the cutting room mirror

Plants vs. Zombies (Adobe Flash)

view on tcrf.net

To do:
Add discoveries found by decompiling the game, which also may be worth adding to the Plants vs. Zombies (Windows, Mac OS X) article.

This version of Plants vs. Zombies is a stripped down version for web users intended to entice them to buy the full version on Windows or Mac. It's also great to play if you don't want to install it on a computer that isn't yours.

Unused Text#

To do:

  • Get the rest of the unused Almanac strings.
  • Find more unused strings.
  • externalStrings.txt contains used and unused text. There is more of the latter, unsurprisingly.

Unused Plants#

Some of the unused text details information about plants that aren't accessible in this version but can be accessed in the full version.

String ID

String Text

HYPNO_SHROOM

Hypno-shroom

HYPNO_SHROOM_TOOLTIP

Makes a zombie fight for you

SCAREDY_SHROOM

Scaredy-shroom

SCAREDY_SHROOM_TOOLTIP

Long-ranged shooter that hides when enemies get near it

ICE_SHROOM

Ice-shroom

ICE_SHROOM_TOOLTIP

Temporarily immobilizes all zombies on the screen

DOOM_SHROOM

Doom-shroom

DOOM_SHROOM_TOOLTIP

Destroys a large area, leaving a crater in its wake

LILY_PAD

Lily Pad

LILY_PAD_TOOLTIP

Lets you plant non-aquatic plants on top of it

THREEPEATER

Threepeater

THREEPEATER_TOOLTIP

Shoots peas in three lanes

TANGLE_KELP

Tangle Kelp

TANGLE_KELP_TOOLTIP

Aquatic plant that pulls a zombie underwater

JALAPENO

Jalapeno

JALAPENO_TOOLTIP

Destroys an entire lane of zombies

SPIKEWEED

Spikeweed

SPIKEWEED_TOOLTIP

Pops tires and hurts zombies that step on it

TORCHWOOD

Torchwood

TORCHWOOD_TOOLTIP

Peas that pass through it turn into fireballs

TALL_NUT

Tall-nut

TALL_NUT_TOOLTIP

Heavy-duty wall that can't be vaulted over

SEA_SHROOM

Sea-shroom

SEA_SHROOM_TOOLTIP

Aquatic plant that shoots short-ranged spores

PLANTERN

Plantern

PLANTERN_TOOLTIP

Lights up an area, letting you see through fog

CACTUS

Cactus

CACTUS_TOOLTIP

Shoots spikes that can pop balloons

BLOVER

Blover

BLOVER_TOOLTIP

Blows away all balloon zombies and fog

SPLIT_PEA

Split Pea

SPLIT_PEA_TOOLTIP

Shoots peas forward and backwards

STARFRUIT

Starfruit

STARFRUIT_TOOLTIP

Shoots stars in 5 directions

PUMPKIN

Pumpkin

PUMPKIN_TOOLTIP

Protects plants that are within its shell

MAGNET_SHROOM

Magnet-shroom

MAGNET_SHROOM_TOOLTIP

Removes helmets and other metal objects from zombies

CABBAGE_PULT

Cabbage-pult

CABBAGE_PULT_TOOLTIP

Hurls cabbages at the enemy

FLOWER_POT

Flower Pot

FLOWER_POT_TOOLTIP

Lets you plant on the roof

KERNEL_PULT

Kernel-pult

KERNEL_PULT_TOOLTIP

Flings corn kernels and butter at zombies

GARLIC

Garlic

GARLIC_TOOLTIP

Diverts zombies into other lanes

UMBRELLA_LEAF

Umbrella Leaf

UMBRELLA_LEAF_TOOLTIP

Protects nearby plants from bungees and catapults

MARIGOLD

Marigold

MARIGOLD_TOOLTIP

Gives you silver and gold coins

MELON_PULT

Melon-pult

MELON_PULT_TOOLTIP

Does heavy damage to groups of zombies

GATLING_PEA

Gatling Pea

GATLING_PEA_TOOLTIP

Shoots four peas at a time (requires repeater)

TWIN_SUNFLOWER

Twin Sunflower

TWIN_SUNFLOWER_TOOLTIP

Gives twice as much sun as a sunflower (requires sunflower)

GLOOM_SHROOM

GLOOM_SHROOM

GLOOM_SHROOM_TOOLTIP

Releases heavy fumes in an area around itself (requires fume-shroom)

CATTAIL

Cattail

CATTAIL_TOOLTIP

Attacks any lane and shoots down balloon zombies (requires lily pad)

WINTER_MELON

Winter Melon

WINTER_MELON_TOOLTIP

Does heavy damage and slows groups of zombies (requires melon-pult)

GOLD_MAGNET

Gold Magnet

GOLD_MAGNET_TOOLTIP

Collects coins and diamonds for you (requires magnet-shroom)

