Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Viva Pinata one buck on Games for Windows today, Blacklight: Tango Down tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/04/viva-pinata-one-buck-on-games-for-windows-today-blacklight-tan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/04/viva-pinata-one-buck-on-games-for-windows-today-blacklight-tan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/04/viva-pinata-one-buck-on-games-for-windows-today-blacklight-tan/#comments The Games for Windows platform understands how mercurial our mood can be from day-to-day. Today, the storefront's offering the charming, friendly Viva Piñata for a dollar. According to its RSS feed, it's applying the same discount to the somewhat angrier, shootier Blacklight: Tango Down tomorrow.

Continue reading Viva Pinata one buck on Games for Windows today, Blacklight: Tango Down tomorrow

JoystiqViva Pinata one buck on Games for Windows today, Blacklight: Tango Down tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacklight-tango-downGames-for-Windowsgames-for-windows-live-marketplacepcrareViva-PinataSat, 04 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How Viva Pinata's Choclodocus was reverse engineered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/how-viva-pinatas-choclodocus-was-reverse-engineered/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/how-viva-pinatas-choclodocus-was-reverse-engineered/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/how-viva-pinatas-choclodocus-was-reverse-engineered/#comments
 You could be forgiven for not staying abreast of news related to the now year-and-a-half-old Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise. Heck, we're almost kind of relieved; you have no idea what a hassle it is to dig our "Ñ" key out of the storage shed. But scattered across the globe is a resolute fan base that's unwilling to let the game drift off to the Great Piñata Garden in the Sky. When developer Rare ran out of the Piñata Vision barcodes that injected new creatures and items into the game, the PinataIsland.info community sprung into action.

Here, community admin Jim McQuillan tells it better than us:

"Our members noticed that there were still of Piñata Vision cards that weren't available such as the Choclodocus, the big daddy of all piñatas. These members reverse engineered the barcodes on the Piñata Vision cards to discover how they worked. By comparing different species of pinatas and attempting to fill in the gaps in the barcode of the choclodocus, they eventually found success! In simple terms you can think of this like Jurassic Park where they took the dinosaur DNA and mixed it the DNA from other species of animals to fill in the gaps. It's just that our dinosaur happens to be a Choclodocus pinata instead."

Finally, the fruits of their labor, the Choclodocus Egg Pinata Vision Card, is available for your enjoyment. Just don't tell piñata Jeff Goldblum what they've wrought.

JoystiqHow Viva Pinata's Choclodocus was reverse engineered originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcMicrosoftpinata-visionrareviva-pinataviva-pinata-2viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseXbox-360Fri, 07 May 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New family-friendly Xbox 360 Arcade bundle and game discounts at Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/new-family-friendly-xbox-360-arcade-bundle-and-game-discounts-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/new-family-friendly-xbox-360-arcade-bundle-and-game-discounts-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/new-family-friendly-xbox-360-arcade-bundle-and-game-discounts-at/#commentsThere's still over a month of spring left -- that's plenty of time for a new "spring 2010" Xbox 360 bundle to join the Spring 2010 Elite set! Amazon has taken the wraps off a new Arcade bundle, featuring two of Rare's recent, weird 360 games: Viva Piñata and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. The family-friendly package, shipping May 7, sells for the same $199.99 as the standalone Arcade unit -- which makes it a good deal even if you would only use the games as trade-in or eBay fodder.

But if it's family games you're after, you can get them on the cheap right now. Amazon is also offering a buy one, get one half-off deal on a selection of family-oriented 360 games, including Pure, Lego Rock Band, and Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection.

[Thanks, Tom!]

