'Plants vs. Zombies 2' released worldwide, free

After a five-week stint of exclusivity to the Australian and New Zealand App Stores, "Plants vs Zombies 2: It's About Time" is now available for free around the world on iOS devices.

New-plants-new-zombies-new-worlds-in-Plants-vs-Zombies-2-Photo-AFP

After a five-week stint of exclusivity to the Australian and New Zealand App Stores, 'Plants vs Zombies 2: It's About Time' is now available for free around the world on iOS devices.

Relying on its ability to woo players to hand over coin via in-app purchases rather than charging up front as its predecessor had done in 2009, 'PvZ2' comes equipped with three themed worlds to explore and an off-the-wall time-traveling story.

The saucepan-bonced Crazy Dave returns, fueled by his snackfood love, but his time-machine sends him back too far in a quest for the world's best tacos.

'Plants vs. Zombies 2' comes with trips to Ancient Egypt, the Pirate Seas and the Wild West on the house, with PopCap contemplating the possibility of further scenarios up the road.

The good old Peashooters, Sunflowers and Wall-nuts, and Cabbage-pults are among returning favorites, accompanied by a cohort of new friends including the Bonk Choy, Bloomerang, and Iceberg Lettuce.

All have power-up abilities, which is where the in-app purchases come in handy, and some -- like the Snow Pea, Jalapeno, and Power Lily -- are premium tier and must be bought with real money first.