Viva Pinata

[Gadfly2317]

This game finally comes out this week. . . but I haven't seen a single review yet. Anyone ran across a Viva Pinata review?

Also, anyone here at VGR plan on getting it? I've heard the cartoon is atrocious, but I think the intent is there for the game to appeal to adults the way Animal Crossing did. . . I've actually seen a blurb for the game saying it's for the "psychedelic adult market" as well as being suitable for kids.

Some of the ideas for the game sound really cool, I'm curious to hear how the execution comes off, especially from VGR 360 fans.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Also, anyone here at VGR plan on getting it?

I'm taking a pass. I haven't really kept up with this title, and when I did see the cartoon on tv, I skipped it to watch a hot chick on some news channel.

I'm guessing the review should show up by Wednesday, though I wouldn't be shocked if it is even later since these sites are getting behind with their reviews.

[Fivespot]

If it offers any sort of psychedelic experience then I will be there with bells on. However Gears of War, Call of Duty 3, and Tony Hawk's Project 8 are all coming out this week so it may be awhile before I have time for something else.

[theWacoKid]

Why the interest? Isn't the 360, according to you, a UNPRECENDENTED FAILURE ON A COLOSSAL SCALE.

[Gadfly2317]

Why the interest? Isn't the 360, according to you, a UNPRECENDENTED FAILURE ON A COLOSSAL SCALE.

My analysis of the system up in the Sys Wars forum has nothing whatsoever to do with my interest in this specific title. Why the interest? I think Rare is an often creative developer, even if I haven't been too keen on their recent projects, and I'm curious about Viva Pinata.

Also, as you are no doubt aware, I'm a huge Animal Crossing fan, and many people are calling this game Rare's take on AC, on steroids. One single game isn't going to change my overall view of the 360's library, but if the game lives up to the developers stated ambitions, this type of title is a step in the right direction, at least as far as attracting more of the "psychedelic adult market" which I guess is pretty much where I fall.

But you know this. Right? Can you be bothered to step out of your bitter smart ass pose and actually talk about a game occassionally?

[theWacoKid]

First, you're apologizing to xbots, then you're ripping on the 360, now you're in here wanting to find out about VP. If its a choice between being bitter or a schizophrenic hypocrite like you, I'll stay with bitter.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Can you be bothered to step out of your bitter smart ass pose and actually talk about a game occassionally?

It would be nice if there were more game talk around here, and not just for "big" game releases.

Since this is a MS published title, I have a feeling there will be a demo of Viva Pinata showing up sometime after release (LIVE or on OXM disc).

[Gadfly2317]

First, you're apologizing to xbots, then you're ripping on the 360, now you're in here wanting to find out about VP. If its a choice between being bitter or a schizophrenic hypocrite like you, I'll stay with bitter.

Blah blah wah wah whine snivel. There's nothing hypocritical about "apologing to the xbots." That thread was about how the Ps3 launch has been more botched than the 360's, the day 1 titles are marginally better, if that, despite an extra year, and the hypocisy of ripping the 360 for two SKU's when a year later Ps3 does the same thing and none of the same people make a peep.

Just because of what I've posted negative about the Ps3, Sony, or the launch. . . .none of that is "schizophrenic" just because it also happens to be the system I'm most impressed with both technically and in the games that have so far been shown.

And there's nothing schizophrenic about curiousity regarding what looks like a potentially cool game. Every gen I've rented or borrowed systems for key titles, or else eventually played them at gen's end if the system didn't appeal to me much beyond a few titles.

I don't get why you are being such a total douche, but whatever. It's your trip.

[theWacoKid]

Blah blah wah wah whine snivel. There's nothing hypocritical about "apologing to the xbots." That thread was about how the Ps3 launch has been more botched than the 360's, the day 1 titles are marginally better, if that, despite an extra year, and the hypocisy of ripping the 360 for two SKU's when a year later Ps3 does the same thing and none of the same people make a peep.

Just because of what I've posted negative about the Ps3, Sony, or the launch. . . .none of that is "schizophrenic" just because it also happens to be the system I'm most impressed with both technically and in the games that have so far been shown.