JoystiqNew family-friendly Xbox 360 Arcade bundle and game discounts at Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbanjo-kazooieBanjo-Kazooie-Nuts-and-BoltsMicrosoftrarespring-2010spring-2010-arcade-bundleviva-pinataXbox-360xbox-360-arcadeTue, 04 May 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata: Party Animals now party on demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/viva-pinata-party-animals-now-party-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/viva-pinata-party-animals-now-party-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/viva-pinata-party-animals-now-party-on-demand/#commentsAs promised, Viva Piñata: Party Animals is now available on Xbox Live Games on Demand. Before you get too excited, just remember that Party Animals is the Viva Piñata themed party game. It doesn't involve the wonderfully addicting gardening and breeding aspects of the original Viva Piñata or its sequel, Trouble in Paradise (which is also available on demand, incidentally). That said, if you're looking for a decent game for the kids, you could probably do worse. In the US of A, the game can be had for $19.99. Be sure to check Xbox Live Marketplace for the price in other regions.

Shortcut: Add Viva Piñata: Party Animals to your Xbox 360 download queue (via Xbox.com)

[Via Major Nelson]

JoystiqViva Pinata: Party Animals now party on demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-on-demandkromemicrosoft-game-studiosrareviva-pinataviva-pinata-party-animalsxblmxbox-liveTue, 15 Dec 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[First batch of Xbox 'Games on Demand' titles revealed [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/first-batch-of-xbox-games-on-demand-titles-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/first-batch-of-xbox-games-on-demand-titles-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/first-batch-of-xbox-games-on-demand-titles-revealed/#commentsCan't be bothered to drag yourself to the nearest brick-and-mortar to pick up your Xbox 360 games? Don't worry, you won't be penalized for your sloth -- this coming Tuesday, the first batch of 21 titles will be added to the Games on Demand service, a new feature in the anticipated dashboard update. There are no costs attached to these titles yet, but Microsoft says they'll be similar in price to their tangible counterparts.

We've got the full list of games posted after the break -- highlights include Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and ... Viva Piñata. What? We love ambulatory piñatas! Deal with it.

Update: Turns out the initial list we got our hands on was for the European territories. We thought it was weird Bioshock wasn't on there! We've got the full list of 24 (!) games coming to the States posted after the jump.

Continue reading First batch of Xbox 'Games on Demand' titles revealed [update]

JoystiqFirst batch of Xbox 'Games on Demand' titles revealed [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creeddashboard-updatedownloadable-contentgames-on-demandmass-effectMicrosoftoblivionupdateviva-pinataXbox-360Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata soundtrack filled with fun, out July 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/viva-pinata-soundtrack-filled-with-fun-out-july-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/viva-pinata-soundtrack-filled-with-fun-out-july-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/viva-pinata-soundtrack-filled-with-fun-out-july-28/#comments
Looks like the Nuts & Bolts soundtrack is about to get some company. Rare has announced via its oh-so-trendy Twitter that the Viva Piñata soundtrack will release on July 28. The soundtrack will be available from Sumthing Digital and Amazon. Amazon is currently taking pre-orders for the album for the price of $15.98.

We're sure there are lots of delightful, candy-coated songs on the soundtrack -- including plenty of adorable Romance Dance themes -- so we probably don't need to encourage all the piñata ranchers out there to plunk down the cash. Of course, there's really only one song you really need from Viva Piñata. Give it a listen after the break.

Continue reading Viva Pinata soundtrack filled with fun, out July 28

JoystiqViva Pinata soundtrack filled with fun, out July 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoft-game-studiosmusicraresoundtrackviva-pinataTue, 14 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Platinum Hits are numerous, cheap, rebranded]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/xbox-360-platinum-hits-are-numerous-cheap-rebranded/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/xbox-360-platinum-hits-are-numerous-cheap-rebranded/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/xbox-360-platinum-hits-are-numerous-cheap-rebranded/#comments
This one's just about as confusing as it gets, folks, but here goes nothing. Microsoft is repackaging eight of its titles under a new moniker: "Greatness is Earned." Though these titles still fall into the Platinum Hits category (and as such, are priced at $19.99 and up), a number of them are receiving the treatment for the first time. And this is where things get confusing: We've seen the "Greatness is Earned" logo before, nearly a month ago now, on the repackaged Gears of War (Platinum Hits edition, mind you) seen above. At the time, Microsoft wouldn't comment on the images.

