Step aside Bioshock Infinite, we just got the skinny on Plants vs. Zombies 2.
Sorry, Bioshock. Sorry, Metro: Last Light. Sorry, GTA V. It looks like we already have a new contender for Game of the Year. In addition to awesome new maps, mini-games, and level design variety (possibly even some more traditional tower defense winding paths). Here are 5 reasons Plants vs. Zombies 2 will be the Game of the Year for 2013.
#1. Crazy Dave Returns!
Oh Crazy Dave, you are a man after my own heart. This guy had the greatest character personality in years, only made better with award-winning voice acting. I’m not sure what awards, but I’m sure there was at least one. Maybe. It was probably a stuffed squirrel trophy, but hey, still an award.
With a sketchy trunk full of murderous plants, Crazy Dave will be a valuable asset to your cross continental zombie-slaying adventures. We’re glad he’s still around! An incoherent light in the darkness…
#2. Pirate Zombies and Cowboy Zombies
Pirate Zombies, Cowboy Zombies, and Egyptian Zombies. Everything a zombie lover (like myself) wants and needs! Not only will you have new zombie themes, you also will have corresponding new areas to fend them off. New maps include pirate boat docks, the dusty American mid-west, and the pyramids of Egypt. 
#3. Ethical Non-EA Free-mium Payment Model
Real talk for a second: PopCap will be making this game free-to-play but won’t be bastards about it. Don’t fear the EA partnership, the developers and producers are hyper-conscious about how to make this Free-mium model work. If anyone can pull it off, it’s PopCap. This is Plants vs. Zombies, not Candy Crush.
In an interview with Edge Online, Lead Producer Allen Murray explains, PopCap is determined to prove to the skeptical that free-to-play doesn’t have to be evil.
“Frankly, it’s been something the team has really struggled with: how do we do it right? We’re just trying to find a really good balance. We want people to play and enjoy the game, and not feel like they’re being bilked all the time.”
#4. Coconut Cannons, Bonk Choy, and More!
Back to silly things. Plants vs. Zombies 2 will feature all of the old standbys plus a plethora of new and nifty plants at your disposal. Coconut cannons must be tapped to fire, Bonk Choy does heavy close-range damage, and we’ve only heard rumors about the devastating Snapdragon and Chili Bean. The plants, as always, are adorable and cuddly little photosynthesizing death balls and they kick some serious zombie butt.
#5. Chicken Farmer Zombie
I’m sorry do I need to explain? It’s a Chicken Farmer Zombie! If you hit him, he drops his zombie chickens and they charge at you! That’s it, Game of the Year, 10/10, call the AAA title developers and tell them to take the year off. You can’t compete with that level of ridiculous (well, maybe Saints Row 4 can).
There will be tons of new zombies within the Pirate/Cowboy/Mummy categories. Supposedly, there will even be a zombie version of the Egyptian sun god Ra, who will steal sun power from you!
Bonus! #6. The Sweet, Sweet Soundtrack
We haven’t heard any of the new music yet, so this isn’t an official part of this list, but if the soundtrack is even half as good or as iconic as the music from the original Plants vs. Zombies…. That Game of the Year title is practically guaranteed. Plus, if there is another end credit song, well, no other game stands a chance.
We are very excited for Plants vs. Zombies 2, and hopefully this top 5 list got you excited for it too! The game will release on all computer and mobile platforms next month. What do you think the Game of the Year will be?
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