And there's nothing schizophrenic about curiousity regarding what looks like a potentially cool game. Every gen I've rented or borrowed systems for key titles, or else eventually played them at gen's end if the system didn't appeal to me much beyond a few titles.

I don't get why you are being such a total douche, but whatever. It's your trip.

Sorry, but you have the total douche award nailed down. I'm not the pissant fiipping off 360 owners with his ignorant opinions on a system he really knows nothing about and then comes here going, "Hey, guys how's Viva Pinata." Grow a spine. If you want to hate on a system, be my guest. I don't care. But, don't hand me your doubletalk and expect me to buy it.

I have no respect for you as a gamer, because you're nothing but a narcisstic poser. You're in love with yourself, so if a company makes a game or a system that conform to your biases, they're like the greatest thing ever, regardless of how flawed the execution might be. You're like those sickening pseudo intellectuals who extoll the virtues of indie film over commercial film just because they're indie, not because the film in question is actually any good.

You're such a hypocrite, you make me laugh. Oh, you xbots, and your stupid old sports. Hey, guys, did you see Madden on the wee, its like the best madden EVAR! Now I wuv madden cause its on the wee. And you call me a douche, with your hypocritical grandstanding. Are you really this clueless?

You only think you're joe liberal gamer. You have a pronounced fascist mentality. Sports, racing and shooters all suck in your eyes. I look at games, and go, okay, impress me. At least, I try them out, I play them, I give them a shot. You just piss on any genre that doesn't fit into your notion of worthy.

I don't care about your tastes in gaming, what they are or what they aren't. As far as I'm concerned, you'd have to be a lobotomized chimp to enjoy AC, but if that's your cup of tea, whatever, but I don't cotton to people who have an attitude where they think their tastes in gaming are somehow superior to others and that's you, pal. You think there's a right choice to be made, and that's why you're a fascist because that's how facists think.

[Gadfly2317]

You only think you're joe liberal gamer. You have a pronounced fascist mentality. Sports, racing and shooters all suck in your eyes. I look at games, and go, okay, impress me. At least, I try them out, I play them, I give them a shot. You just piss on any genre that doesn't fit into your notion of worthy.

Today's program has been brought to you by the letter F. F for fascism, the new word Waco is smitten with today.

I don't think sports, racing and shooters suck. Of the three racing is my favorite. What I think sucks is a system that is overwhelmingly centered around those three genres. But that's system wars talk. But you seem to drag the sys wars mentality with you to every forum and every conversation. I have no idea why, except maybe you really are just an angry little troll. I wish you'd step out of your anger-boy role occasionally and loosen the hell up.

What seems fascist is your opinion I have no right to discuss games in a game/system specific forum if I've ever criticized the system in a different forum which is dedicated to a looser, more trash talk kind of vibe.

Oh, wait. I get it. I'm the Pinata. . . you're just illustrating Pinata gameplay!

[theWacoKid]

Today's program has been brought to you by the letter F. F for fascism, the new word Waco is smitten with today.

I don't think sports, racing and shooters suck. Of the three racing is my favorite. What I think sucks is a system that is overwhelmingly centered around those three genres. But that's system wars talk. But you seem to drag the sys wars mentality with you to every forum and every conversation. I have no idea why, except maybe you really are just an angry little troll. I wish you'd step out of your anger-boy role occasionally and loosen the hell up.

What seems fascist is your opinion I have no right to discuss games in a game/system specific forum if I've ever criticized the system in a different forum which is dedicated to a looser, more trash talk kind of vibe.

Oh, wait. I get it. I'm the Pinata. . . you're just illustrating Pinata gameplay!

You don't criticize the system, you trash it, and you're the uptight putz who spazzed out when I threw some of your venom back your way to see how you liked it. Apparently, it struck a chord, since you've gone on this righteous indignation tirade. So, don't paint me as the one's who's uptight and lacking a sense of humor, with your pretentious psychoanalyzing of my personality and admonitions to "loosen" up.

Otherwise, I guess what we have to take away from this, is that when you post in system wars, you're basically admitting that you're just talking out your ass because its sys wars and all. Is that the gist, schizo boy? I'll tell you what, I'll give you a secret word, let's say, oh, grapefruit and when you post in sys wars and you're just trash talking and I shouldn't take you seriously, what you do is work grapefruit into your rant and I'll know, you're just blowing off steam and funning.