Considering Viva Piñata and EA Sports Fight Night Round 3 are among them, we're doubting (and hoping) they won't all get the dark and brooding look. We've listed all eight titles after the break in for your perusal. We'd also like to point out that, while snooping around the Microsoft press site for images of these games, we noticed Halo 3 "Classics" in the "Upcoming Games" category -- the same note found next to all other Platinum Hits games. Interesting, hmm?

Update: We've replaced the image above with shots of the new "Greatness is Earned" pack shots of Gears of War, Forza 2 and Mass Effect. For giant shots, peep the gallery below!

Gallery: Greatness is Earned packaging

Continue reading Xbox 360 Platinum Hits are numerous, cheap, rebranded

JoystiqXbox 360 Platinum Hits are numerous, cheap, rebranded originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 May 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army-of-twobattlefield-bad-companybrandingburnout-paradiseea-sportsfight-night-round-3forza-motorsport-2greatness-is-earnedmass-effectmicrosoftplatinum-hitsviva-pinataXbox-360Thu, 14 May 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare expresses its Valentine's love with new TIP cards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/rare-expresses-their-valentines-love-with-new-tip-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/rare-expresses-their-valentines-love-with-new-tip-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/rare-expresses-their-valentines-love-with-new-tip-cards/#commentsBeing the season of love, one of our countless admirers, developer Rare, sent over a set of scan-friendly Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise Valentine's cards, including three new Killer Instinct characters for your collection.

You can view all four new trading cards in the gallery below. Using your handy Vision camera, scan the bar code into Trouble in Paradise, then behold the magic that takes place. Warning: We have yet to scan any of the cards, so if you have an urge to invest in Ultratech or experience an unshakable infatuation with all Rare products, please, don't send your lawyers after us.

Gallery: Rare Valentine's Day Cards

JoystiqRare expresses its Valentine's love with new TIP cards originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>killer-instinctraretrouble-in-paradisevalentines-dayviva-pinataviva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseMon, 09 Feb 2009 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[High calorie Banjo-Kazooie and Viva Pinata cakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/high-calorie-banjo-kazooie-and-viva-pinata-cakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/high-calorie-banjo-kazooie-and-viva-pinata-cakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/high-calorie-banjo-kazooie-and-viva-pinata-cakes/#commentsFiled under: ,


Looking for a festive and fun video game themed cakes to consume or just admire? Look no further than Washington based Cake Fixation, the creators of both the Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts themed cakes you see above. Note the attention to detail, expert use of royal icing and all those yellow cutout jiggies. And that Horstachio, it's pure edible genius!

[Thanks, James C.]

JoystiqHigh calorie Banjo-Kazooie and Viva Pinata cakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banjo-kazooie-nuts-and-boltsnuts-and-boltsraretrouble-in-paradiseviva-pinataviva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseSat, 03 Jan 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata gets photoshopped, parodies Hollywood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/viva-pinata-gets-photoshopped-parodies-hollywood/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/viva-pinata-gets-photoshopped-parodies-hollywood/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/viva-pinata-gets-photoshopped-parodies-hollywood/#commentsFiled under:


What's better than a cute, cuddly and candy filled Viva Pinata pinata? Easy. A cute, cuddly and candy filled Viva Pinata pinata acting out scenes from famous movies, which is exactly the treat we've been given today.

The Rare crew has been feeling extra creative lately (as evident by their lovely holiday card) and decided to put their photoshopping skills to good use by plopping pinatas into famous movie scenes. Check the gallery below to see if you can name which movies the pinatas are acting out.

Pro tip: King Kong and Saturday Night Fever are two of the scenes.

JoystiqViva Pinata gets photoshopped, parodies Hollywood originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>raretrouble-in-paradiseviva-pinataviva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseTue, 16 Dec 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare's Christmas card lacking Killer Instinct ... or is it?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/rares-christmas-card-lacking-killer-instinct-or-is-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/rares-christmas-card-lacking-killer-instinct-or-is-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/rares-christmas-card-lacking-killer-instinct-or-is-it/#commentsFiled under: ,


click to embiggen the holiday cheer
Rare sent over this Christmas card wishing the staff a happy holidays. Unlike last time, there's no Killer Instinct hint to be found. What gives, Rare? No Glacius The Snowkiller? Oh, wait, what's this ...

