Designed from the ground up as a live service, the ever-expanding universe of Plants vs. Zombies 2 continues the epic struggle of plants defending your brainz against zombies from your backyard through the vast reaches of time, both past and future. New worlds with new levels, plants, zombies and new ways to play will be released on an ongoing basis. Leveraging the touch interface of Apple’s mobile devices, Plants vs. Zombies 2 includes all-new touch-screen power-ups that enable players to “break the fourth wall” and interact with zombies directly, as well as via plant defenses.

Already delayed once earlier this year, Popcap Games had set the launch for July 18 earlier this month, but with that date approaching fast it seems the developers need extra time for polishing. A new date has yet to be unveiled but it is said to be "later this summer."

Mind you that while Plants vs. Zombies 2 will be coming to additional, albeit unspecified, platforms, Popcap Games has thus far only announced PvZ 2 for Apple’s mobile devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod).

Also returning for the sequel is Crazy Dave, the addled neighbor who serves as a guide for players and shopkeeper for special plant upgrades and other tools and weapons. New touch-screen power-ups, plant food that supercharges plants, and novel new game mechanics that both help and hinder players’ efforts to thwart the zombie hordes will enthrall existing fans and new players alike.

Free to download, Plants vs. Zombies 2 will expand and extend the classic gameplay of the original and provide players with dozens of all-new levels, plants and zombies across multiple worlds at no cost. While the vast majority of the game will be entirely free to play (players can face every zombie and access every level in every world at no cost), Plants vs. Zombies 2 players will also be able to purchase upgrades and other in-game items.