SPIKEROCK

Spikerock

SPIKEROCK_TOOLTIP

Pops multiple tires and damages zombies that walk over it (requires spikeweed)

COB_CANNON

Cob Cannon

COB_CANNON_TOOLTIP

Click to launch deadly cobs of corn (requires 2 kernel-pults)

IMITATER

Imitater

IMITATER_TOOLTIP

Lets you have two of the same plant

COFFEE_BEAN

Coffee Bean

COFFEE_BEAN_TOOLTIP

Plant it on a mushroom to wake it up

GIANT_WALLNUT

Giant Wall-nut

SPROUT

Sprout

MARIGOLD_SPROUT

Marigold Sprout

Unused Zombies#

There are entries for the zombies that are not present in this version of the game. Oddly enough, the unused zombie strings that are in the PC version (such as the Dog Zombie) are also present.

String ID

String Text

DUCKY_TUBE_ZOMBIE

Ducky Tube Zombie

SNORKEL_ZOMBIE

Snorkel Zombie

ZOMBONI

Zomboni

ZOMBIE_BOBSLED_TEAM

Zombie Bobsled Team

DOLPHIN_RIDER_ZOMBIE

Dolphin Rider Zombie

JACK_IN_THE_BOX_ZOMBIE

Jack-in-the-Box Zombie

BALLOON_ZOMBIE

Balloon Zombie

DIGGER_ZOMBIE

Digger Zombie

POGO_ZOMBIE

Pogo Zombie

ZOMBIE_YETI

Zombie Yeti

BUNGEE_ZOMBIE

Bungee Zombie

LADDER_ZOMBIE

Ladder Zombie

CATAPULT_ZOMBIE

Catapult Zombie

GARGANTUAR

Gargantuar

REDEYED_GARGANTUAR

Giga-gargantuar

IMP

Imp

BOSS

Dr. Zomboss

DOG_WALKING_ZOMBIE

Dog Walking Zombie

DOG_ZOMBIE

Dog Zombie

PROPELLER_ZOMBIE

Propeller Zombie

Unused Almanac Entries#

There are also entries for the Almanac, which is not present in this version of the game.

String ID

String Text

PEASHOOTER_DESCRIPTION

 
Peashooters are your first line of defense. They shoot peas at attacking zombies.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} normal
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}How can a single plant grow and shoot so many peas so quickly? Peashooter says, 
"Hard work, commitment, and a healthy, well-balanced breakfast of sunlight and high-fiber 
carbon dioxide make it all possible."

SUNFLOWER_DESCRIPTION

 
Sunflowers are essential for you to produce extra sun. Try planting as many as you can!
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Sun production:{STAT} normal
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}Sunflower can't resist bouncing to the beat. Which beat is that? Why, the 
life-giving jazzy rhythm of the Earth itself, thumping at a frequency only Sunflower can hear.

WALL_NUT_DESCRIPTION

 
Wall-nuts have hard shells which you can use to protect your other plants.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Toughness:{STAT} high
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}"People wonder how I feel about getting constantly chewed on by zombies," says Wall-Nut. 
"What they don't realize is that with my limited senses all I can feel is a kind of tingling, like a relaxing back rub."

CHERRY_BOMB_DESCRIPTION

 
Cherry Bombs can blow up all zombies in an area. They have a short fuse so plant them near zombies.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} massive
{KEYWORD}Range:{STAT} all zombies in a medium area
{KEYWORD}Usage:{STAT} single use, instant
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}"I wanna explode," says Cherry #1. "No, let's detonate instead!" says 
his brother, Cherry #2. After intense consultation they agree to explodonate.

POTATO_MINE_DESCRIPTION

 
Potato Mines pack a powerful punch, but they need a while to arm themselves. You should plant them ahead of zombies. They will explode on contact.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} massive
{KEYWORD}Range:{STAT} all zombies in a small area
{KEYWORD}Usage:{STAT} single use, delayed activation
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}Some folks say Potato Mine is lazy, that he leaves everything to the last 
minute. Potato Mine says nothing. He's too busy thinking about his investment strategy.

REPEATER_DESCRIPTION

 
Repeaters fire two peas at a time.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} normal (for each pea)
{KEYWORD}Firing speed:{STAT} 2x
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}Repeater is fierce. He's from the streets. He doesn't take attitude from anybody, 
plant or zombie, and he shoots peas to keep people at a distance. Secretly, though, Repeater yearns for love.

SNOW_PEA_DESCRIPTION

 
Snow Peas shoot frozen peas that damage and slow the enemy.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} normal, slows zombies
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}Folks often tell Snow Pea how "cool" he is, or exhort him to "chill out." They 
tell him to "stay frosty." Snow Pea just rolls his eyes. He's heard 'em all.