Gallery: Rare's Christmas Card 2008

Rare

Continue reading Rare's Christmas card lacking Killer Instinct ... or is it?

JoystiqRare's Christmas card lacking Killer Instinct ... or is it? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatarsbanjo-kazooiehumorjs-twitterkiller-instinctrareviva-pinataXbox-360Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Season's Greetings from Rare!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/seasons-greetings-from-rare/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/seasons-greetings-from-rare/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/seasons-greetings-from-rare/#commentsFiled under:


Earlier this morning, after waking up to the sound of "Jingle Bells" blaring from our alarm clock (custom ringers FTW!), we slipped on our camel slippers, wiped the sleep from our eyes and peered out the main window. A fresh blanket of snow has covered Fanboy Towers and we noticed the mailman was stuffing goodies into the official X3F mailbox.

So, we took a sip of last night's leftover and not so hot chocolate that was still sitting on the kitchen table, grabbed our flannel jacket off the coat rack and proceeded to receive the mailbox goodies that were just deliver. And after nearly slipping on a patch of ice which would have surely resulted in our blogger death, we opened the mail receptacle to find our first holiday card. It's a holiday card from developer Rare. One that's so festive, we figured we'd share. And sharing we are.

JoystiqSeason's Greetings from Rare! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banjo-kazooierareviva-pinataThu, 11 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Have a Jukebox for your Viva Pinata garden]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/have-a-jukebox-for-your-viva-pinata-garden/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/have-a-jukebox-for-your-viva-pinata-garden/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/have-a-jukebox-for-your-viva-pinata-garden/#commentsFiled under:


Rare has a pretty neat promotion lined up for the holidays this year. First, the company is offering Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise players a new jukebox to decorate their in-game gardens. To grab the jukebox, simply scan the Piñata Vision Card found after the break. Of course, the jukebox isn't just for decoration. From now until December 10, Piñata Island will be conducting a poll to uncover the top 10 romance dance songs. Once the songs are decided, Rare will release one a day as special Piñata Vision Cards. Don't worry if a jukebox isn't your thing, as Rare will be releasing other special cards throughout December.

Continue reading Have a Jukebox for your Viva Pinata garden

JoystiqHave a Jukebox for your Viva Pinata garden originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiosrareviva-pinataviva-pinata-2viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseMon, 24 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[It's a Halloween themed Viva Pinata card]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/its-a-halloween-themed-viva-pinata-card/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/its-a-halloween-themed-viva-pinata-card/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/its-a-halloween-themed-viva-pinata-card/#commentsFiled under: ,


Halloween is almost upon us and in the land of candy-filled piñatas, they're celebrating. Piñatas are celebrating, because Halloween is the only day children opt to go door to door to get their sweets rather than beating defenseless piñata bodies.

To show their celebratory support of Halloween and the preservation of the piñata species, team Rare just released a Halloween themed piñata card that can be scanned into Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise using the Vision camera. Though, we've been warned that scanning of this card should only be done on Halloween day for a special surprise. No sooner, no later. You've been warned.

JoystiqIt's a Halloween themed Viva Pinata card originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rareviva-pinataviva-pinata-tipviva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseThu, 30 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata vision cards fan the Killer Instinct flames]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/viva-pinata-vision-cards-fan-the-killer-instinct-flames/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/viva-pinata-vision-cards-fan-the-killer-instinct-flames/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/viva-pinata-vision-cards-fan-the-killer-instinct-flames/#commentsFiled under: ,

Rare is offering an added treat for Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise -- print out one of the three currently available cards and you can get "a suitable Pinata approximation of whatever is pictured." The first three available, which is guaranteed to incite a rabid fan base -- are Killer Instinct characters Fulgore, B. Orchid and Tusk. To access the KI pinatas, print out the cards and hold them up to your vision camera.

We wouldn't take this to be an indication of a pending announcements -- the cards themselves feature the 3D models from the Nintendo 64 era -- but either Rare has something in mind or it really likes to taunt its old fan base.

