While its gameplay is engaging, hilarious, and most notably, quirky, Plants vs. Zombies is timeless for its music. Rather than just sitting humbly in the background, Plants vs. Zombies' music is a significant part of why the game is remembered so well to this day. Now, with the soundtrack coming to vinyl, longtime fans can reconnect with those memories in a more personal way. For composer Peter McConnell (Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare and Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville), vinyl is not only about the sound but about the experience and the way music can draw familiar feelings to the surface.
In a recent interview with The Best War Games, McConnell explained why he holds vinyl so near and dear to his heart. Rather than being merely about nostalgia and sound quality, McConnell suggests vinyl is more about the intention behind placing the record, reading the notes, and sitting with the music. In a predominantly digital world, that kind of experience is rare. That is ultimately why Plants vs. Zombies' vinyl release means something more to the composer.
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Plants vs. Zombies Nostalgia, Pressed to Vinyl
Peter McConnell sees the return to vinyl as a big deal. Digital music is quick and easy, but it lacks the physical presence and focus that comes from just sitting down and listening. That's part of what makes the Plants vs. Zombies vinyl release feel special. In a world where people are on the move and need something digital and mobile to accommodate that motion, the vinyl format invites them to slow down and enjoy the music more intentionally. When asked about his own thoughts on the benefits of vinyl as opposed to digital, McConnell replied:
"I still remember when vinyl was the only thing! Vinyl has always been special for me — not just for its sound, but because you can hold the record, read the liner notes, actually sit down with the music, because you have to physically put it on your turntable and drop the needle. Music deserves that kind of attention, and I am so grateful that PVZ music can be heard this way."
That kind of experience matches what the game's soundtrack has always done. Plants vs. Zombies has fun with its world, but the music is a big part of what gives it warmth and personality. On vinyl, that warmth feels even closer, with each track feeling like a moment players can step back into. From the calm of Plants vs. Zombies' menus to the tension of a battle, hearing these songs on vinyl brings those memories to life in a way they were meant to be pondered on.
Remembering Plants vs. Zombies
McConnell hopes Plants vs. Zombies fans feel that connection again. Many people grew up with the series or played it during a formative time in their lives. The vinyl gives them a chance to revisit those moments and possibly those same feelings as well. To McConnell, that's what this release is really about — remembering what made those early days of PvZ so special. The composer explained:
"I hope they remember how much fun they had playing the game, and maybe some particularly happy moment in their lives they might associate with it. That's how it is for me. I remember the time I was writing it, working with the team, playing the game with my family. It's a little slice of life."
With two vinyl records on the way, the music of Plants vs. Zombies is getting the spotlight it has always deserved. However, beyond the catchy melodies and quirky charm, McConnell hopes fans hear something deeper. Instead of just fun video game music, McConnell hopes fans remember where they were when they first played, laughed, and planted their first Peashooter. For him, Plants vs. Zombies on vinyl is a memory pressed into something more permanent.
- Developer(s)
- PopCap
- Publisher(s)
- EA
- Franchise
- Plants vs. Zombies
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Tower Defense
The Plants vs. Zombies vinyl soundtrack is available in two collectible formats: a 7" limited edition single featuring a riff on Billie Eilish, priced at $15.99, and a deluxe 2xLP edition priced at $44.99. Pre-orders are now live at iam8bit.com, and will remain open through July 15.