CHOMPER_DESCRIPTION

 
Chompers can devour a zombie whole, but they are vulnerable while chewing.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} massive
{KEYWORD}Range:{STAT} very short
{KEYWORD}Special:{STAT} long delay between chomps
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}Chomper almost got a gig doing stunts for The Little Shop of Horrors but it fell 
through when his agent demanded too much on the front end. Chomper's not resentful, 
though. He says it's just part of the business.

PUFF_SHROOM_DESCRIPTION

 
Puff-shrooms are cheap, but can only fire a short distance.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} normal
{KEYWORD}Range:{STAT} short
{NOCTURNAL}Sleeps during the day
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}"I only recently became aware of the existence of zombies," says Puff-shroom. "Like many fungi, 
I'd just assumed they were fairy tales or movie monsters. This whole experience has been a huge eye-opener for me."

SUN_SHROOM_DESCRIPTION

 
Sun-shrooms give small sun at first and normal sun later.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Sun production:{STAT} low, then normal
{NOCTURNAL}Sleeps during the day
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}Sun-shroom hates sun. He hates it so much that when it builds up in his system, 
he spits it out as fast as he can. He just won't abide it. To him, sun is crass.

FUME_SHROOM_DESCRIPTION

 
Fume-shrooms shoot fumes that can pass through screen doors.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} normal, penetrates screen doors
{KEYWORD}Range:{STAT} all zombies in the fume cloud
{NOCTURNAL}Sleeps during the day
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}"I was in a dead-end job producing yeast spores for a bakery," says Fume-shroom. 
"Then Puff-shroom, bless 'im, told me about this great opportunity blasting zombies. Now I really feel like I'm making a difference."

GRAVE_BUSTER_DESCRIPTION

 
Plant Grave Busters on graves to remove the graves.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Usage:{STAT} single use, must be planted on graves
{KEYWORD}Special:{STAT} removes graves
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}Despite Grave Buster's fearsome appearance, he wants everyone to know that he loves 
kittens and spends his off hours volunteering at a local zombie rehabilitation center. "It's just the right thing to do," he says.

HYPNO_SHROOM_DESCRIPTION

 
When eaten, Hypno-shrooms will make a zombie turn around and fight for you.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Usage:{STAT} single use, on contact
{KEYWORD}Special:{STAT} makes a zombie fight for you
{NOCTURNAL}Sleeps during the day
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}"Zombies are our friends," asserts Hypno-shroom. "They're badly misunderstood creatures 
who play a valuable role in our ecology. We can and should do more to bring them round to our way of thinking."

SCAREDY_SHROOM_DESCRIPTION

 
Scaredy-shrooms are long-ranged shooters that hide when enemies get near them.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} normal
{KEYWORD}Special:{STAT} stops shooting when enemy is close
{NOCTURNAL}Sleeps during the day
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}"Who's there?" whispers Scaredy-shroom, voice barely audible. "Go away. I don't want to see anybody. Unless it's the man from the circus."

ICE_SHROOM_DESCRIPTION

 
Ice-shrooms temporarily immobilize all zombies on the screen.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} very light, immobilizes zombies
{KEYWORD}Range:{STAT} all zombies on the screen
{KEYWORD}Usage:{STAT} single use, instant
{NOCTURNAL}Sleeps during the day
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}Ice-shroom frowns, not because he's unhappy or because he disapproves, but because of a childhood injury that left his facial nerves paralyzed.

DOOM_SHROOM_DESCRIPTION

 
Doom-shrooms destroy everything in a large area and leave a crater that can't be planted on.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} massive
{KEYWORD}Range:{STAT} all zombies in a huge area
{KEYWORD}Usage:{STAT} single use, instant
{KEYWORD}Special:{STAT} leaves a crater
{NOCTURNAL}Sleeps during the day
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}"You're lucky I'm on your side," says Doom-shroom. "I could destroy everything you hold dear. It wouldn't be hard."

LILY_PAD_DESCRIPTION

 
Lily pads let you plant non-aquatic plants on top of them.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Special:{STAT} non-aquatic plants can be planted on top of it
{AQUATIC}Must be planted in water
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}Lily Pad never complains. Lily Pad never wants to know what's going on. Put a plant on top of Lily Pad, 
he won't say a thing. Does he have startling opinions or shocking secrets? Nobody knows. Lily Pad keeps it all inside.

SQUASH_DESCRIPTION

 
Squashes will smash the first zombie that gets close to it.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} massive
{KEYWORD}Range:{STAT} short range, hits all zombies that it lands on
{KEYWORD}Usage:{STAT} single use
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}"I'm ready!" yells Squash. "Let's do it! Put me in! There's nobody better! I'm your guy! C'mon! Whaddya waiting for? I need this!"

THREEPEATER_DESCRIPTION

 
Threepeaters shoot peas in three lanes.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} normal (for each pea)
{KEYWORD}Range:{STAT} three lanes
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}Threepeater likes reading, backgammon and long periods of immobility in the park. Threepeater enjoys 
going to shows, particularly modern jazz. "I'm just looking for that special someone," he says. Threepeater's favorite number is 5.