Gallery: Viva Pinata TIP Killer Instinct cards

JoystiqViva Pinata vision cards fan the Killer Instinct flames originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>killer-instinctraretrouble-in-pardadiseviva-pinataXbox-360Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of September 8th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-september-8th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-september-8th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-september-8th/#commentsFiled under:

There's just one thing to say about this week's lineup of DS releases: wow. Spore Creatures and a host of games to suit any taste here in the States, and internationally, you've got Dragon Quest IV and then Pokémon Platinum in Japan. This could be one of those legendary weeks that threatens to empty (and then devour) your wallet ... and to think, we've not even entered the holiday season yet.
  • Hell's Kitchen
  • Lock's Quest
  • Mazes of Fate DS
  • Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir
  • The Price is Right
  • Spore Creatures
  • Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise

Continue reading DS releases for the week of September 8th

JoystiqDS releases for the week of September 8th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-ivhells-kitchenlocks-questmystery-case-filespokemonpokemon-platinumreleasesspore-creaturesviva-pinataMon, 08 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview -- Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/07/metareview-viva-pinata-pocket-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/07/metareview-viva-pinata-pocket-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/07/metareview-viva-pinata-pocket-paradise/#commentsFiled under:


With Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise having released on September 2nd here in North America (and September 5th in Europe), you've all had some time to play the game. There aren't many reviews out there right now, but the ones that are available seem to generally laud the game's ambitious efforts. After we check in with the critics, toss your two cents in.

So let's get to the scores!
  • IGN (85/100) thinks it's quite the game: "Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise takes the original 360 effort as a template, and brings the 'go at your own pace,' free-form design to the Nintendo DS, beautifully. The visuals are crisp and colorful, the audio is a mix of in-game animal sounds and VO taken from the TV show, and its easy to control the world with a quick swipe or tap of a stylus. There are some basic changes to be had, such as the lack of camera control, the removal of the somewhat pesky mini-games for mating, and the general spectacle of watching your Piñatas move around in beautiful HD, but the core gameplay more than survives in its conversion to the pocket platform, and Viva Piñata is left with just as much magic on DS as it has on 360."
  • Eurogamer (80/100) says the game isn't for kids, but good nonetheless: "However, what Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise loses in coming second, and not having a triple-core PowerPC chip to drive its graphics, it makes up with its new, much better stylus-based interface, and Rare's impressive feat of retaining the vast majority of the original game's best features, in roughly the same measures. It's still a bit too complex to work as a kids' game (for that you might be better with the 360 sequel's co-op mode, where you can pick up a second pad and offer a helping hand), but for everybody else it comes highly recommended."
  • Edge Magazine (70/100) said: "If Pocket Paradise makes you want to throw it against something, though, it's only because it succeeds in making gardening compulsive." [Oct 2008, p.96]

JoystiqMetareview -- Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gardeningpocket-paradiseraresimthqviva-pinataviva-pinata-pocket-paradiseSun, 07 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview -- Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/metareview-viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/metareview-viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/metareview-viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the terrible glut expected this holiday season, it's good to see Microsoft and Rare bringing a piñata to the party. According to reviews, Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise doesn't seem to bring anything radically new to the fiesta, but it does make significant improvements to the formula introduced in the original. If you didn't like the original, it appears you can just move on. But, if you found the sweet candy fix of Viva Piñata addictive the first time, it looks like you'll be in for another treat.
  • 1Up (A): "If you hated the original, Trouble in Paradise isn't going to change your opinion. If, however, you somehow missed out completely on the piñata party the first time around, I implore you to check it out now -- it's certainly much deeper and more addictive than its playful visuals would lead you to believe."
  • Game Informer (83/100): "Keeping your piñatas happy can still be monotonous in task, but the expanded content and finely made multiplayer relieves some of the repetition that plagued the first game. Viva Piñata retains its child-like charm, but the content is layered with deep strategies and entertaining gameplay that can suck anyone's life away."
  • GamePro (80/100): "There are also some minor additions that attempt to sweeten the pot but they don't add too much. The new trick stick, which allows you to teach pinata tricks, and a wide range of toys are fun to play with, though. There's also support for the Xbox Live Vision camera which allows you to scan in special pinata cards, but it's a gimmick at best. Still, despite some irritating design elements, Trouble in Paradise is a fun game that retains the charm of the first Viva Pinata."
  • GameDaily (80/100): "Rare could've easily slapped a couple of minor changes into this game and given us an expansion pack. Instead, Viva Pinata: Trouble In Paradise offers enough to make it a worthy sequel. It'll be a little too cute for some, but others will see past the adorable exterior and find the delicious treats inside, just like a real pinata."

