What is Plant vs. Zombies Based On?
Plant vs. Zombies, a popular tower defense game, was released in 2009 by PopCap Games. Over the years, the game has become a household name, captivating gamers of all ages with its unique concept of pitting plants against zombies in a battle for survival. But what inspired the developers to create this peculiar yet fascinating game?
Magical Influences
Interestingly, the game’s art director, Rich Werner, was influenced by Magic: The Gathering, a popular trading card game. The vibrant and colorful graphics of the game’s characters, plants, and zombies, owe their charm to this influence. The game’s developers were fascinated by the way the game’s artwork blended together to create a rich, imaginative world. They attempted to replicate this effect in Plant vs. Zombies.
Gameplay Inspiration from Warcraft III
The gameplay mechanics of Plant vs. Zombies were also inspired by Warcraft III, a real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. The game’s resource management system, which involves collecting and utilizing a limited amount of sunlight, is reminiscent of Warcraft’s resource gathering mechanics. Similarly, the way plants grow and evolve as players collect experience points and sunlight echoes the leveling up system seen in Warcraft III.
Classic Inspiration from Swiss Family Robinson
The game’s narrative, which involves plants fighting against an invading force of zombies, is somewhat reminiscent of Swiss Family Robinson, a classic novel by Johann David Wyss. In the novel, a Swiss family becomes stranded on a deserted island and must navigate its dangers, including an invasion of monkeys. In Plant vs. Zombies, players take on the role of a family trying to survive against the zombie threat.
Evolution Over Time
Plant vs. Zombies has undergone significant changes over the years. Zombies Reversed, a spin-off game, flips the game’s premise on its head by pitting zombies against plants. The game also has various mini-games, such as the Zen Garden, where players can cultivate and raise snails to collect in-game rewards.
Pop Culture Influences
Several other pop culture references are scattered throughout the game, including:
- Comic books: The game’s artwork is heavily influenced by comic books, with characters like the sun, fog, and chompers featuring bold lines and vivid colors.
- Humor: The game is full of wacky and humorous characters, including plants with funny names like the peashooter and the repeater.
- Gaming tropes: Plant vs. Zombies references numerous gaming tropes, including the use of power-ups, level-up systems, and boss battles.
Impact and Legacy
Since its release, Plant vs. Zombies has become one of the most popular video games of all time. The game has spawned a series of sequels and spin-offs, and has inspired numerous other games to incorporate similar gameplay mechanics and pop culture references.
| Game | Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Plant vs. Zombies | 2009 | PC, Mac |
| Plant vs. Zombies (iPhone/iPad) | 2009 | iOS |
| Plant vs. Zombies HD (Android) | 2010 | Android |
| Plant vs. Zombies: Heroes | 2014 | iOS, Android |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Plant vs. Zombies is based on a blend of magical, gamey, and pop culture influences. From the vibrant colors and artwork inspired by Magic: The Gathering, to the gameplay mechanics informed by Warcraft III, the game has taken bits and pieces from various sources to create a unique and engaging experience. As one of the most beloved and enduring video games of all time, Plant vs. Zombies continues to inspire gamers of all ages.