TANGLE_KELP_DESCRIPTION

 
Tangle Kelp are aquatic plants that pull the first zombie that nears them underwater.
{SHORTLINE}
{KEYWORD}Damage:{STAT} massive
{KEYWORD}Usage:{STAT} single use, on contact
{AQUATIC}Must be planted in water
{SHORTLINE}
{FLAVOR}"I'm totally invisible," Tangle Kelp thinks to himself. "I'll hide here just below the surface and 
nobody will see me." His friends tell him they can see him perfectly well, but he'll never change.

Unused "Mini-Games"#

If you obsessively played Adobe Flash games, you've probably wanted a little more out of them. You wish.

String ID

String Text

PORTAL_COMBAT

Portal Combat

BEGHOULED

Beghouled

BEGHOULED_TWIST

Beghouled Twist

WALL_NUT_BOWLING

Wall-nut Bowling

WHACK_A_ZOMBIE

Whack a Zombie

SLOT_MACHINE

Slot Machine

ZOMBIQUARIUM

Zombiquarium

LITTLE_TROUBLE

Big Trouble Little Zombie

BOBSLED_BONANZA

Bobsled Bonanza

ITS_RAINING_SEEDS

It's Raining Seeds

INVISIGHOUL

Invisi-ghoul

DARK_STORMY_NIGHT

Dark Stormy Night

AIR_RAID

Air Raid

COLUMN_AS_YOU_SEE_EM

Column Like You See 'Em

BUNGEE_BLITZ

Bungee Blitz

POGO_PARTY

Pogo Party

FINAL_BOSS

Dr. Zomboss's Revenge

LAST_STAND

Last Stand

ART_CHALLENGE_WALL_NUT

Art Challenge Wall-nut

SUNNY_DAY

Sunny Day

UNSODDED

Unsodded

BIG_TIME

Big Time

ART_CHALLENGE_SUNFLOWER

Art Challenge Sunflower

ZOMBIES_ON_SPEED

Zombie Nimble Zombie Quick

ICE_LEVEL

Ice Level

ZEN_GARDEN

Zen Garden

HIGH_GRAVITY

High Gravity

WAR_AND_PEAS_2

ZomBotany 2

WALL_NUT_BOWLING_EXTREME

Wall-nut Bowling 2

Unused Tree of Wisdom Text#

The Tree of Wisdom, like most of the other in-game features, isn't available in this version of the game.

String ID

String Text

TREE_OF_WISDOM_1

Thank you for feeding me! Keep giving me food and I'll give you valuable information!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_2

Chompers and wall-nuts work exceedingly well together. It's no surprise, considering they were roommates in college.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_3

If you ever listen to anything I say, listen to this: you want two columns of sunflowers. I'm dead serious here.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_4

Snorkel zombies. I hate 'em. How do I deal? Wall-nuts on lily pads, that's how.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_5

Pssst! Try typing 'future' while playing to experience zombies... from the FUTURE!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_6

How many cherry bombs does it take to take down a Gargantuar? Here's a hint: more than one, fewer than three. Here's a more explicit hint: Two.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_7

If you're looking for mushroom plants for your Zen Garden, you'll have better luck playing on levels where it's nighttime.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_8

I wouldn't worry about permanently damaging your lawn with Doom-shrooms. In time the earth heals itself.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_9

Have you tried clicking on the flowers on the main menu? Give it a shot! I'll wait here.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_10

Legend has it that frozen zombies eat slower. I'm here to tell that legend has its facts straight.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_11

Have you heard of the elusive Yeti Zombie? Some say he likes hiding where it's pitch black.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_12

What's cheaper than free? Nothing! That's why Puff-shrooms are essential on all night levels!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_13

Are you hoping to find water plants for your Zen Garden? I bet my phloem you'll have the most luck searching in pool levels.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_14

Have you noticed that Gargantuars sometimes use OTHER ZOMBIES to bash your plants? Whatever works, I guess.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_15

Stinky the Snail sure loves his chocolate. Maybe loves it a little too much, you know? He won't sit still for an hour after he's had some.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_16

If you think playing survival 'endless' mode only drops pool-style plants for your Zen Garden, think again! It drops everything-style.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_17

Often the question is asked: where do you find chocolate? A better question would be: where DON'T you find chocolate? It drops in every game mode!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_18

Grave Busters, eh? Pick 'em only when you can see graves on the right side of the screen along with the zombies. That's what I do.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_19

I've heard that Buckethead zombies take five times as many hits as regular ones.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_20

I hear that typing 'mustache' brings about a terrifying transformation in the undead!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_21

Do multiple Snow-peas in a row slow zombies down more than just one? The sad but truthful answer is 'Nay.'

TREE_OF_WISDOM_22

You know that zombies emerge from gravestones, right? So what's stopping you from using grave busters to get rid of them in Survival night? Is it pride?

