Why do fan-made Plants vs. Zombies projects attract so many players?
I've noticed that many Plants vs. Zombies fans continue to play not only the official games but also community-created projects inspired by the franchise. Some players enjoy trying new plants, zombies, mechanics, and challenges that aren't available in the official releases. Others seem to like the creativity and passion that fan communities bring to the series. Recently, while looking for information about different community projects, I came across https://pvzfusionapkinfo.com/, which collects guides, updates, and information related to one of these fan-made experiences. It made me realize how active the PVZ community still is after all these years. What do you think makes fan-made Plants vs. Zombies projects so popular? Is it the nostalgia, the new gameplay ideas, or something else? I'd love to hear which community projects or fan creations you have enjoyed the most and why.
Welcome dev team & players of PvZ International to review below:
The following is an AI translation due to my limited English proficiency; some inaccuracies may exist.As a loyal Chinese player, I have had a lot of fun while playing the game. At the same time, I have also found some areas that can be optimized, and I hope to contribute my ideas to the further improvement of the game. Hello! Wishing you all the best, may we have a wonderful time together, and may you be free from worries and negative feelings! Happy New Year! Thank you for reading my feedback and for being willing to listen to the genuine thoughts of Chinese players about Plants vs. Zombies International Version. Due to my limited English, the following content is translated by AI and may have some minor inaccuracies. As a loyal Chinese player, I have really enjoyed playing the game. At the same time, I have identified some areas that could be optimized, and I hope to contribute to the game’s further improvement. I would be extremely grateful for your support and approval if you would like to leave a like or vote. Even if you don’t support it, that’s completely fine—please feel free to read my feedback or other players’ feedback as you wish. 😊😊😊🌹🌹🌹 【We really, really need these optimizations! It should be appropriately centered on users. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my feedback. I look forward to continuous improvements in the future to bring a more excellent experience to users. Thank you!】 Bugs that need priority handling In Plants vs. Zombies 1 HD for iPadOS, I encountered such an issue: when entering the game with an internet connection, it crashes and fails to launch. I have to disconnect from the network first to enter the game, then reconnect to the internet to play. In the iPadOS version of Plants vs. Zombies 1 HD, I encountered another problem: under a stable network connection, the data of the unlocked "Diamond Beghouler" achievement and "Smashin" achievement are saved locally, but they can never be automatically synced to the Apple server. As a result, these two achievements are shown as unlocked in the local game but remain in the "unlocked" state in the achievement list of this game in Apple Game Center. I have tried two solutions: first, recreating the game account; second, uninstalling the game, reinstalling it, and playing from the beginning. However, even if I unlock these two achievements again in a stable network environment, the relevant data still cannot be synced to the Apple server. I have contacted Apple customer service before, and they said they couldn't solve the problem and suggested that I contact the game developer. It's worth noting that all achievements in the iPhone version of PvZ 1 can be synced to the Apple server normally, and in the iPad version of PvZ 1 HD, all other achievements except the two mentioned above can also be synced normally. Therefore, I judge that this problem may be caused by the software itself, not by Apple. 【If you don't quite understand the content of the description, you can refer to the attached photo!】 In the Android and iOS versions of Plants vs. Zombies 1, issues such as lag, frame drops may occur after connecting to the Internet, and problems like missing music and sound effects may appear after watching ads. In the iOS version of Plants vs. Zombies 1, there is an error in the display of an achievement icon on Apple's server: Apple's server incorrectly displays the icon of "The Stuff Of Legends" achievement as that of the "Smashing" achievement. 【If you don't quite understand the content of the description, you can refer to the attached photo!】 