Gallery: Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise

JoystiqMetareview -- Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metareviewmicrosoftrareviva-pinataviva-pinata-2viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseXbox-360Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata 2 community website and UK treasure hunt [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/viva-pinata-2-community-website-and-treasure-hunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/viva-pinata-2-community-website-and-treasure-hunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/viva-pinata-2-community-website-and-treasure-hunt/#commentsFiled under: ,


Update: After a little digging, we've been informed that the piñata hunt is for the UK version of Xbox.com only. Of course, there's nothing stopping North American gamers from visiting the UK site...

In celebration of the release of Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise, Rare has informed us that the brand new community website will be launching today at midnight PST. The community website will allow gamers to share photos of their gardens and upload any Piñata Vision cards they have created. Also, Viva PiñataAceyBongos (think of him as the European version of Major Nelson) is launching a piñata hunt on Xbox.com. Starting Friday, piñata eggs will be hidden on Xbox.com. Mousing over them will cause a piñata to pop out. Clicking on the piñata will open a PDF of a Piñata Vision card that can then be imported into their gardens. Then you're just stuck with the (somewhat awkward) choice of either printing it out or holding your Vision camera up to the screen.

We'd opt for the first choice, especially if you're at work. After all, people might suspect something if you drag your entire entertainment center into your cubicle.

JoystiqViva Pinata 2 community website and UK treasure hunt [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiosrareviva-pinataviva-pinata-2Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare says no to Viva Pinata 2 DLC, yes to 'something new']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/rare-says-no-to-viva-pinata-2-dlc-yes-to-something-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/rare-says-no-to-viva-pinata-2-dlc-yes-to-something-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/rare-says-no-to-viva-pinata-2-dlc-yes-to-something-new/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a recent live chat with Rare devotees, Rare's Justin Cook made it clear that there are no plans for any Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise downloadable content. Furthermore, Cook says that Rare is "taking a break" from the Viva Piñata franchise in order to "make something new." Just what this something new is, Cook failed to elaborate. The "new" part makes us suspect it won't be a return to Rare's other franchises like Perfect Dark or Kameo, but there's no way to be sure. Cook added that even Rare's plans regarding another Viva Piñata could change, so we'll just have to wait and see. Still, is it too much to ask for a new Battletoads?

Be sure to hit the source link to read the whole chat. It covers plenty of nitty-gritty details in VP2.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqRare says no to Viva Pinata 2 DLC, yes to 'something new' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcrareviva-pinataviva-pinata-2viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseFri, 29 Aug 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Making of the Viva Pinata BelieVe videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/video-making-of-the-viva-pinata-believe-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/video-making-of-the-viva-pinata-believe-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/video-making-of-the-viva-pinata-believe-videos/#commentsFiled under: ,


Some of you may have had your fill of the Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise BelieVe video series, which is sorta understandable. But, being the hardcore Viva Piñata fanboys that we are, we can never have enough. That's why when we came across the latest BelieVe video, we had no doubt in our minds that we wanted to share it. Though, in all actuality, it isn't a new video, it's more of a "making of" behind the scenes look at how the videos were created. Simply put, to create a Viva Piñata BelieVe video all you need is a few BK toys, some chicken wire, newspaper, boxes, styrofoam and a healthy dose of creativity. And it's that creativity bit that gets us every time.