TREE_OF_WISDOM_23

If you're looking for the inside info on how long a level's going to be, count the flags on the level meter. That'll set you up real nice.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_24

Roof cleaners. Classic items. Can't recommend them highly enough. Best thing about them? They give you a shot at beating Pogo Party.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_25

If you're wondering if feeding a Hypno-shroom to a dancer zombie compels him to summon backup dancers for you, bet it all on 'Yes.'

TREE_OF_WISDOM_26

Make Money Fast! By Playing Survival Endless! Then E-mail Me Your Bank Account Number!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_27

You'd think Torchwoods would douse snow peas. And you'd be correct, because you, my friend, are one smart cookie.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_28

Those hateful ZomBotany zombies! Who do they think they are, shooting at your plants? It's a good thing Wall-nuts stop 'em cold.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_29

The Pogo Party and Bobsled Bonanza mini-games are really, really, really difficult. Wanna drop one of the 'reallys' off that description? Use the Squash.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_30

Just when you thought jalapenos couldn't be any more useful, a Tree of Wisdom lets you know that they also destroy the Zomboni's ice trails! BAM!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_31

Once you buy the Imitater, try clicking the little drawing in the upper left corner of your Almanac to access the entry on that sucker.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_32

The number of coins you receive in Wall-nut bowling is proportional to how cool you are as measured by how many ricochets per nut you can pull off.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_33

Please do not tap on the glass! Or actually, go ahead; right-click on your Aquarium Garden or during Zombiquarium to deafen your underwater creatures.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_34

When I was just an acorn my grampa told me, 'Son, Vasebreaker puzzles are much easier if you break the vases on the right side first.'

TREE_OF_WISDOM_35

Dancers in I, Zombie may seem expensive, but in the right situation they're worth every penny.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_36

I had a dream. In it, cattail spikes popped balloons and dropped zombies to the ground. I don't know what it means.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_37

Growing aquatic plants in your Zen Garden is pretty much impossible without the Aquarium Garden. Just saying.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_38

Digger zombies violate the natural order with their subterranean ways. It's only fair to use Magnet-shrooms to steal their mining picks.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_39

Every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Oh, and new Marigolds in Crazy Dave's shop.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_40

Mushroom Garden! Huh! What is it good for? Absolutely nothin'! Except growing mushrooms, that is.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_41

Tired? Depressed? Ladders on Tall-nuts getting you down? A quick Magnet-shroom will whisk your cares away!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_42

The tallness of Tall-nuts earns widespread acclaim due to their effectiveness vs. Dolphin Riders and Pogo Zombies.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_43

The explosive force of a Cherry Bomb or Jalapeno is more than capable of dislodging a ladder from a Wall-nut.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_44

It's tempting to feed all your chocolate to Stinky the Snail. He's such a chocolate hog. But remember: Zen Garden plants like chocolate too!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_45

Torchwood fire is hotter than rage, but Zombonis, screen doors, ladders and catapults can take the heat.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_46

If you rely on upgrade plants in Survival: Endless, be acutely aware that they get more expensive the more you have on your lawn.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_47

The Imps in I, Zombie seem weak. But they're speedy and great for fetching that last brain when you've cleared the rest of the opposition.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_48

If you type 'trickedout,' don't be surprised if you see something wacky happen to your lawnmowers.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_49

Thank you for feeding me! I'm out of new wisdom for now, but I might have more if you grow me tall enough!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_101

Mmmm, I could sure use some yummy fertilizer!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_102

I think I've seen that cloud before.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_103

Don't mind me. I'll just be over here, growing.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_104

I'm metabolizing like crazy!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_105

I'll never get why you animals spend all day moving around like you do.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_106

I experience time at a vastly slower rate than you!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_107

I think I'm perennial!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_108

My xylem is tingling!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_109

You can get a lot of wisdom just by standing around.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_110

So I've heard about this "winter" dealie. Can't say I'm looking forward to it.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_201

Mmmm... sunlight is DELICIOUS!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_202

Oops, sorry... I just gave off some oxygen.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_203

Gosh, I can grow leaves!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_204

I feel a spurt coming on!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_205

At this stage I lack worldly knowledge!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_301

I really appreciate all the cash you're spending on fertilizer!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_302

That cloud looks just like a vast aggregation of water droplets!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_303

Have you met my cousin Yggdrasil? Very big in Sweden. Lots of fans.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_304

I'm taking sociology at an online college. I'm really learning a lot.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_305

After careful observation I've deduced that it is the Earth that revolves around the sun and not the reverse as it appears.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_401

When you've been around as long as I have, you sleep less and hallucinate more.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_402

If you're mistaking the forest for the trees, just remember: A forest is a collection of individual trees and not the other way around.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_403

History repeats itself but it always gets the details wrong.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_404

If the past, present and future all simultaneously exist as "block time", surely the experience of "now" can only be an elaborate illusion?