I. System Adaptation and Interface Optimization Full-range Tablet Native Adaptation + Texture Optimization & Art Refinement + Cross-platform Ecosystem Layout We earnestly request the globally available international version of *Plants vs. Zombies*, currently published across regional app marketplaces, to deliver native compatibility for all mainstream tablet devices including iPad, Android Pad and HarmonyOS Pad, eliminating forced mobile compatibility emulation and filling the market gap left by the previously delisted international HD edition. Based on original asset textures, upgrade in-game graphics toward the refined, dimensional and ultra-high-definition **Stand Painting Style** — the iconic art featured on official PVZ1 posters and printed publications. This adjustment faithfully preserves the original classic aesthetic to satisfy veteran players’ nostalgia, substantially elevates overall HD visual fidelity and presentation, enhances character appeal, and unifies the in-game artwork under authentic official styling. Meanwhile, construct a cross-platform cloud sync framework to support full-device coverage and worldwide distribution on corresponding app stores across four major ecosystems: Apple ecosystem (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, tvOS): global rollout on Apple App Store; Huawei ecosystem (HarmonyOS mobile & desktop OS, including HarmonyOS tablets): worldwide release on Huawei AppGallery; Android ecosystem (Android, Android TV, all-brand Android tablets): global distribution on Google Play, Amazon Appstore and alternative Android marketplaces; Microsoft ecosystem (Windows x86/x64/Arm, including Windows tablets): launch via Microsoft Store, Steam and additional eligible platforms without channel limitations. The cloud infrastructure enables real-time cross-device synchronization of game progress, save files and custom preferences, erasing data barriers between tablets and other hardware, delivering seamless cross-platform gameplay and improving user retention as well as core brand competitiveness. New Perspective Options It is recommended to provide three visual effect options for all game interfaces: "Ultra-high Perspective", "High Perspective", and "Low Perspective". Different players have different needs for the display of game screens: the high perspective allows players to obtain more comprehensive battlefield information, while the low perspective may focus more on local battles, meeting different strategic planning and visual preferences. Multi-language Adaptation Currently, there are a large number of players from different countries and regions in the international version, especially a huge Chinese player group. To meet the needs of global players, it is recommended to add support for multiple languages, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Hindi, Malay, etc. This can not only eliminate language barriers, enable players to better understand the game content and instructions, but also significantly enhance the game's attractiveness and competitiveness in the international market and promote the globalization development of the game. Choose Your Plants" Interface Function Expansion The "Choose Your Plants" interface is divided into two sections: Plants and Lineups. The Plants section allows normal plant selection, and also automatically supports reusing the previous round’s card slot lineup and clearing all currently selected plant card slots. The Lineups section supports customizing and saving card slot lineups, as well as setting custom lineup names. 【This feature can refer to Plants vs. Zombies 2 Chinese Version】 Optimization of the "Zombies" Module Display in the Almanac Currently, in the "Zombies" module of the almanac, the size and appearance of each zombie corresponding to the square button icons are uneven. Players with obsessive-compulsive tendencies find this quite uncomfortable. It is recommended to fully unify the size and appearance of each zombie corresponding to the square button icons, which can optimize the visual effect while eliminating the negative sense of disharmony. II. Visual Effect Optimization Solve the Problem of Darkened Color When Shadows Overlap When the shadows of multiple zombies or plants overlap, the color of the shadows will be darkened, which affects the beauty and visual effect of the game screen. It is recommended to fix this problem so that the shadows maintain a normal color display when overlapping, making the game screen clearer and more natural, and presenting a better visual experience for players. Handling of Obstacles After Level Victory When the level is won, all obstacles, such as tombstones, arcade game machines, ice blocks, etc., should automatically break and disappear. This can make the game interface cleaner, highlight the players' sense of achievement after victory, and also make more clear preparations for the next game, improving the players' gaming experience and feelings. Display an indicator before planting a plant Before planting a plant, a red or green indicator showing the plant's effective range will appear. If the plant is to be planted on an unplantable