Plants vs Zombies 2 - Penny's Pursuit - MONEY Plant Showcase - Cactus - May 2023

This Penny's quest focuses on the Money plant Cactus and was offered between between May 24, 2023 and May 31, 2023.

Cactus is a member of the Spear-Mint family.
Cactus costs 175 Sun. (-25 Sun at levels 5, 7 and 9.)
Fires a piercing spike that will damage 2-4 zombies.
Each spike 30 damage. (+10 per level.)
When given plant food, the damage will be doubled for the rest of the round.
When zombies get too close, Cactus will hide in the ground and act like a Spikeweed.
When zombies walk on Cactus, the zombies will take 10 damage. (+5 per level.)
When given plant food, zombies will take 20 damage. (+10 damage at levels 3, 5, 7 and 9.)
Cactus will reach up and attack flying zombies doing 45 damage. (+15 per level.)

The Good:
Cactus is quite versatile.
Does more damage to fliers than other plants.
Not easily defeated as zombies can not devour this plant.
Plant food effect is permanent.

The Bad:
While the plant food is permanent, there is no one-time effect - just a damage increase.
Cactus is a bit of a scary-plant, hiding when zombies get within two (2) tiles.
Cactus is a money plant.

Commentary:
Many players poo-poo Cactus because it appears weak compared to their other leveled up plants. But when players play with Cactus when offered, Cactus will be level 1 - which naturally will be under-powered compared to their other plants.

That said, Cactus is a cross between Laser Bean and Spikeweed. For an additional 25 Sun, one can get Laser Bean which will pierce ALL zombies and do more damage.

While one CAN use Cactus like Spikeweed, Spikeweed is cheaper.

Bottom Line:
Game companies walk a fine line when it comes to micro-transactions. Make a money purchase "too good" and cries of “Pay to Win” will be said. Make a money purchase “too weak” and players will not purchase the item. Since the goal is to make money, this is indeed a fine line - one we do not envy.

That said, Cactus is among the weaker of the money plants. Laser Bean simply is not used as a viable long range Spear-Mint plant. Bloomerang is not used much more. Cactus simply does not offer anything unique enough to justify the purchase.

However, Cactus is on sale this week so support the game and pick up Cactus!

Level 1 - Difficulty 🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Bonus 1 of 2
Survive the zombie attack
Chosen Perk is Knock Back
Do not lose more than 8 / 3 / 3 plants
Chill zombies not offered / 75 / 100 times.

Level 2 - Difficulty 🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Bonus 0 of 2
Survive the zombie attack - Last Stand Style
Chosen Perk is
Never have more than 10 / 10 / 10 plants
There are precious flowers on the lawn which can not be trampled - not offered / 3 & 4 / 4 & 5
Starting Sun = 2,000 / 1,800 / 1,550

Level 3 - Difficulty 🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Bonus 1 of 2
Survive the zombie attack.
Chosen Perk is JALAPEÑO. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Never have more than 16 / 15 / 14 plants
Destroy not offered / 10 / 15 Healer Staffs

Level 4 - Difficulty 🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Bonus 0 of 2
Survive the zombie attack.
Chosen Perk is Puffball
Protect the endangered plants - Iceberg Lettuce on column 4 / 5 / 6

Level 5 - Difficulty 🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Bonus 1 of 2
Survive the zombie attack.
Chosen Perk is Puffball
There are precious flowers on the lawn which can not be trampled - 4 & 5
Stun zombies not offered / 10 / 25 times

+Timestamps
00:00 Level 1 - Difficulty 3
02:45 Level 2 - Difficulty 3
06:36 Level 3 - Difficulty 3
08:41 Level 4 - Difficulty 3
11:23 Level 5 - Difficulty 3