Quite literally peak of my childhood gaming with friends. This is those warm summer nights where you stay up late and you're all laughing hysterically. Begging to host Garden Ops lobbies knowing full well I'd tank the run because my internet sucked or I'd be called down for my tea. This was my first shooter and it'll alway have a fond place in my heart. It's an amazing re-imagination of the Plants VS Zombies concept and has a real all-star cast of characters that feel unique, fun, and surprisingly well balanced (or was it that we simply didn't care if they weren't). These days pack opening is a tired concept (and a predatory monetisation strategy) but back then there was something so exciting and satisfying about completing the sticker book to unlock new characters, desperate to do it all without spending a penny of my pocket money.
One of my favorite shooters of all time, Can’t believe it’s been 10 years. I have countless memories of playing this game together with friends trying to do Garden Ops on harder difficulties, grinding Team Vanquish lobbies, and a lot more. This and GW2 are peak fiction and I’d love to see a real third entry someday. (Battle for Neighborville doesn’t count)
They took a very simple but charming game, and actually succeeded in turning it into an incredibly fun third person shooter. The entire game is dripping with creativity, and the characters feel special and fun in their own ways. It perfectly nailed the combination of having enough room for silly fun as well as for skill expression.