TREE_OF_WISDOM_405

Courage is easy; dedication costs extra.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_500

Here's some wisdom that bears repeating...

TREE_OF_WISDOM_600

Tree food, please!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_800

Hey, I'm 100 feet tall! Celebrate with me by typing 'daisies' to get the zombies to leave tiny daisies behind when they die.

TREE_OF_WISDOM_900

Whoa! I'm 500 feet tall! This calls for some dancing! Type 'dance' to get the zombies to boogie on down!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_1000

WOW! I'm 1000 feet tall! Celebrate with me by typing 'pinata' to make zombies spit out candy when destroyed!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_1100

Thank you for feeding me! I've given you all my wisdom, but you can still grow me taller!

TREE_OF_WISDOM_HIEGHT

{HEIGHT} Feet Tall

CANT_USE_CODE

You don't have a tall enough Tree of Wisdom for that!

Unused Code#

Unused Music#

public static const ZENGARDEN:MusicId = new MusicId();

According to this string of code, the music for the Zen Garden was in the game at one point. The .mp3 file itself is nowhere to be found in the files.

Unused Graphics#

Unused Demo Sprites#

There is an unused fourth upsell screen like the ones that are used. This one is likely a placeholder.

595_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_SELECTORSCREEN_WOODSIGN2_RGB_CLASS.png 618_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_SELECTORSCREEN_WOODSIGN2_PRESS_RGB_CLASS.png

A variant of the "Try the Full Version" button in the Dwarven Stonecraft font instead of Brianne's Hand.

124_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_SELECTORSCREEN_VASEBREAKER_BUTTON_RGB_CLASS.png 592_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_SELECTORSCREEN_VASEBREAKER_HIGHLIGHT_RGB_CLASS.png

An unlocked version of the Mini-Games button. The filenames of said button say "VASEBREAKER", while the Puzzle button, which is the actual Vasebreaker button, has a filename that says "CHALLENGE".

Full Game Leftovers#

There are leftover graphics from the full version of the game. Interestingly, most of these are also scaled down to fit with the demo's lower resolution.

99_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_CHALLENGE_WINDOW_RGB_CLASS.png 293_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_CHALLENGE_WINDOW_HIGHLIGHT_RGB_CLASS.png 155_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_CHALLENGE_BACKGROUND_RGB_CLASS.jpg 606_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_MINIGAME_TROPHY_RGB_CLASS.png 303_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_TROPHY_RGB_CLASS.png 302_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_TROPHY_HI_RES_RGB_CLASS.png 341_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_LOCK_RGB_CLASS.png 732_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_LOCK_OPEN_RGB_CLASS.png

Graphics for the Minigames, Puzzle and Survival modes. Includes the trophy reward.

761_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_SURVIVAL_THUMBNAILS_RGB_CLASS.jpg 704_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_SURVIVAL_THUMBNAIL_RGB_CLASS.png 433_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_CHALLENGE_THUMBNAIL_RGB_CLASS.png 397_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_CHALLENGE_THUMBNAILS_RGB_CLASS.jpg

Thumbnails for all other game modes aside from Adventure. The only thumbnails that seem to be properly scaled are a Survival: Day thumbnail and a Vasebreaker thumbnail. It is worth mentioning that both of these modes (albeit Survival being at Night) happen to be the ones that are playable in this demo, so they might have been planned to be selected through a menu of this style at some point.

671_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_BODY_RGB_CLASS.png 296_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_EYES_RGB_CLASS.png 246_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_BLINK1_RGB_CLASS.png 499_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_BLINK2_RGB_CLASS.png 285_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_STEM_RGB_CLASS.png 393_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_ROCK1_RGB_CLASS.png 713_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_ROCK2_RGB_CLASS.png 207_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_ROCK3_RGB_CLASS.png 712_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_ROCK4_RGB_CLASS.png 434_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_ROCK5_RGB_CLASS.png 612_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_ROCK6_RGB_CLASS.png 786_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_MASHED_RGB_CLASS.png 256_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_POTATOMINE_PARTICLES_RGB_CLASS.png 788_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_LIGHT1_RGB_CLASS.png 740_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_POTATOMINE_LIGHT2_RGB_CLASS.png 542_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_EXPLOSIONSPUDOW_RGB_CLASS.png

Potato Mine sprites. These are not used, as Squash replaced Potato Mine in this version. They are also the only unused plant sprites.

537_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_SCARY_POT_RGB_CLASS.png 284_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_VASE_CHUNKS_RGB_CLASS.png

While the question and leaf vases are used, the zombie vase is still here, just like in the full version.

A high quality shovel sprite. Strangely, the used sprites are an earlier version of the shovel graphic instead of this newer one. This was also the case for the iOS and Android versions of the full game.