[Gadfly2317]

Otherwise, I guess what we have to take away from this, is that when you post in system wars, you're basically admitting that you're just talking out your ass because its sys wars and all. Is that the gist, schizo boy? I'll tell you what, I'll give you a secret word, let's say, oh, grapefruit and when you post in sys wars and you're just trash talking and I shouldn't take you seriously, what you do is work grapefruit into your rant and I'll know, you're just blowing off steam and funning.

When I'm in Sys Wars I may be a little more extreme than I actually feel about things,because I enjoy that kind of rougher rhetoric, but I pretty much say what I mean, and I have a very coherent viewpoint.

And I'm still curious to hear more about Viva Pinata.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

And I'm still curious to hear more about Viva Pinata.




http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1251/Viva-Piata/p1/

[Cuddly Knife]

IGN second opinion:

For many years now, Microsoft and Rare have wanted to create game for all ages, including games for kids. Viva Pinata is definitely a kids’ game. That may put you off. But as opposed to the dozens of crappy kids games churned out by other publishers each year, Microsoft and Rare have made an engaging and surprisingly refreshing title. It's deep in the way that old Nintendo kids games used be, like The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Brothers, even Pokemon.

Viva Pinata isn't a platformer or an RPG though. It's really a very conscious blend of The Sims, Animal Crossing and Pokemon. I like to call it a garden sim, or jokingly, a shovel simulator. But it's more than that. And the only way to really convey the gameplay of Rare's new gem is to play it. It never plays the same way twice, and it's filled with surprising AI behavior, so if you and a friend each started games simultaneously, you'd have completely different gardens within a few hours. The gameplay is deep with choices, it's very well explained (though there is an overabundance of text for a kid), and it's never slow. Your garden will start off quickly: Animals show up and move in, they eat, breed and fight. Weirdly masked helpers appear to give guidance, and their help, their shops and their presence adds greatly to the experience. The online aspect, sharing and trading animals (like sending Sours to your buddy) should play out very well in theory; unfortunately, I was unable to try it, so I don't know firsthand.

In the long run, I'm inclined to think that I'll like Viva Pinata better than either Kameo or Perfect Dark Zero. It’s certainly different enough.

[Gadfly2317]

IGN second opinion:

For many years now, Microsoft and Rare have wanted to create game for all ages, including games for kids. Viva Pinata is definitely a kids’ game. That may put you off.

The other IGN clip I read called said it had "all ages" appeal; this one is calling it a kids game. If I had a 360, I'd just flip the coin and buy this game, but I do wonder how "kiddy" it is, like, if its kid-like in a way that would turn me off.

It's the Animal Crossing aspects, obviously, that have me interested in this game, and it also seems like a much deeper game. I'm still amazed by the adult following AC managed to garner; I'm not sure you'd even call it a "cult" hit because of the popularity. . .I still regularly meet adults in game stores and other places who play it.

If any of you guys get around to playing VP, it'd be cool to hear your thoughts. It's interesting that the reviewer you quoted claimed to like this better than Perfect Dark 0. That does seem to indicate it might have appeal outside of just children, who aren't really the main 360 demographic. If the game deserves it, I hope it sells well. I know I've been super cynical about that in Sys Wars, but hopefully the game at least gets a cult following. I'd love to see it do well and draw in new kinds of gamers to the 360 and maybe show developers that other kinds of games can do well here.

[Fivespot]

I bought VP and played it for a few hours this last weekend. Well, my wife played it while I watched. After I read to her that the main goal of the game was to build a garden, that was it for that (she's a huge gardener).

Anywho, this game is not a "kids" game. As a matter of fact, I think it might be a bit challenging and therefore geared towards older kids and adults rather than the very young crowd.

CK's post of IGN seems accurate to me. The game is a cross between the Sims and Animal Crossing (more like the Sims than AC).

There is a lot to this title but I'll do my best to summarize it briefly.