tile, the indicator for its effective range will be red; if it is to be planted on a plantable tile, the indicator for its effective range will be green. For example: When planting a Cherry Bomb on a plantable tile, a 3x3 green range indicator will be displayed beforehand; when planting a Cherry Bomb on an unplantable tile, a 3x3 red range indicator will be displayed beforehand. For example: When planting a Peashooter on a plantable tile, a green range indicator covering 1 row ahead will be displayed beforehand. If there is a slope in front of the planting tile, the green range indicator for the 1 row ahead will be shortened. When planting a Peashooter on an unplantable tile, a red range indicator covering 1 row ahead will be displayed beforehand. For example: When planting a Puff-shroom on a plantable tile, a green range indicator covering 5 tiles within 1 row ahead will be displayed beforehand; when planting a Puff-shroom on an unplantable tile, a red range indicator covering 5 tiles within 1 row ahead will be displayed beforehand. Additionally, when dragging a plant card slot onto the grid, a white "cross" marker will appear on the interface. Currently, although this marker can cross normally, the grid cell at the intersection has a significantly darker white tone. It is recommended to adjust the white tone of the grid cell at the intersection to match that of the non-intersecting grid cells, so as to enhance visual comfort. 【This feature can be referenced from Plants vs. Zombies 3】 Display an indicator before planting a plant Before planting a plant, a red or green indicator showing the plant's effective range will appear. If the plant is to be planted on an unplantable tile, the indicator for its effective range will be red; if it is to be planted on a plantable tile, the indicator for its effective range will be green. For example: When planting a Cherry Bomb on a plantable tile, a 3x3 green range indicator will be displayed beforehand; when planting a Cherry Bomb on an unplantable tile, a 3x3 red range indicator will be displayed beforehand. For example: When planting a Peashooter on a plantable tile, a green range indicator covering 1 row ahead will be displayed beforehand. If there is a slope in front of the planting tile, the green range indicator for the 1 row ahead will be shortened. When planting a Peashooter on an unplantable tile, a red range indicator covering 1 row ahead will be displayed beforehand. For example: When planting a Puff-shroom on a plantable tile, a green range indicator covering 5 tiles within 1 row ahead will be displayed beforehand; when planting a Puff-shroom on an unplantable tile, a red range indicator covering 5 tiles within 1 row ahead will be displayed beforehand. Additionally, when dragging a plant card slot onto the grid, a white "cross" marker will appear on the interface. Currently, although this marker can cross normally, the grid cell at the intersection has a significantly darker white tone. It is recommended to adjust the white tone of the grid cell at the intersection to match that of the non-intersecting grid cells, so as to enhance visual comfort. 【This feature can be referenced from Plants vs. Zombies 3】 III. Optimization of Game Operation and Functions Addition of "Daily Check-In" Mechanic to It is recommended that this version add a reward mechanism via daily check-in. For users who forget to check in, they may complete a specific level or a designated task to retroactively claim the missed check-in rewards. Rewards include: Coins, Diamonds, and the following items: 500 Sun Refill 1000 Sun Refill 2000 Sun Refill Wooden Mallet Missing Lawnmower Supply Limited-Time Obstacle Attack Access Auto-Pickup Resources Addition of "Cumulative Login Days" Mechanic to It is recommended that this version introduce a cumulative login day reward system, where players can claim corresponding rewards based on the total number of days logged in. Rewards include coins, diamonds, and various items, achieving a win-win situation of entertainment + rewards. Examples: 100 cumulative login days: 20,000 Coins + 20 Chocolates + 50 Insecticides + 30 Auto-Pickup Resources uses + 30 Wooden Mallet uses + 15 500 Sun Refill uses… 200 cumulative login days: 50,000 Coins + 30 Chocolates + 60 Insecticides + 50 Auto-Pickup Resources uses + 50 Wooden Mallet uses + 10 1000 Sun Refill uses… 300 cumulative login days: 80,000 Coins + 40 Chocolates + 70 Insecticides + 60 Auto-Pickup Resources uses + 60 Wooden Mallet uses + 20 1000 Sun Refill uses… 500 cumulative login days: 100,000 Coins + 50 Chocolates + 80 Insecticides + 80 Auto-Pickup Resources uses + 80 Wooden Mallet uses + 25 1000 Sun Refill uses… 1000 cumulative login days: 500,000 Coins + 100 Chocolates + 180 Insecticides + 100 Auto-Pickup Resources uses + 100 Wooden Mallet uses + 30 2000 Sun Refill uses… Expansion of Coin Collection Methods in the Zen Garden After feeding Stinky the Snail in the Zen Garden chocolate, Stinky the Snail will continue to collect coins produced by the potted plants even if you exit the Zen Garden. When you return to the Zen Garden again, a line of text will appear: "While you were away, Stinky the Snail collected XXX coins!" This allows you to gain benefits without staying on the Zen Garden interface continuously. We also hope that chocolate can be obtained by watching ads and completing various tasks—each ad watched grants 1 chocolate. We strongly recommend implementing this suggestion! 