390_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_SUNBANK_RGB_CLASS.png 780_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_SEEDCHOOSER_IMITATERADDON_RGB_CLASS.png 681_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_FERTILIZER_RGB_CLASS.png 796_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_SEEDS_RGB_CLASS.png

Sprites related to the user interface, such as the sun bank in Slot Machine, the Imitater addon, Zen Garden fertilizer, and several seed packet types, which don't match the size of the seed packet graphic actually used.

790_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_EDITBOX_RGB_CLASS.png 596_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_SELECTORSCREEN_OPTIONS1_RGB_CLASS.png 359_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_SELECTORSCREEN_OPTIONS2_RGB_CLASS.png 283_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_SELECTORSCREEN_HELP1_RGB_CLASS.png 299_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_SELECTORSCREEN_HELP2_RGB_CLASS.png 677_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_SELECTORSCREEN_QUIT1_RGB_CLASS.png 149_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_SELECTORSCREEN_QUIT2_RGB_CLASS.png 690_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_OPTIONS_SLIDERSLOT_RGB_CLASS.png 334_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_OPTIONS_SLIDERKNOB2_RGB_CLASS.png

Sprites related to the main menu. There is the text box that would've been used to input your name, "Options" "Help" and "Quit" buttons, and the slider for Music and SFX volume that goes unused, hence them now being a toggle.

204_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_LEAFBUNCH1_RGB_CLASS.png 320_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_LEAFBUNCH2_RGB_CLASS.png 98_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_LEAFBUNCH3_RGB_CLASS.png 152_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_LEAF1_RGB_CLASS.png 605_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_LEAF2_RGB_CLASS.png 339_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_LEAF3_RGB_CLASS.png 551_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_LEAF4_RGB_CLASS.png

Sprites for the Tree of Wisdom.

743_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_ZOMBIENOTE2_RGB_CLASS.png 229_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_ZOMBIENOTE3_RGB_CLASS.png 666_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_ZOMBIENOTE4_RGB_CLASS.png 330_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_ZOMBIEFINALNOTE_RGB_CLASS.png

Notes from night, pool, fog and roof. The player is only able to see the day note, as the demo ends after beating 2-4.

789_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_ZOMBIE_DIGGER_DIRT_RGB_CLASS.png 333_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_DIGGER_RISING_DIRT_RGB_CLASS.png 288_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_DIGGER_RISING_DIRT2_RGB_CLASS.png 533_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_DIGGER_RISING_DIRT3_RGB_CLASS.png 521_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_DIGGER_RISING_DIRT4_RGB_CLASS.png 384_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_DIGGER_RISING_DIRT5_RGB_CLASS.png 630_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_DIGGER_RISING_DIRT6_RGB_CLASS.png 421_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_DIGGER_RISING_DIRT7_RGB_CLASS.png

Sprites for the dirt of Digger Zombie.

163_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_LAWNMOWER_DICE_TRICKED_RGB_CLASS.png 375_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_LAWNMOWER_ENGINE_TRICKED_RGB_CLASS.png 498_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_LAWNMOWER_EXHAUST_TRICKED_RGB_CLASS.png 439_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_REANIM_LAWNMOWER_BODY_TRICKED_RGB_CLASS.png

Sprites for the lawnmowers that would appear when typing "trickedout" during gameplay.

442_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_ICETRAP_RGB_CLASS.png 354_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_ICETRAP2_RGB_CLASS.png 470_com.popcap.flash.games.pvz.resources.PVZImageLoader_IMAGE_ICETRAP_PARTICLES_RGB_CLASS.png

Sprites for the ice trap from Ice-Shroom, which is not in this demo.

Sprite for the brain from I, Zombie

Debugging Information & Hidden Cheats#

data.xml contains a cheat element. By changing false to true, it will enable the debug functions and hidden cheats. In the multiasset version, cheatsEnabled must be passed to the game.

Cheat name

Key

Description

globalPause

`

"Pauses framework updates, or advances the framework by one update." Completely pauses the game framework while also giving it a black background, no frame advancement commands work when this is on.

toggleDebug

F1

Renders the game's FPS and statistics at the bottom of the screen in this format:

v%i.%i [FPS: %i] [Avg. Update Time: %i] [Avg. Render Time: %i] [Avg. Task Time: %i] [Avg. Flash Time: %i]

stepUpdates

F3

Pauses the game, if paused advances based off how many steps the game is running at.

resumeUpdates

F4

"Resumes framework updates." Unpauses the game from pausing frames. Restores the game's original step count.

slowerUpdates

F5 (In MSN Zone version, "7")

"Reduces the number of game updates per step by 1 (min. of 1)." Decreases the game's speed in steps.

fasterUpdates

F6 (In MSN Zone version, "8")

"Increases the number of game updates per step by 1 (max of 30)." Increases the game's speed in steps.

refreshSeedsCheat

4

Automatically recharges the seed packets that you currently have selected.

spawnAwardCheat

5

Spawns an award, if no award is in the level, spawns the next Plant.

freePlantingCheat

6

Gives you unlimited sun and no recharge. This is apparently where the string Free Planting Cheat gets called but fails to be found to as the developers forgot to square bracket the string ID to separate the text and itself apart, such an mistake was carried over in full versions of the game!

previousLevelCheat

,

Goes to the previous level, if on the first level, restarts it..

nextLevelCheat

.

