, two of the most common characteristics of this genre, which in turn, increased the possible options available to the player.

Another asset of the game is the appealing design of the plants. Every plant has its own characteristic trait that is shown by its design. An example is the unyielding gaze of the Tall-nut plant and the unique way it cries. Another is the subtle comedic tendencies of the Squash. This adds more humor and personality to the game, making it stand out from its competition in the market.

The design of the plants can make people assume they're a large part of the appeal. That assumption would be largely correct. Each of the plants has its own particular "personality," shown by their design. That steely, adamant gaze of the Tall-nut plant and how it cries is a commonly cited example of this. Then there is the subtle humor of the Squash and its function - it is used as a blunt instrument, "squashing" zombies. The humor and personality of the game is a good addition.

"Plants vs. Zombies" is clearly a game designed for casual gamers, like most of the tower defense archetype. Yes, it has a lot more options, but more hardcore strategy players will want their hands on titles like "StarCraft II" or something. While the zombies are still zombies, their design leaves them just as "cutesy" as the plants, which is liable to turn off the people who like their undead horrifying, twisted mockeries of the living. In simple terms, the game isn't going to appeal to everyone - then again, since when has any game been able to appeal to everyone?

"Plants vs Zombies" is an example of a simple strategy game with a few twists. It's appealing graphic design and interesting features makes it one of the more popular titles in the market. The hype over the game may be hard to understand, however, it will continue to remain a favorite amongst gamers.