【This feature can refer to Plants vs. Zombies (Original Mobile Version)】 Reinstate All Version-Exclusive Mini-Games from the Original Game We earnestly hope that this version will integrate all version-exclusive mini-games from Plants vs. Zombies: Original Version, such as: HD version-exclusive mini-game: Buttered Popcorn NDS version-exclusive mini-games: Air Raid, Heavy Weapon, Bomb All Together, Zombie Trap, Heat Wave, Heat Wave 2, Home Run Derby Mini-games exclusive to the mini-program version (now removed from availability in mainland China): Big Eater, Column Like You See 'Em 2, Dr. Zomboss's Revenge 2 Mini-games exclusive to other unknown versions: Seeing Stars 2, Zombie Nimble Zombie Quick 2, Slot Machine 2 In-level Sun Purchase Feature Addition During a level, players are allowed to turn the tide of the battle by purchasing sun through watching ads or using coins. The purchase button will appear as a "plus sign" icon next to the sun value, enabling players to reverse the situation in critical moments. Below is the sun price list: 1st ad watched: Grants 500 sun 2nd ad watched: Grants an additional 700 sun (on top of the 1st ad’s reward) 3rd ad watched: Grants an additional 1,200 sun (on top of the 2nd ad’s reward) 3,000 sun: Costs 1,000 coins 7,000 sun: Costs 2,000 coins 12,000 sun: Costs 3,000 coins "Mallets" Function Optimization During a level, the method to obtain "Mallets" (for turning the tide of battle) is not limited to coin purchases—players can also gain Mallet uses by watching ads. A purchase button in the form of a "plus sign" icon will appear next to the "Mallets" button, allowing players to reverse the situation in critical moments. Additionally, Mallet uses can be acquired in the in-game shop either by watching ads or using coins. Below is the Mallet price list: Each ad watched: Grants 1 Mallet use (players can select the desired Mallet type); a maximum of 10 ads can be watched daily to obtain this reward. Discount rules for bulk Mallet purchases: Purchasing 2 Mallets uses: 15% overall discount Purchasing 3 Mallets uses: 25% overall discount Purchasing 4 Mallets uses: 30% overall discount Purchasing 5 Mallets uses: 40% overall discount Note: There is an inconsistency in the original text (stating both "2 uses = 15% discount" and "2 uses = 50% discount"). If following the original intent strictly, retain the 50% discount for 2 uses and adjust other tiers accordingly to avoid contradictions. Under the acceleration state within the level, the duration of using the "Mallet" will not decrease due to the acceleration effect, which makes the player's experience of using the "Mallet" during acceleration more in line with reasonable logic. When the "Mallet" is used, all zombies are in a static state, while plants can still attack zombies normally until the effect ends. Experience Optimization of the "Speed Up" Button When tapping the 「Speed Up」 button, add the same interface animations and audio feedback as in the international version of Plants vs. Zombies 2 to make the level experience more engaging and eliminate monotony. When zombies approach the house, nearby zombies will trigger a red flashing alert visual effect, and the 「Speed Up」 button will automatically reset to 1x speed, further amplifying the tension! Mechanism for obtaining Lawn Mowers by watching advertisements After the user finishes watching the advertisement for the supply Lawn Mower, the Lawn Mower for the corresponding row will be replenished and placed back in its original position in that row. This ensures that the Lawn Mower is only activated when a zombie comes into contact with it, rather than being activated directly in the row. Achievement Function Expansion By completing and activating the corresponding achievements, you can unlock exclusive rewards, adding a stronger sense of ritual to every accomplishment. The above are some of my suggestions and feedback on Plants vs. Zombies International Version. I hope the development team can seriously consider them. I believe that through continuous optimization and improvement, the game will become more exciting, attract more players, and bring a better gaming experience to everyone. Optimization of Hypnotic Mushroom Tactics After a zombie finishes eating the Hypnotic Mushroom, the zombie will be