You start with an empty garden and instructions to make it your own. First you need to pat down the soil with your shovel (to soften it) and remove all garbage/junk from the area. Immediately after clearing your garden, you attract your first pinata (in this case a Whirlm - kind of like a worm).

Pinata's are black and white until they become a resident of your garden. Each has their own criteria as to what it takes before they'll move in (usually a food source and a home but varies by creature). In addition, each has different criteria before they can romance another pinata. Your role is to help with all of this by providing whatever these creatures need.

As you progress a bit further in the game, you not only spend time attracting new creatures, supplying them with whatever they need, and romancing/mating them but you also have to start making sure they all get along.

The game is Sims like in this aspect - if all isn't well (food, home, etc..), creatures get upset and sometimes even fight/kill each other.

Ultimately you end up managing the food chain (your garden) while collecting new pinatas. Each must coexist in your plot of land with much help from you.

Fun game thus far and I'd recommend it to the AC crowd.

[Fivespot]

In Viva Pinata you are an overseer / god type figure different than AC where you are an actual resident of the town. You control the environment by planting trees, vegetables, fruit, grass, digging ponds, constructing homes or other buildings, etc.. Dependent on what is offered in your garden, different pinata are attracted to the area. For example, Lickatoads (pinata version of a toad) attract snake pinatas that eat toads. Snakes may also visit and potentially become residents if you have mousemallow residents (pinata version of a mouse). So how you build your garden determines which pinatas visit and/or reside.

Both good and bad pinatas can move in. Bad pinatas, called sours, bring nothing but trouble. I had a bat move in last night and later learned much to my dismay that it left sour candy laying around and that a few of my pinatas ate some and became ill as a result. I learned that by whacking the sour pinata with a shovel repeatedly they can be eliminated at least temporarily. To permanently remove this species, I probably need to understand what attracted them to my garden in the first place and look to make the appropriate changes to no longer attract them.

Helpers can be hired to aid in some of the more tedious tasks like watering your plants, or selling fruit/vegetables at the market (similar to Nook's in AC). I use the Dr. most often and he comes and cures ill pinatas when applicable. If I don't do so timely, a mean gentleman by the name of Dastardos shows up and smashes the pinatas leaving only pinata candy behind. I lost an entire species that way but fortunately new ones moved in later.

Each resident pinata has requirements for romancing. Most need a certain food source in addition to a place to live (pinata house built specifically for that breed of pinata). Others have more complex needs. Once you breed a certain species, you can do so again by simply giving two a romance candy rather than meeting their romance needs again (an appreciated short-cut).

As you progress in the game you attract larger or different pinatas and it seems as though you move up the food chain or at least that's been my experience. My garden started with smaller creatures like birds and worms and I'm now seeing creatures like badgers and foxes. The larger creatures are attracted to and often feed on the smaller creatures so it seems as though my garden is maturing into larger creatures wherein the smaller ones are becoming more of a food source in my mind than a resident. What I mean here is that I pay less attention to the needs of the smaller pinatas than I did when they were my main residents.

Each pinata has a "happy" meter in the form of a sun when the pinata is highlighted with the controller/cursor. Unhappy pinatas often fight with each other or instigate problems. I learned last night that by keeping pinatas happy, they tend to get along better and therefore I don't have to spend as much time babysitting or in other words stopping fights (done with a whack from the shovel). Happy candy works wonders in keeping the pinatas smiling.

There is plenty more and I could go on for hours but at least I was able to come back and post some more info. Let me know if you have any questions re: VP and I'd be happy to answer.

It's been such an addicting game and I'm enjoying it so much that even Gears of War isn't getting much rotation. Although I'm hoping to find more free time to play both (and also a few others I'm waiting to play/finish).

[Cuddly Knife]

Not too kiddy after all, eh?

Five, I heard the game is short. How long do you think it'll turn out to be?

And how are the achievements set up?

When I get my 360 back this week(it's been a looong coupla), I plan on getting Gears and VP. Interesting mix.

[Glockstar]

I learned that by whacking the sour pinata with a shovel repeatedly they can be eliminated at least temporarily.

Whaaat?! You whacked a pinata and no candy fell out? What good is this game?!


