== Viva Pinata ==
Viva Pinata is the perfect game for kids and grown ups. Viva Pinata is a life simulation game developed by Rare and published by Microsoft Game Studios. The game is on the PC as well as the Xbox 360 and is one of the most fun fulfilled games on the Xbox 360. There is a Nintendo DS version entitled Viva Pinata Pocket Paradise. It has exactly what it says it has and that's Pinatas but there not the kind you smash open with a stick. In fact the Pinatas are very much alive and you have to keep it that way. They are all lovable fuzzy little creatures that you must take care of. there isn't really a story to this game but you do need to keep certain pesty little Pinatas out of your garden or they will have your friendly ones. There was a follow up game made for this entitled Viva Pinata Trouble in Paradise and there is also a party game that features mini games and that's called Viva Pinata Party Animals.

=== GAMEPLAY ===
In Viva Pinata the only thing you can actually control is the cursor. The cursor is moved with the analog stick and moving this allows you to click on Pinatas and order them around. Its a little bit like a strategy game and everything is controlled with your cursor. You can do a whole wide variety of things with it such as move Pinatas, make them do things or you can equip items like a spade and whack them if they're naughty, dig holes to make ponds and many more. You also can equip grass packets so you can lay grass down in your garden. Now the garden you start with is actually tiny but as you progress and get more Pinatas, the garden will become bigger. At the start of the game your garden is almost empty and to get Pinatas to come visit you must do things that they like. Some of which could be so much grass in your garden, so much water or other things. When they visit your garden you still need too fulfill there needs in order for them to want to stay and live in your garden.

Its not just about getting Pinatas join your garden because the game is much more than that. You are basically raising them so they have a place to live. When your garden gets bigger more Pinatas will join but you have to be very careful because there are naughty Pinatas that want to kill or make your Pinatas ill. However if one of your Pinatas does get ill you can call the doctor out to heal them the only hard bit is noticing you have an ill Pinata when you have a HUGE garden. There are a lot of other bits such as shops and other people that might help you out. One of which is my favouirte who is called Seedos. Seedos will throw seeds in your garden if you talk to him daily. He will only throw so many a day though but this saves buying seeds. You can also buy seeds if you're desperate. You can plant the seeds in your garden using the shovel and watering can. When grown your Pinatas will eat them if they like what ever you have grown or you can sell it for cash. Other shops of interest are the building shop where you can buy all Pinatas a home for your garden. Each set of Pinatas have a certain home that can be placed in your garden. For an example you can build a tree for squirrels to live in and there are many more buildings for different Pinatas.

There are over 60 different Pinatas on the game and all of them can join your garden and live there. The Pinatas aren't actually called by what they are in real life. Some are Sparrowmint which is a sparrow, Fudgehog which is a hedgehog, Buzzlegum which is a bumble bee, Gecky which is a lizard, Lickatoad is a frog and there are lots more. I think the funny names are aimed towards kids but its actually quite interesting. Also when Pinatas join your garden you can name them to what you want. You can also mate the Pinatas of the same breed to have baby Pinatas. Usually doing this triggers a mini game which involves you taking the pregnant Pinata through a sort of maze from one end to the other before time runs out. If Pinatas get killed all the sweets inside those Pinatas are scattered on the floor and your other Pinatas can eat them to raise their candiosity meter. If this gets full you can send them off to a party and don't worry they come back safe and sound. You can also put objects in your garden for your Pinatas or to scare certain sour Pinatas off. Sour Pinatas are the nasty ones and you can notice these because they are butt ugly and red.

Viva Pinata is great and can be enjoyed with friends as the game lets you play some sort of multiplayer features. You don't actually run a garden with a friend but you can trade things over Xbox Live with friends. You can trade Pinatas or anything else in your world. You can also play offline with up to 4 players. If you feel your Pinatas are a little plain then why not dress them up? that's right you can add clothes to your Pinatas and to be honest its seriously funny. There is a whole lot of things to do on the game and a lot of fun to be had. Kids will adore this because of all the little Pinatas and the beautiful world they live in. Its an easy game to get the hang of and shouldn't cause anyone any problems. Viva Pinata only really has this one playable game mode but it can literally last forever. Overall Viva Pinata has more to offer than most games so its definitely worth owning.

