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Plants vs. Zombies (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita)

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Plants vs. Zombies, the number 1 spot on everyone's "Top 10 games called Plants vs. Zombies" list, comes to the 360, PS3, and even the Vita. It's loaded with lots of new content such as a multiplayer mode, as well as HD graphics.

To do:

  • Is it possible to enable the following?

:*Cheat keys in the PlayStation 3/Vita version, likely similar to cheat-enabled builds, "-tod" was removed in PS3 update but the strings and code likely still remain.

  • Check the PS3 update and compare with the base game, appears to be an executable update.
  • Regional differences (for example, UK localisation)
  • Document the changed mini-game icons.
  • Document many unused textures such as the old dancer, unused vs stone, and unused zombie packets ect.

Placeholder Text#

placeholder

A not-so interesting placeholder in mail/placeholder.txt on PlayStation entries.

Debug Mode#

All of the debug displays from the PC version are still functional in this version of the game, with the addition of a new grid debug display.

Grid Debug#

Tries to draw the level's grid. Unfortunately, it seems to be unfinished; it doesn't draw column 9, and it doesn't draw the pool's grid correctly.

Front Yard

Pool

Roof

Unused Graphics#

Leftover assets of the common mouse cursor for PopCap games.

PVZConsole_Challenge_Window.png PVZConsole_Challenge_Window_Highlight.png

Leftover PC Mini-Game windows.

PVZConsole_E_ditbox.gif PVZConsole_Editbox_.gif

Leftover editbox from the PC version.

Leftover fog used for when 3D acceleration is turned off in the PC version.

The unused zombie vase from the PC version of the game.

PVZConsole_VS.png Pvz_console_early_vs_stone_sprites.png

An early version of the VS mode stone. There is a sprite of the stone put together and sprites that make up the stone. Interestingly, there are 2 different mustaches, with one of them having sprites for breaking.

Unused zombie icon for seed packets, including unused Jackson zombie.

Unused bush.

Unused frames for Cob-Cannon's reticle.

Unused possibly placeholder image depicting an early version of the rightmost main menu screen

Leftover mockup image depicting a mail notification design. Interestingly this shows that adventure mode used to have a dedicated co-op button as well as this screen also having a couple other minor changes from the final

Leftovers of the original Backup Dancer, the animation file is also leftover in the files as well.

Leftovers of the original Dancing Zombie, the animation file is also leftover in the files as well.

Unused Text#

To do:
Check PS3 and other languages.

The file properties/test.txt in the main game data archive on Xbox 360 is an older English version of LawnStrings.txt, likely from the demo or Flash versions. To be specific to the right platform, the content found in the flash/demo versions are excluded. The PlayStation version was a port using most of the codebases from the Xbox 360 version.

English (text.txt)

English (Xbox 360)

Plant these on your kernel-pults to turn them into cob cannons! Click on a cob cannon to launch a deadly attack!
Plant these on your kernel-pults to turn them into cob cannons! Press <A> on a cob cannon to launch a deadly attack!
Main Menu
Exit Game
click to view
Press <A> on a vase to see what's inside!
Press <X> on a vase to see what's inside!
Feed Chocolate

insert text
Feed Chocolate
Defend your rightful property against ghouls.
Defend your rightful property against zombies.
Use friendship against zombies.
Defend your rightful property against zombies.
Have you achieved anything? Find out.
Seek succor or alter your experience.
Help & Options.
Use Microsoft® Points for full PvZ tastiness.
Unlock Full Game.
Leave this game and its pleasures.
Return to Game Library.
Your player profile was out of date or didn't load properly.
Would you like to try to loading it again?
The device your profile is stored on has been removed, or does not have enough free space.
Would you like to try to load your profile again?
Not Logged In
Not Connected
You must be logged in to Xbox LIVE to view your friends' houses!
You must be connected to Xbox LIVE to view your friends' houses!
You must be logged in to Xbox LIVE to view the endless leaderboard!
You must be connected to Xbox LIVE to view the endless leaderboard!
Your player profile was not saved properly.
Would you like to try to saving it again?
Your player profile was not saved properly.
Would you like to try to save it again?
Player 2 press <S> to join!
Player 2
Press <S> to join!
<X> Unlock Full Version
<X> Unlock Full Game
<X> Marketplace
<X> Xbox LIVE Marketplace
Goto Tree of Wisdom
Go to Tree of Wisdom
Help and Options
Help & Options

Developer Leftovers#

Empty Pak File#

na.pak on Xbox 360 has no content unlike every other file.