Helpers can be hired to aid in some of the more tedious tasks like watering your plants, or selling fruit/vegetables at the market (similar to Nook's in AC). I use the Dr. most often and he comes and cures ill pinatas when applicable.

Can I hire somebody to play the game for me?


If I don't do so timely, a mean gentleman by the name of Dastardos shows up and smashes the pinatas leaving only pinata candy behind. I lost an entire species that way but fortunately new ones moved in later.

Oh, so they do leave candy behind. Okay, now we're talking!

And this Dastardos guy sounds cool. (I like dees guy; heez a fonny guy.)

Dastardos... damn, what a great name! Why didn't I think of that one? (Would've been a great name for one of my Chino Beans.)


Each resident pinata has requirements for romancing. Most need a certain food source in addition to a place to live (pinata house built specifically for that breed of pinata). Others have more complex needs. Once you breed a certain species, you can do so again by simply giving two a romance candy rather than meeting their romance needs again (an appreciated short-cut).

As you progress in the game you attract larger or different pinatas and it seems as though you move up the food chain or at least that's been my experience. My garden started with smaller creatures like birds and worms and I'm now seeing creatures like badgers and foxes. The larger creatures are attracted to and often feed on the smaller creatures so it seems as though my garden is maturing into larger creatures wherein the smaller ones are becoming more of a food source in my mind than a resident. What I mean here is that I pay less attention to the needs of the smaller pinatas than I did when they were my main residents.

Each pinata has a "happy" meter in the form of a sun when the pinata is highlighted with the controller/cursor. Unhappy pinatas often fight with each other or instigate problems. I learned last night that by keeping pinatas happy, they tend to get along better and therefore I don't have to spend as much time babysitting or in other words stopping fights (done with a whack from the shovel). Happy candy works wonders in keeping the pinatas smiling.

There is plenty more and I could go on for hours but at least I was able to come back and post some more info. Let me know if you have any questions re: VP and I'd be happy to answer.

It's been such an addicting game and I'm enjoying it so much that even Gears of War isn't getting much rotation. Although I'm hoping to find more free time to play both (and also a few others I'm waiting to play/finish).

Question: How does the candy get inside of them? It sounds to me like all they eat is vegetables and foliage and whatnot... And yet they $#!% candy? Doesn't that seem weird to anybody?

[Fivespot]

Five, I heard the game is short. How long do you think it'll turn out to be?

And how are the achievements set up?

When I get my 360 back this week(it's been a looong coupla), I plan on getting Gears and VP. Interesting mix.

It's kind of hard to tell how long the game will last but I guess that depends on the user. If your goal is to obtain all 40 or 50 pinatas (can't remember the total number available), it should take Oblivion type hours (lots more than an average game). But I think the point to these types of games is just that - provide an experience that lasts a long time.

Achievement vary and I've earned a couple so far:
- you level up your garden based on certain factors. Earned an achievement at specific levels
- earned an achievement for expanding the size of my garden
- plant a specific number of plant species
- breed at least 5 different pinata species
- get _____ pinata to become a resident
- become a "master romancer" by having ____ pinatas romance
etc, etc....
Click on my signature and review some of those achievements. That should help give you even a better idea.

Let me know when you get VP. We can trade pinatas and gifts over XBOX live similar to trading in AC.

[Fivespot]

Glock, join me in the land of pinatas for a moment. Pinatas are stuffed with candy and kids smash them to get at the hidden treasure (real life). In the land of pinatas, when creatures die they only leave behind their candy. Corny, yup. But it's all about the pinatas.

Dastardos is even cooler looking than he is named. Quite menacing ;)

[Cuddly Knife]

I'm hearby truning this thread into the general VP thread, as if Five didn't already do that. :)

This game is crazy. I wanted to play it for a few minutes before jumping back on GoW, but instead, I ended up playing VP for a couple of hours before work. It started off nice and slow with a lot of help from the girl, but then after I started the romancing with the worms, I was overwhelmed by how much different things I could do to meet conditions for all the different Pinatas that were visiting the area for one reason or another. Overwhelmed. This is my first venture into this type of game, so maybe it's because I'm so noobish that it seems almost like there's too much to do. It seemed like there was a cut-scene happening every five seconds, either for a Pinata, or a new character introduced, or some romancing. Plus building houses, taking care of the sick, buying things to help Pinatas meet their conditions, getting rid of Sours, and I'm still with only a small piece of land.

