PopCap has revealed that a limited, regional launch of their latest Plants vs. Zombies title Adventures will be going into beta phase with an eventual release coming later this year. The new title will mark the second in the series and the first for social adaptation to Facebook.

“Plants vs. Zombies Adventures is a highly accessible, zombie-zapping adaptation of the original game designed specifically for Facebook,” said Curt Bererton, head of PopCap’s San Francisco studio where Plants vs. Zombies Adventures was designed and developed. “The game not only offers up exclusive new plants and zombies along with old favorites, it features all-new forms of zombie combat that will open PvZ to a whole new world. We like to think we’re creating a brand new twist on the classic Plants vs. Zombies that is the most social, shareable and expansive Plants vs. Zombies experience ever.”

Plants vs. Zombies Adventures is the first of several new adaptations of the hit franchise coming to consumers in the next year that will take players beyond the confines of the backyard. PvZ Adventures will present players with a wild and humorous series of “road-trips,” traveling near and far to thwart the zombie invasion in a variety of settings. Players will also be able to send hordes of zombies to their Facebook friends, a thoughtful gesture sure to be appreciated. New zombie and plant types, new ways of obtaining, cultivating and deploying plant defenses, and leaderboards are among the other new features in PvZ Adventures.

Not to be outdone, PopCap has also also confirmed that Plants vs. Zombies 2, the sequel to the original blockbuster game, is slated to launch later this year. Currently no specifics are known but hopefully we can see some more information as we get closer.