Batch Files#

To do:
Check Vita.

main.pak on PS3 has a few leftover batch files from development in the directories, reanim/mainmenu3, particles and images, all titled, d.bat, most likely meaning "delete before distribution".

move "adventure coop pressed.png"   d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "adventure coop selected.png"    d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "adventure coop.png"             d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "adventure pressed.png"          d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "adventure selected.png"         d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "adventure.png"                  d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "almanac button.png"             d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "almanac plant 10.png"           d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "almanac pot.png"                d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "almanac pressed.png"            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "almanac selected.png"           d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "Back ball button pressed.png"   d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "Back ball button selected.png"  d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "Back ball button.png"           d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "back stone button.png"          d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "back stone pressed.png"         d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "back stone selected.png"        d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "LEADER copy.png"                d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "leaderboards button.png"        d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "leaderboards pressed.png"       d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "leaderboards selected.png"      d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "mail button.png"                d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "mail pressed.png"               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "mail selected.png"              d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "mail.png"                       d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "minigames button.png"           d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "minigames pressed.png"          d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "minigames selected.png"         d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "more pressed.png"               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "more selected.png"              d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "more ways pressed.png"          d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "more ways selected.png"         d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "more ways.png"                  d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "more.png"                       d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "puzzle button.png"              d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "puzzle pressed.png"             d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "puzzle selected.png"            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "PvZ_Logo.png"                   d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "shop button.png"                d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "shop pressed.png"               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "shop selected.png"              d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "start adventure pressed.png"    d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "start adventure selected.png"   d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "start adventure.png"            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "survival button.png"            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "survival pressed.png"           d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "survival selected.png"          d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "unlock pressed.png"             d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "unlock selected.png"            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "unlock.png"                     d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "VS button.png"                  d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "vs coop pressed.png"            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "vs coop selected.png"           d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "vs coop.png"                    d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "VS pressed.png"                 d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "VS selected.png"                d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "zengardenbutton pressed.png"    d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "zengardenbutton selected.png"   d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move "zengardenbutton.png"            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\reanim\mainmenu3
move Doom.png d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\particles
move ExplosionPowie.png  d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\particles
move ExplosionSpudow.png d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\particles
move Pow.png      d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\particles
move Sproing.png  d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\particles
move Almanac.png                            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images
move background1.png                        d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move background1unsodded.png                d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move background2.png                        d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move background3_clothesline.png            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Challenge_Thumbnails.png               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move chocolate.png                          d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move coinbank.png                           d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Credits_ZombieNote.png                 d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Fertilizer.png                         d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move FlagMeterLevelProgress.png             d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move help_menu_image_achmt.png              d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move help_menu_image_coop_butter.png        d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move help_menu_image_coop_menu.png          d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move help_menu_image_coop_sun.png           d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move ImitaterSeed.png                       d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move ImitaterSeedDisabled.png               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move licensePlate_1N1RTRE.png               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move licensePlate_BUYSMTN.png               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move licensePlate_FLORFUD.png               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move licensePlate_GR8DLZ.png                d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move licensePlate_IMCR8Z.png                d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move licensePlate_MAD4GRVY.png              d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move licensePlate_MEAMDAV.png               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move licensePlate_RDWARER.png               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move licensePlate_SMTNFNY.png               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move licensePlate_SODALID.png               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move licensePlate_UNEMPLD.png               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move licensePlate_VRMVRM.png                d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move mail_background_zombiepostcard.png     d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move mail_message_coop.png                  d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move mail_message_intro.png                 d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move mail_overlay_stpatricks.png            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move mail_overlay_text1.png                 d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move mail_overlay_text2.png                 d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move moneybag.png                           d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move moneybag_hi_res.png                    d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move options_menuback.jpg                   d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move p1_text.png                            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move p2_text.png                            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move plant_side_plants.png                  d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move PvZ_Logo.png                           d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Store_Car.png                          d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Store_Car_night.png                    d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Store_ComingSoonLabel.png              d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Store_ExtraSlotLabel.png               d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Store_PvZIcon.png                      d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Store_Sign.png                         d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Store_SoldOutLabel.png                 d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move survival_button.png                    d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Tombstones.jpg                         d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move TreeFood.png                           d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move win.png                                d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Zen_MoneySign.png                      d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move zenshopbutton.png                      d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move zenshopbutton_highlight.png            d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Zombie_bobsled1.png                    d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Zombie_bobsled2.png                    d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Zombie_bobsled3.png                    d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Zombie_bobsled4.png                    d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move zombie_side_zombies.png                d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move Zombiefinalnote.png                    d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move ZombieNote1.png                        d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move ZombieNote2.png                        d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move ZombieNote3.png                        d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move ZombieNote4.png                        d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 
move ZombieNoteHelp.png                     d:\projects\popcap\pvz\datasource\loc\en\images 