Goes to the next level, if on the final level, restarts it.

spawnWaveCheat

/

Force spawns the next wave of Zombies,, this also affects the current level's progress.

spawnNormalZombieCheat

z

Spawns a normal Zombie on a random lane.

spawnScreendoorZombieCheat

s

Spawns a Screen Door Shield Zombie on a random lane.

spawnNewspaperZombieCheat

n

Spawns a Newspaper Zombie on a random lane.

spawnFootballZombieCheat

f

Spawns a Football Player Zombie on a random lane.

spawnBucketZombieCheat

b

Spawns a Buckethead Zombie on a random lane.

spawnConeheadZombieCheat

c

Spawns a Conehead Zombie on a random lane.

spawnPolevaultZombieCheat

p

Spawns a Pole-vault zombie on a random lane.

spawnGraveZombieCheat

g

Spawns random Zombies from existing gravestones.

unlockAllModes

u

Unlocks the Survival and Puzzle modes. This cannot relock them.

(Source: Original TCRF research)

Hidden levels#

The game can be hacked with an external program to access levels outside of Adventure mode. The debug keys to skip levels don't work for these.

Level 1-0#

This is a level with no plants, one flag and a blank reward, leading to level 1-1 after beating it. Zombies do spawn, but the player can't lose as every zombie ends up being crushed by a lawnmower. Every level before 1-1, including negative levels like 1--1, is a copy of this one.

Level 2-5#

This level, while disappointingly not being Whack-a-Zombie, it's rather a duplicate of Level 2-4 with no graves. When all zombies are eliminated, no reward is given, not even when using debug keys.

Source Compilation Directories#

The English game SWFs contains debug compilation info regarding where scripts and assets were compiled. No clue what FGPM means.

C:\work\games\Flash\pvz\src (PopCap.com August 21, 2009)
C:\work\games\depot\Flash\pvz\src (PopCap.com September 15th, 2009)
C:\work\games\Flash\tools\fgpm\working (PopCap.com)
D:\!GAME_REAL\plantsvszombies\SVN\PROJECT\src (GameHouse/RealArcade Multiasset Version)
D:\svnroot\localization\games\plantsvszombies\web\source\tools\working (GameHouse/RealArcade Multiasset Version)

Visual Differences Compared to the Full Version#

Aside from being scaled down like almost everything else, all the backgrounds in this version are slightly cut off at the bottom and extended at the top.

Demo

Full Game

Demo

Full Game
  • Things like the fence, the bushes behind them, the tree near the road, and the roof are more akin to the console versions.
  • While the roof is mostly like in the console version, it noticeably has a bit of the PC roof (darker portion) as well.

Demo

Full Game
  • Same differences as the previous backgrounds.
  • One of the windows is inconsistent and not pure yellow, matching more closely the window of old mobile/iPad versions of the game. This window also has a bit of pure yellow in a corner, likely by mistake.
  • The sky color is more of a strong blue and the moon was moved.

Revisional Differences#

September 15th, 2009 (PopCap.com)#

  • Removed an extra button hitbox of the completed loading screen that covered the entire game.
  • Removed code for a keypress of 2 to show the upsell screen in the playfield without having cheats enabled.
  • Fixed an issue with the advertising API preventing the restart function from working properly when enabled.
  • A lot of generated particle and reanimation code was removed, mostly residing from the full game.

v · t · e

The Plants vs. Zombies series

Windows

Plants vs. Zombies (Prototypes) • Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted

Mac OS X

Plants vs. Zombies (Prototypes)

Android

Plants vs. Zombies • Plants vs. Zombies 2 • Heroes • Plants vs. Zombies 3 (Demos)

iOS

Plants vs. Zombies • Plants vs. Zombies 2 (Use Your Brainz EDU) • Heroes • Plants vs. Zombies 3 (Demos)

Adobe Flash

Plants vs. Zombies

Nintendo DS, DSiWare

Plants vs. Zombies

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita

Plants vs. Zombies

Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 4,
PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted

China-Exclusive

iOS

Great Wall Edition • Plants vs. Zombies 2 • All Stars

Android

Great Wall Edition (Dev Build) • Endless Edition • Plants vs. Zombies 2 (Dev Build) • All Stars

Adobe Flash

Online

Android TV

Plants vs. Zombies

Garden Warfare

Windows

Garden Warfare • Garden Warfare 2 • Battle For Neighborville (Picnic)

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Garden Warfare

Xbox One, PlayStation 4

Garden Warfare • Garden Warfare 2 • Battle For Neighborville (Picnic)

Nintendo Switch

Battle For Neighborville (Picnic)