=== GRAPHICS ===
Viva Pinata has some gorgeous looking graphics overall. The Pinatas are fantastically designed and the colouring of the Pinatas is beautiful. Also the garden and layout of the world is beautiful and textured really well and it all just stands out perfectly. Okay the graphics look a little childish but they actually do work really well for this type of game and it rarely disappoints. Even the scenery the game has on offer is fascinating and detailed fantastically. Something the game has in beautiful graphics and in my opinion this is one of the best bits to the game. I love the graphics and the game.

=== SOUND EFFECTS ===
Viva Pinata also features some top quality sound effects that also rarely disappoints. Okay there are a couple of bits where I could pick faults but overall most of the game sounds great. Music to the game isn't that important but at times it does stand out. I'm not a huge fan of the music myself but some gamers will love it. The Pinatas all have their own unique sounds that really stand out as well. They don't actually sound like they do in real life but its really good nonetheless. Overall sound effects are equally as impressive as you can even hear the rain pouring down, footsteps being taken and other sounds. Its definitely something special you wont be disappointed.

=== DIFFICULTY ===
Viva Pinata is one of the easiest games I have ever played as well as one of the most enjoyable. I think kids may struggle without the help of adults but after you've shown them its easily mastered. I showed my mum how to play this game because shes not really knowledgeable when it comes to games but now shes quite good at it and she absolutely adores the game. One of the hardest things to get the hang of is the in game menu because it gets filled up with bits you can do and it all becomes confusing at first. Other than that the game is very easy. Controls are great and simple, its easy to look after Pinata and the mini games are fun and easy. Overall the game shouldn't cause any problems. If it does its probably not worth you owning the a computer let alone the game because its really that simple.

=== LONGEVITY ===
Well the length of the game is definitely an interesting one because I'm still playing this now and i bought the game sometime in 2007. Its the type of game where you can go on it and never finish it because there is so much you can do. the only downside is that the things you do are limited and it can become quite boring doing the same thing over and over again. Its a game that will keep you entertained and hooked for a bit but I wouldn't recommend playing constantly. Overall the length of the game is good because all your doing is running a garden of Pinatas.

=== PROS ===
*There are over 60 different species of Pinata to join your garden.
*Its really colourful, has some beautiful graphics and the sound effects are good.
*Trade Pinatas with people via Xbox Live as long as you have a gold membership.
*Do lots of things with your Pinatas such as dress them up for parties.
*Kids will absolutely love and adore this game a lot.
*Its really cheap and easy to find in shops.

=== CONS ===
*It might be a little childish for some gamers.
*Also could be far too easy for some as well.
*The multiplayer functions could of been slightly better because they're a little weak.
*The music in the game isn't to usual high standards like most games.
*There isn't much in terms of a storyline and it involves just playing for fun.

=== FINAL THOUGHT ===
As I started this game can be enjoyed by many and you don't have to be a kid for this. Its fun and enjoyable but it can become boring if your not doing much on it. I cant stress how beautiful the game looks and it looks even better in HD which I seriously recommend. Its the type of game that can last a lifetime and I really like the fact I'm still playing it four years on. I don't play it as much as I did but I do still enjoy it. If you like the sour Pinatas and want them to join your garden you must do some pretty hectic things in order for them to join and be nice. There are bits you can buy to keep them out as well if that's your preference. A game that can be enjoyed by all ages as the age rating is 3+.

i would recommend the game. Do you like animals? Do you like parties? well this is for you because its a party for Pinatas. I believe its aimed more at kids but if you start playing with your kids you will probably get hooked yourself. If you like beautiful games with stunning effects and sounds then you will also love this. I'd recommend to just about everyone. The game manual is quite good as well and lists all useful information needed.

I first bought the game back in 2007 and it cost me £20 which I feel is great value. The game usually sells a lot cheaper now and I have seen it in many game shops with the price tag of just £5 which is fantastic. The game is also on places like Amazon and eBay for around the fiver mark too but prices are subject to change. There is also a classic version to this game which i have seen a little cheaper than this one and the only difference being the cover and case of the game. My mum bought the classic version of the game recently and she only paid £4 from CeX.

Overall Viva Pinata is a good, fun and interesting game that kids will adore because of the fuzzy and cute Pinatas. I would give the game a very reasonable 7/10!


Review also on Ciao under the username: MrBrightside1987!