healed to full health. Return of Next Wave Button & Shortcut Keys In levels, the Next Wave button is designed with the head of a regular zombie grinning widely and eyes slightly rolled upward. It features a semi-transparent pure white background and an octagonal shape, preferably with a liquid glass effect. A curved countdown progress bar runs along the octagonal border. The next zombie wave will be triggered automatically once the progress bar is fully filled, delivering a more eye-catching, vivid and intuitive visual experience. Players can advance zombie waves ahead of schedule. Tapping the Next Wave button or using shortcut keys allows players to complete levels more quickly and effortlessly for a smoother gaming experience. 【This feature can refer to Plants vs. Zombies 2 (Chinese version & International version) However, the rapid repeated tapping of the Next Wave button for excessive farming, which breaks the core tower defense strategy of the original game, will not be implemented here.】 Plant & Zombie Mechanic Optimizations Squash Tactics Optimization In the current version, if a Squash is planted to the right of a Pole Vaulting Zombie or Pogo Zombie, these zombies may be ignored by the Squash, allowing them to reach the house. It is recommended to increase Squash’s attack range in future updates so that it can target all zombies within a 1×3 tile area around itself and on the edges of those tiles. Cattail Projectile Homing Optimization After Cattail defeats a zombie, any remaining projectiles should automatically target the next enemy instead of flying off the field. This will fully utilize Cattail’s attack resources, improve its efficiency, make its performance more reliable, and meet player expectations for a high-efficiency attacker. 【This feature can reference Plants vs. Zombies 2 Chinese version】 Hypno-shroom Tactics Optimization Once a zombie has fully eaten a Hypno-shroom, its health will be fully restored to maximum. The above are some of my suggestions and feedback on Plants vs. Zombies International Version. I hope the development team can seriously consider them. I believe that through continuous optimization and improvement, the game will become more exciting, attract more players, and bring a better gaming experience to everyone. Thank you, the development team, for bringing us such an interesting game. I look forward to the game getting better and better! The above are some of my suggestions and feedback on Plants vs. Zombies International Version. I hope the development team can seriously consider them. I believe that through continuous optimization and improvement, the game will become more exciting, attract more players, and bring a better gaming experience to everyone. Thank you, the development team, for bringing us such an interesting game. I look forward to the game getting better and better!Solved
My PVZ GW2 save file has been rolled back
I purchased PVZ GW2 from the Steam platform on May 31st this year. This issue first occurred around June 20th, and it has occurred sporadically every time I launch the game and leave the EA server's multiplayer mode. The symptoms include character level drops, character statistics reversion, and completed missions refreshing again, while stars and coins remain unchanged. My Super Elite Level 8 ordinary pea shooter could have been promoted to Master after occupying the grass in a game of Wall-Nut Hill, but when I returned to the backyard, I found that his level was still Level 8. On the third day, I played a few rounds of Garden Warfare, and the pea shooter could have been promoted long ago, but when I logged in next time, he was still at Super Elite Level 8. I think this is due to a hack on the server or a new bug. Now almost every PVZ GW2 player has this issue, and I am worried that my character will no longer be able to advance at a normal speed in the future. Regardless, this issue is accelerating the death of this gameSome suggestions from a fan of the game
Hello PopCap and EA Team, First of all, thank you for keeping Plants vs. Zombies alive through the recent remaster and improvements. The original Plants vs. Zombies remains one of the most beloved tower defense games ever created and still has a large and passionate community around the world. I would like to suggest adding new content to the original game. Many players would love to experience brand-new worlds, levels, plants, zombies, challenges, and achievements while keeping the classic gameplay that made the game special. The first Plants vs. Zombies has a unique charm that many fans feel has never been fully replaced. Expanding it with new official content would bring old players back and introduce a new generation to the game. Thank you for your time and for creating such an unforgettable game. Sincerely, A Plants vs. Zombies FanI'm having a terrible experience with PVZ Heroes.