This game has great graphics. Aside from PDZ, Rare has done well for MS this gen.

[Glockstar]

One of which was Viva Pinata. Which I got hooked on. I mean to the point where I didn't even want to start Halo 3.


Seriously? I still want to play this eventually, and you--notorious hater of "kiddy" and "cute"--liking the game that much is a big recommendation.

I hope you'll post more about it somewhere. I haven't really seen much detail about this game from other VGR posters who've played it. What about it hooked you? And its not too child-like? I'd hoped it had that all-ages stoney appeal the way Animal Crossing did (I know, I've recently been chastised for comparing the games, but anyway. . . . )

Hey Gadfly, as you requested, here are my first impressions of VP - yet in the appropriate thread:

VP is kiddie only in the sense that we are dealing with Pinatas, and candy, and a kiddie-styled theme song, and kiddie-ish dialog. The rest of the game is geared towards... well, anyone. Anyone who wants to try their hand at a most-different strategy game that is.

VP is all about starting out with very little, then continuously trying to add to and multiply what you have. Almost everything you do - from growing a plant, to mating Pinatas, to changing the landscape of your garden area - will have an indirect effect on other species. Particularly other Pinatas - Pinatas that are not yet a part of your "garden", but once certain requirements are met, they will be. This in turn will open up more things for you to do and buy and grow and attract and so on and so on.

Like the leveling-up aspect of certain RPG's, I find VP's gameplay to be very addictive. I don't know how Five and Cuddly were able to put this game in for just an hour or two and then move on to something else - I can't ever find a good time to stop. Everytime I play it, it turns into a marathon gaming session. And when I do finally stop I take my "strategies" with me out into the real world - and even to bed with me.

Like you, I was highly intrigued by the announced DS version. But I am so glad I bought this version. In fact, now I'm dubious of the DS version. I don't think the DS's graphics are good enough; and the stylus not precise enough for the details of this game. And plus, Achievements just make the game.

The game's not perfect. It's got a GameRankings score of 84.6% - that, despite my love of the game, I think is kind of high. The real-time aspect of everything can sometimes frustrate you. (Although... that's been true of every real-time strategy game I've played...) The most annoying part of which are the in-game notifications: They're just about constant. And my other big complaint is of the NPC's: they're too damn chatty.

The library is about to close, so I have to go... but if you want to know, just ask; I'll be happy to talk about VP and my garden.

[Gadfly2317]

Thanks for the post, Glock. I'd rather play the 360 version over DS anyday, but I'll probably end up trying out the DS first because it'll be awhile before I have a 360.

My wife's pretty interested in VP too.

[Mochan]

I'm not that interested in the game but I will probably pick it up to check it out anyway once it hits the PC. If anything, it's the kind of game my older brother likes. I really don't think the game is meant to appeal like Animal Crossing, the gameplay style is vastly different. Animal Crossing is like the Sims. Viva Pinata sounds more like a god game like Black and White or Populous.


Like you, I was highly intrigued by the announced DS version. But I am so glad I bought this version. In fact, now I'm dubious of the DS version. I don't think the DS's graphics are good enough; and the stylus not precise enough for the details of this game.

This is how I feel about the DS version of Simcity. And pretty much DS games in general, to be honest.

Gadfly, you have a halfway decent PC, right? I am thinking this game can run easily on a PC, albeit you may have to dumb down the graphics a bit. That might be an option.

[Glockstar]

I forgot about a couple of other major annoyances

One of which is: The Pinatas fight. Which, 9 times out of 10, will leave one hurt. Which means you have to spend some hard earned dough to get the doctor out to heal him. It's expensive - and stressful. But it's either that or leave him in the dastardly hands of Dastardos - which means kissing him good-bye. The fact that they fight isn't what's annoying though - not in and of itself - what's annoying, and aggravating, is that you can't break it up. So many times I've had two Pinatas with hearts over their heads, and despite my efforts to get them to mate, they fight instead. I hate that!

