Pirates vs. Ninjas vs. Zombies vs. Pandas Review
PROS
- Clever, challenging and huge level designs.
- Interesting alternative 'ammunition' for each faction.
- Star system used to unlock new levels; not just an ego measurement.
CONS
- Multiple cannons can cause aiming issues due to blocked vision.
- Dense level designs hard to look at when zoomed out; reduces accuracy of shots.
VERDICT
Pirates vs. Ninjas vs. Zombies vs. Pandas doesn't bring a whole lot of changes to the table, but the challenging level designs and fun faction-based themes put it ahead of a lot of the pack.
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Yes... I know what you're thinking. Don't say it - just don't. I get it OK? I mean we've been over this dozens of times before and I honestly don't think it's ever going to end, so we don't need to continually go on about it for every game. I mean... Pandas? How are they going to compete against Pirates and Ninjas and Zombies... am I right?
But in all seriousness, Pirates vs. Ninjas vs. Zombies vs. Pandas (PvNvZvP) is what it is - a physics based puzzler involving things being shot at structures to kill the people inside them. Thankfully the game does this well and outside of the basic comparisons the game goes out on a limb and attempts to change things up from the usual formula.
As you progress through each faction's campaign you'll slowly unlock a series of unique units, each with their own special traits useful for completing the level you're on. Multiple cannons on each level also provide a unique opportunity to attack the problem from both sides and your 'ammunition' can be freely selected to suit the task at hand.
The levels themselves start out simply enough, but their complexity ramps up quite quickly early on and players will be thankful for the handy guide-spot that's left after each shot to make fine-tuned corrections. This focus on accuracy is reinforced by the need to avoid 'friendlies' that are often scattered around the level, giving you a good reason to take your time with each shot instead of bumbling your way to the end.
For some, the all-too-similar setup will cause their panties to bunch-up as they protest yet another 'clone', but for those after a clever and challenging variation on the castle-smashing formula, PvNvZvP might just be for you.