Based on the recommendation of a designer I met recently, I played PopCap's Plants vs. Zombies, a "flower" defense game available on Steam for $9.95 (also available on other venues).

I can't express how clever this game is-- it has the kind of quirky humor you might have appreciated in PopCap's Peggle. It's easy enough for my mom but its entertaining 'story', 2D graphics, puzzles, and mini-games definitely enhance the experience.

Basically, it's a tower defense game so you defend your tower (various parts of your 'home').

From who, exactly? A lovable cast of Zombies.


Who lovingly leave you notes...


OR a random exotic gift...


I'm more than halfway through already and I say it was worth the money. My only complaint is that I wish it were just a bit more challenging. I haven't had to vary my strategy yet (in the main story line) but hopefully that will change soon. 

On the positive side, the game gives you a lot of toys to play with so you always have something new to do. As a further plus, you meet some pretty special... spectacular zombies along the way.