Which leads me to the other major annoyance, and the only one I've found so far that I can level at the interface: the Pinatas don't follow your directions very well. In this game, you have to micro-manage the Pinatas actions. Like, they won't do the things they need to do to mate on their own. This is both a blessing and a curse. It's good because "resources" are often limited. It's a curse because the "Direct" command is either unresponsive, or it's simply ignored. Either way it's very aggravating. Especially when, like I said, you direct one ready-to-mate Pinata towards another, with the intention of getting them to mate, of course, and instead they fight. :mad:

A minor gripe: I wish there was a shortcut to the store. I'd much have that than to the Grass(ing) command.

[Fivespot]

I learned this the hard way but you have to consider which breeds of pinata you have coexisting in your garden. For example, cats and dogs don't get along so it's smart never to have one of each unless you keep them separated by a fence or something. So review which creatures are fighting and consider getting rid of one of those species and that should help cure one of your annoyances. Another tip is to use happy candy. The happier your pinatas are the less likely they are to fight.

And as far as mating goes, once you are able to get any species to mate you can simply buy some romance candy, have two eat 'em, and then they will automatically get the hearts over their heads or in other words you can have them mate. The trick however is getting them to mate for the first time. Some species are easier than others but to me that's part of the fun in this game; attracting and ultimately collecting all the different and unique pinatas.

Have you experimented yet Glock? There are so pretty wild things you can have happen with the pinatas.

[Cuddly Knife]

VP is great. I recommend this game to everyone.

Carry on.

[Gadfly2317]

I'm not that interested in the game but I will probably pick it up to check it out anyway once it hits the PC. If anything, it's the kind of game my older brother likes. I really don't think the game is meant to appeal like Animal Crossing, the gameplay style is vastly different. Animal Crossing is like the Sims. Viva Pinata sounds more like a god game like Black and White or Populous.

I realize they are different genres; the main reason I make the comparison is that it seems like VP is doing for its genre what AC did for the sandbox/sims genre--a simpler, stony, colorful and quirky treatment for what is normally, like you said, a heavier game like Populous.

[Cuddly Knife]

It's not simple though. I had to start over because I had a grip of pinatas that were residents, and they would do nothing but fight each other. My land was all mis-managed, and I'd have more than a few species where there was just one of them, and I had forgotten how to make another one show up because I would change the land to bring in a different species. I flooded myself to death.

[Glockstar]

I learned this the hard way but you have to consider which breeds of pinata you have coexisting in your garden. For example, cats and dogs don't get along so it's smart never to have one of each unless you keep them separated by a fence or something. So review which creatures are fighting and consider getting rid of one of those species and that should help cure one of your annoyances.

I've been wondering if there wasn't some underlying chemistry thing going on. I'll bet there's quite a few unwritten, unpronounced "laws of the garden" governing the world.

But like I said, a number of the fights I've seen were inter-species fights. Like two snakes going at it; or two moths. So what's that all about? It's got to be that happiness thing. Which would be unfortunate. And not just because it would mean one more thing to micromanage, but because happy candy, as you called it, costs money. Money's been real tight for me in this game.


And as far as mating goes, once you are able to get any species to mate you can simply buy some romance candy, have two eat 'em, and then they will automatically get the hearts over their heads or in other words you can have them mate.

I've tried going that route, but haven't really found it to make things easier. Cheaper yes, but otherwise not really easier. Because like I said, the Pinatas just do not pay attention to the "Directions" I give them very well. The flying Pinatas are especially hard to direct. So simply directing Pinatas to eat the candy still has the potential to annoy... but getting the two lovebirds to bump into each other, so to speak, that's always going to be an annoying, overly difficult task.


Have you experimented yet Glock? There are so pretty wild things you can have happen with the pinatas.

No, not yet. I have noticed the hints that Leafos(?) has given... but I'm just not very good at getting Easter-eggs in videogames, and this sounds Easter-egg-ish. If I get any special Pinatas it will most likely happen by just pure luck.


-


It's not simple though. I had to start over because I had a grip of pinatas that were residents, and they would do nothing but fight each other. My land was all mis-managed, and I'd have more than a few species where there was just one of them, and I had forgotten how to make another one show up because I would change the land to bring in a different species. I flooded myself to death.

