March 1st, 2008 by hylian1

Since the launch of the Xbox 360 one year ago, the console has been touted to be a console ranked toward adults. With most of its games being filled with blood, gore, sex, and violence, one could certainly see why. But Microsoft has been determined to not only keep their adult oriented audience, but also to reach out abroad and gain favor to children and young adults with family-oriented type games as well. Not a game that suited just for families and kids, but one that appeals to all age groups. Thus comes in Viva Pinata, Rare’s third title since the console launched last November.

General Info: Viva Pinata pits gamers right in the middle of an old broken down Garden that was once the greatest Garden on Pinata Island. However, due to unwanted circumstanced, the Garden went to ruins and now it’s up you to restore its beauty and charm so that Pinatas from all over will want to take residence.

Gameplay: In the very beginning, you are asked to name your Garden then a helper named Leafos will give you the rundown on how to use the controls, menu, visit the village, etc., then it’s off to begin work on your Garden by first depleting all of the junk and getting some nice good soil. A Whirlm Pinata will soon appear and then it never slows down from there.

Every Pinata has a unique way of being attracted to the Garden and certain tasks must be completed before the Pinata will decide to take residence. Visiting one of the Villagers will allow you to purchase various items that will help you to accomplish those tasks such as seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Each Pinata is also customizable, allowing you to name them and create a custom tag for them. However, if you want them to remain in your Garden, they must be taken well care of. The Journal in the menu has detailed information on each of the Pinatas’ needs.

There are also various other things that can happen among the Pinata species whilst going about trying to manage every thing. They could get into fights or be attacked by Sours (if either happens, they could die or become ill–which requires a visit from the doctor).

Only two species of any Pinata can enter your Garden at a time. Once two have taken residence, the only way to get more that particular species is by having them to partake in the Romance Dance. The Romance Dance only happens when certain Romance tasks have been accomplished. Such as both Pinatas having to eat a particular type of food. Once those tasks are complete, a mini-game takes place, and if won, you’re lovely Pinatas will receive an egg from Storkos that will hatch to reveal another of the beloved species!

Graphics The game’s graphics are quite charming and retain that unique feel that Rare seems to always bring about with each of their titles. The environment is lush and beautiful, the items and buildings are nicely detailed, and the Pinatas themselves are absolute adorable and cute with a new rendition of Rare’s ever-popular furshading: Pinata shading.

Sound: Once again composed by Grant Kirkhope–Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, Grabbed by the Ghoulies–, Viva Pinata retains music and sound that seems somewhat familiar yet brand new to match and blend in with the game’s flow. From the guitarish theme at the pause menu to each unique theme during the Romance Dances, the sound is amazing!

Replay Value: Much like The Sims, Animal Crossing, and Harvest Moon, Viva Pinata is one of those games that continues to go on endlessly. There’s always plenty to do, and trying to become the best Gardener out there could take a long time to accomplish.

Pros and Cons
+Graphically inducing
+Addictive gameplay
-Can be repetitive
-Full of unfortunate glitches

Scores
Gameplay 9.0: Though meant to be a game for all ages, it gets rather difficult in the later stages of the game and could become too complicated for smaller children, which is one of the key audiences Microsoft and Rare was shooting for with this title. Otherwise, the game is really interesting and maintains its goal of being entertaining nonetheless.

Graphics 10: It may not be Gears of War or Conker: Live and Reloaded, but Viva Pinata lives up to being a really graphically enhanced title. The Pinata shading once again proved that Rare knows how to add that extra touch that makes their titles stand out from all others in terms of graphical prowess.

Sound 9.0: From the spectacular music to the simple yet quirky sounds of the Pinatas, Viva Pinata retains some of the best sound to be introduced in a game, another landmark from Rare’s sound department. The Romance Dances can be viewed time and time again, so the enjoyment of their charming tunes never ceases.

Replay Value 9.0:Just as other games in this somewhat familiar genre, the game could continue to go on forever. With Rare’s plans to release plenty of new content downloadable via the Xbox Live Marketplace, it certainly has the potential to keep gamer’s immersed in the game for years to come. However, as aforementioned, due to it’s complication in the later stages, the younger audience may just lose concentration on the game and move on to something else…

Overall Score: 9.2 ( A )

Overall, Viva Pinata is a really fun experience that manages to remain entertaining and enjoyable and offers a brand new aspect of gameplay that seems familiar yet brand new. This is one title that I personally recommend to all 360 owners who are looking for something a bit different and aren’t afraid to try something new. It’s fun, entertaining, and enjoyable throughout the entire experience, and will continue to be so for years to come.