Filled with fun? Filled with Fun!
Viva Pinata is a game for the XBOX 360 and PC which will appeal to both children and adults alike. While its colourful backdrop and cutesy visuals may turn off some more hardcore gamers (because its not manly to like animals or pretty things), the gameplay and intricacies of the game will continue dragging you in for more, sapping hours of your life as you try to get the Rashberry to get it on with the Swanana (trust me, once you play the game this will all make sense).
Viva Pinata contains a loose story to give you a purpose for what you do in the game world. The story however, is not central to the gameplay, and can be completely ignored altogether. The core of the game then, is in creating an environment for your pinata to live in, mate in and die in. You can create any type of garden you would like. From a fenced off prison camp, to a large swamp/lake, a garden dominated only by frogs, whatever you desire. The garden is limited to a maximum size and is not endless.
The game is great through its originality and is one of those games that hooks you in, and you really cant explain why. It makes almost no logical sense as to why I so desperately need to convince a Parrabo to live in my garden, but I'll be damned if I let that bird get the better of me, even if it takes me 4 hours to finally get it.
The game controls are fairly intuitive and simple, the quick select on the d-pad being useful in swapping between tools and equipment quickly. The menu system itself is a bit clunky and cluttered, and leaves a bit to be desired.
Overall this game, especially at its low price point, is a must for all new XBOX 360 owners, and, if you have a family or want a child friendly game, this is entertaining to watch someone play, or play as a family unit to collaboratively work towards your uber garden. The game is great in single player and has plenty of depth.
