Hi everyone! Today I’m tipping my sunflower hat to Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2: Deluxe Edition. As someone who usually drifts toward cozy sims and laid-back puzzlers, I’ve got to admit—this zany, cartoony shooter sneaks right into my heart. Here’s my friendly, full-dish take on what works, what wobbles, and why you might want to park yourself in its goofy turf.
Overall Impressions
I jumped into Garden Warfare 2 (Deluxe) curious if it could keep up with the big-name shooters out there. What stood out most was its endless charm: colorful battlegrounds, silly character banter, and that signature Plants vs. Zombies humor. It’s not trying to be a realistic war sim—thankfully, because I’d never land a headshot! Instead, it’s a silly, fast-paced team romp, perfect for anyone who wants action without the grueling intensity of “realistic” shooters.
What fell flat? Server support has long since wrapped up, and cheating can be an occasional hiccup. One player pointed out, “If you want to buy this game, just know that there is a bit of a cheating problem.” Fair warning—if you play online, you might run into someone boosting through walls. And for my Aussie friends, pop that VPN on: local servers are mostly empty, though North American ones still buzz with traffic.
Compared to other shooters, this one’s much more approachable. You won’t find complex recoil patterns or hundred-round magazines. Instead, every round feels like a backyard water balloon fight—bright, unpredictable, and just plain fun.
Gameplay Mechanics
Pros
This game stands out for its excellent class balance, allowing each character to feel unique and rewarding to play. Whether players prefer close-combat chaos or a more tranquil support role, there’s a class suited for every style. The Sunflower, for example, offers a soothing rhythm of healing that fans deeply resonate with—one player even declared it the best game they’ve ever played. This level of engagement reflects how well the game encourages personalized strategies and emotional connections through its characters.
In addition to balanced classes, the game maintains freshness through a wide variety of game modes. Players can engage in everything from cooperative missions in Graveyard Ops to large-scale chaos in the hybrid PvPvE mode Turf Takeover. For those who favor traditional multiplayer action, Team Vanquish offers quick, energetic battles. Coupled with intuitive controls and beginner-friendly mechanics, the game makes it easy for newcomers to jump in while still offering enough depth to keep veterans engaged. This blend of accessibility, variety, and strategic depth fosters an inclusive and dynamic experience for all.
Cons
While the game shines in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. One notable issue is cheating—particularly on PC, where some players exploit hacks to gain unfair advantages. Although it’s not rampant in every match, it’s frequent enough to be noticeable and can dampen the experience for honest players. This undermines the competitive balance and may frustrate those seeking fair play, especially in more intense game modes.
Another drawback involves occasional matchmaking hiccups. Players may find themselves placed in lobbies that are nearly empty or on teams that are clearly unbalanced, leading to frustrating gameplay. These issues appear less common on North American servers, but they can still disrupt the flow of otherwise engaging sessions. While not constant, these inconsistencies remind players that technical polish still has room for improvement.
Story and Characters
The story is delightfully light. Plants and Zombies join forces to stop the mad scientist Dr. Zomboss… again. You’ll team up with comedic sidekicks like Captain Deadbeard and Rose, who crack witty one-liners between waves. It’s not a narrative heavyweight, but the co-op story missions have just enough whimsy to pull you in. Each boss fight feels like an episode of a cartoon, and I find myself smiling at the over-the-top animations.
Visuals and Graphics
Vibrant is the word that keeps popping into my head. PopCap’s art team (now under EA’s watch) nailed a playful, colorful style that never tires the eyes. Maps range from sunlit gardens to neon-lit cities at night. The character models are delightfully detailed—sunflowers bounce when you sprint, zombies wobble with every step, and explosions look like confetti blasts. Even on older rigs, I got smooth framerates without downgrading to potato mode.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack is peppy and catchy, perfectly echoing that cartoon-y vibe. I love the trumpet fanfares whenever you score a vanquish, and the groaning moans of the undead always make me giggle. Voice acting is solid—each character has a fun personality. Yes, there’s a cheeky Sunflower voice that squeaks encouragement, and you’ll hear zombies complain when they get nailed with Pea Pods. It all boosts the lighthearted mood and makes matches feel lively.
Difficulty and Replayability
Garden Warfare 2 isn’t punishing. If you’re new to shooters, you’ll pick things up fast. The learning curve is gentle: start as a basic Peashooter, level up, unlock new abilities, then graduate to trickier classes when you’re ready. That said, high-level players can get pretty skilled—cheese them once or twice, and they’ll give you a run for your money!
Replayability is high if you love variety. You can grind character ranks, chase rare skins in the Season Pass content, or jump into community events when they pop up. One longtime fan said, “I played this back when it released on Xbox and it still remains one of my favorite FPS games ever.” I totally get why—ringing bells at the end of a match never gets old.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
PopCap Games launched the original Garden Warfare in 2014, delivering a fresh, action-packed spin on the beloved Plants vs. Zombies franchise. Two years later, in 2016, they released Garden Warfare 2, which featured more content, improved mechanics, and a Deluxe Edition that bundled several later DLC packs.
By around 2019, however, PopCap gradually phased out active development. New content updates, including maps and balance patches, came to an end as the studio shifted its focus.
During its heyday, Garden Warfare 2 thrived with monthly in-game events. These included unique challenges and limited-time character skins—yes, even the unforgettable Disco Chomper! Many developers from the original team eventually moved on to other EA projects, but GW2 remains a fan favorite for its vibrant community and creative live events.
Final Thoughts
Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2: Deluxe Edition nails that sweet spot between breezy fun and teamwork-driven action. It’s bright, it’s silly, and it’s easy to drop in for a quick round. Server chatter and the odd cheater can be a drag, but the core experience still shines on North American servers. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, I think you’ll find yourself smiling under that oversized sunflower hat.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Thanks for reading, and I hope you find your perfect plant or zombie loadout soon. Catch you next time for more cozy–casual game picks!
Add Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare 2 to your Steam collection!