Uncompiled Particle/Animation Scripts#

The PS3 version of the game has a file called compressed.pak, containing the compiled particle scripts. However, the developers forgot to delete the uncompiled source files in the directories, reanim and particles before packing it. The said directories have XML syntaxed files where particles have an extension of the obvious xml, reanim files have an extension of reanim and also one for the IceTrail being trail.

Download Plants Vs. Zombies (Console) uncompiled particle/animation scripts

File: PVZ_Console_UncompiledXMLFiles.zip (1,446 KB) (info)

Thumbnail Database Files#

The Xbox 360 version left over two Thumbs.db files in the German localization archive, being in images and particles.

Build Dates#

Xbox 360:

Jul  8 201018:26:46

PS3:

Sep 10 2010 14:37:37
Plants Vs Zombies PS3: Dec 14 2010 / 16:58:43

PS3 (v1.01):

Mar  2 201110:38:42
Plants Vs Zombies PS3: Mar  2 2011 / 10:39:38

PS Vita/NGPSP (Next Gen PSP):

Jan 16 201216:53:14
Plants Vs Zombies NGPSP: Jan 18 2012 / 11:37:52

Visual Differences Between PC and Console Versions#

Backgrounds#

All the backgrounds in this console re-release are expanded versions of the original PC graphics, changed to fit the resolution of the console versions.

PC

Console

PC

Console

With the Day theme, the lawn was expanded, showing more of the house. The lighting of the area was also changed, and the shadow placement was changed. A blank area was added for the bushes, and the road was completely redone.

PC

Console

The Night theme has some of the differences present in the Day theme, those being the area being expanded, a blank area for bushes, and a redone road. However, there are some new changes such as the fence shadow being removed for obvious reasons and the lines being smoothed out.

PC

Console

The Pool theme has the fence torn down for the bushes, extra detail on the fence, the roof being changed to the front lawn roof, some clouds, and the toy duck mistakenly having the white of its eye removed.

PC

Console

The Fog theme has the same differences as the Pool theme, though the door is always open.

PC

Console

PC

Console

The Roof theme has the most differences of all the backgrounds, with the most noticeable being the changed background. Some of the minor differences include the satellite dish being moved, a different window, dirt and grass on the gutters, and the ladder on the right being replaced by a gutter.

PC

Console

The only difference with the Zen Garden besides it being expanded is the addition of a hose.

PC

Console

The Mushroom Garden has a different background and changed shading on some mushrooms.

PC

Console

Other than the background being extended, There aren't any differences with the Aquarium Garden.

Revisional Differences#

Xbox 360#

  • Raw texture files were used.
  • The first to use a prerendered video file for the logo.

PlayStation 3#

PlayStation Vita#

Base Game#

  • The prerendered PopCap logo video was different, being the 2011 variant.

Old Video

New Video

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

v01.01#

v01.02#

  • Adjusted Lucky Spin requirements where the achievement is given when the player gets three of a kind with any resource.
  • The following strings were slightly altered.

String ID

Original

Changed

TOUCH_ENABLED

Enable Touch

Enable Touch Controls

ACHIEVEMENT_32_LUCKY_SPIN_DESCRIPTION

Get 3 diamonds in Slot Machine

Get 3 of a kind in Slot Machine

  • The ZOMBATAR_DELETE_QUERY text string was added, saying "Delete?".