Hi, how are you? So, I'm having a terrible experience with PVZ Heroes. I can't connect my Google Play Games account, I can't make in-game purchases, and most importantly: I WANT TO DISCONNECT MY EMAIL FROM THE GAME!! Please, I need your help. Sincerely; Jonathan Wellington
Why do fan-made Plants vs. Zombies projects attract so many players?
I've noticed that many Plants vs. Zombies fans continue to play not only the official games but also community-created projects inspired by the franchise. Some players enjoy trying new plants, zombies, mechanics, and challenges that aren't available in the official releases. Others seem to like the creativity and passion that fan communities bring to the series. Recently, while looking for information about different community projects, I came across https://pvzfusionapkinfo.com/, which collects guides, updates, and information related to one of these fan-made experiences. It made me realize how active the PVZ community still is after all these years. What do you think makes fan-made Plants vs. Zombies projects so popular? Is it the nostalgia, the new gameplay ideas, or something else? I'd love to hear which community projects or fan creations you have enjoyed the most and why.My PVZ GW2 save file has been rolled back
I purchased PVZ GW2 from the Steam platform on May 31st this year. This issue first occurred around June 20th, and it has occurred sporadically every time I launch the game and leave the EA server's multiplayer mode. The symptoms include character level drops, character statistics reversion, and completed missions refreshing again, while stars and coins remain unchanged. My Super Elite Level 8 ordinary pea shooter could have been promoted to Master after occupying the grass in a game of Wall-Nut Hill, but when I returned to the backyard, I found that his level was still Level 8. On the third day, I played a few rounds of Garden Warfare, and the pea shooter could have been promoted long ago, but when I logged in next time, he was still at Super Elite Level 8. I think this is due to a hack on the server or a new bug. Now almost every PVZ GW2 player has this issue, and I am worried that my character will no longer be able to advance at a normal speed in the future. Regardless, this issue is accelerating the death of this gameSome suggestions from a fan of the game
Hello PopCap and EA Team, First of all, thank you for keeping Plants vs. Zombies alive through the recent remaster and improvements. The original Plants vs. Zombies remains one of the most beloved tower defense games ever created and still has a large and passionate community around the world. I would like to suggest adding new content to the original game. Many players would love to experience brand-new worlds, levels, plants, zombies, challenges, and achievements while keeping the classic gameplay that made the game special. The first Plants vs. Zombies has a unique charm that many fans feel has never been fully replaced. Expanding it with new official content would bring old players back and introduce a new generation to the game. Thank you for your time and for creating such an unforgettable game. Sincerely, A Plants vs. Zombies FanI'm having a terrible experience with PVZ Heroes.
Hi, how are you? So, I'm having a terrible experience with PVZ Heroes. I can't connect my Google Play Games account, I can't make in-game purchases, and most importantly: I WANT TO DISCONNECT MY EMAIL FROM THE GAME!! Please, I need your help. Sincerely; Jonathan Wellington