No, it's not. In fact, were it not for the Pinatas, candy, theme song, and dialog, I wouldn't consider this game kiddie in the least. I can see how the game might be alluring to some youngsters, but I just don't see how they could get very far along with it. It gets pretty complex - and as the complexity picks up, the pace does too.

[Ba Ba Blue]

Hey Everybody.

Hope You Remember Me? ^^

Yeah, Who'd Of Thought School Was So BullSh1t3? That's Why I've Been Offline For Several Months Now.

Anywayz, On To Viva Pinata.

Having Played, And Hated, The First Viva Pinata Game, Im Going To Take A Miss On This One. It May Be Because I Never Actually Got To Grips With The Game. Alot Goes On In That Garden, And My Small Mind Can't Keep Up With It All. I Had A Corner Full Of Sour Sweets Where I Would Just Miss Those Nasty Pinata's That Walk Over The Borders Of Your Land. My Collectors Editon Of Vica Pinata Is Currently Up For Sale. £20. In USD, I Have No Idea Of The Equivalent. As For The Cartoon...SpongeBob Rules My Nickelodeon Time. =]

Ba Ba.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Ba Ba, long time no hear. Welcome back.

I finished Halo 3, so my skills improved a lot from the one session of yours that I joined. I tend to stay in the middle of the pack when it comes to the stats, unless it's CTF, which sucks regardless of what game it's in.

[Cuddly Knife]

Ah, Viva Pinata. The game just keeps on keeping on. I was checking my achievements for this game yesterday, and while most locked ones say secret, there are a few that aren't hidden. For example, there's one for a level 50 gardener. Kind of tripped me out, because I thought that I had been kicking pinata ass, and it turns out I'm not even halfway through leveling up. I'm at level 21.

I barely realised that Fiveski had sent me a Pinata. It was a Buzzlegum, which I coulda used about a week ago when I only had one. D'OH! I was gonna keep him around, but he started kicking the crap out of my Raisants, so I sold him for 1008 coins. Mucho cash. Thanks Five! I was gonna send you a Cinnamonkey, but it said I needed to pack five of them in one box? I only have two with a third on the way(hasn't matured).

So my garden space is maxed-out, and I have a grip of land to play with. It's just enough to where you can manage the whole lot, but not too small where you can only fit a couple of Pinatas. I haven't really seen any large ones though, like a cow or cat or dog or horstacchio. The biggest I have(but they haven't become residents yet, just visitors) is a Doenut and a beaver-looking dude. And the Cinnamonkeys, which I own.

I've learned that managing two or three species at a time is the way to keep things flowing, while not overloading or wasting time.

And the graphics are freaking great. Some of the best this gen.

[Fivespot]

I sent that a LONG time ago. I'm going to start a new garden ASAP. Never had monkeys.

[Cuddly Knife]

No need for a new thread. Sorry for the bigness.

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj83/FemyBemy/i_467440.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj83/FemyBemy/i_467443.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj83/FemyBemy/i_467442.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj83/FemyBemy/i_467441.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj83/FemyBemy/i_467439.jpg

New plants, new locations, new animals, and possibly seasonal passings and co-op?

[DrunkenThumbmaster]

Looks cool. Never really played the first I think I'm going to DL the demo and check it out.

[Cuddly Knife]

The "demo" is more like an short, interactive cartoon that really does nothing to show the depth and interesting gameplay for this game. I saw it for like fifteen dollars new somewhere, I would just buy it. Unless they uploaded a newer demo?

[DrunkenThumbmaster]

I know what you're talking about. But there is a different playable demo. And man this game is a bit overwhelming they throw some much sh!t at you fast (in the demo) first the worms then the sparrows who I couldn't get to mate even with love candy I saw a doenut a snake a butterfly think build 3 houses two for worms one by accident. Grew flowers grass. It's fun. Is there a end to this game or do you just go until you are leveled up completely?

[Cuddly Knife]

Well, I think I'm barely at level 25 or something, and you can go up to fifty. I don't know if the game can actually be completed, although it seems like you are advancing towards an ultimate goal.