JoystiqVideo: Making of the Viva Pinata BelieVe videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>raretrouble-in-paradiseviva-pinataviva-pinata-2viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseFri, 22 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata 2's four player co-op isn't gimped!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/viva-pinata-2s-four-player-co-op-isnt-gimped/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/viva-pinata-2s-four-player-co-op-isnt-gimped/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/viva-pinata-2s-four-player-co-op-isnt-gimped/#commentsFiled under: ,


As was semi confirmed via some leaky achievements, Rare has informed us that four player online co-op will be a part of Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise and (best part) it won't be gimped!

Just like local co-op, four player online co-op will allow players to join the "host" in their garden and only their garden. Meaning that everyone who enters the a garden will only make changes or do damage to the host's garden while having no effect on their game saves. All four players will have the ability to interact with the garden and have access to normal player tools. Simply put, there's no co-op gimpage! Not only will players be able to visit and play in eachother's gardens, but everyone can partake in 2D top down races, competitions and win monthly leaderboard prizes. It's like the online Viva Piñata experience we've always wanted! Also, we've been told to expect much more Trouble in Paradise info (including more co-op specifics) to be released during Leipzig, so keep your eyes peeled.

To recap: Trouble in Paradise will sport local AND four player Xbox Live co-op where players can interact with and edit the host's garden with access to all normal in-game tools. Yup, we like!

JoystiqViva Pinata 2's four player co-op isn't gimped! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>raretrouble-in-paradiseviva-pinataviva-pinata-2viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseFri, 15 Aug 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata DS coming Sept 2, Rare releases new Halo 3 parody]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/viva-pinata-ds-coming-sept-2-rare-releases-new-halo-3-parody/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/viva-pinata-ds-coming-sept-2-rare-releases-new-halo-3-parody/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/viva-pinata-ds-coming-sept-2-rare-releases-new-halo-3-parody/#commentsFiled under: ,

Rare has announced that the THQ-published Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise for the DS will be proliferating retail shelves with dirty puns on September 2 in North America and September 5 in UK and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) alongside the Xbox 360 sequel VP: Trouble in Paradise. The DS title will also "begin to filter through to the rest of the world on the 11th, with VP:TIP not far behind."

Along with the announcement, Rare also released its second Halo 3 parody, "Museum," based on the sci-fi shooters' Believe ad campaign. We've embedded the video and the previously released (and pretty funny) "Believe Pinata" video after the break.

Gallery: Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise

Continue reading Viva Pinata DS coming Sept 2, Rare releases new Halo 3 parody

JoystiqViva Pinata DS coming Sept 2, Rare releases new Halo 3 parody originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>believeDShalo-3pocket-paradiserarethqviva-pinataviva-pinata-pocket-paradiseXbox-360Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sweet, delicious release date and teaser for Viva Pinata]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/sweet-delicious-release-date-and-teaser-for-viva-pinata/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/sweet-delicious-release-date-and-teaser-for-viva-pinata/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/sweet-delicious-release-date-and-teaser-for-viva-pinata/#commentsFiled under: ,



One of Rare's overworked carrier pigeons just landed on our windowsill, bringing with it some candy crucial news: Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise will be launching across North America on September 2nd, in Europe on September 5th, and in the rest of the world beginning September 11th. That's exciting enough (and hey: really soon), but that's not where the happy news ends: Rare also took the time to film a second spoof video for its game, again poking fun at the terribly serious Halo 3 teasers from 2007. You can watch the first after the break (and please do watch it if you haven't already).

Release dates here
"Museum" video here
Our Rare interview here

Continue reading Sweet, delicious release date and teaser for Viva Pinata

JoystiqSweet, delicious release date and teaser for Viva Pinata originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farminggardeningrareremakesimulationthqviva-pinataviva-pinata-pocket-paradiseFri, 15 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare settles on Viva: Pocket release and a new BelieVe trailer too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/rare-settles-on-viva-pocket-release-and-a-new-believe-trailer-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/rare-settles-on-viva-pocket-release-and-a-new-believe-trailer-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/rare-settles-on-viva-pocket-release-and-a-new-believe-trailer-t/#commentsFiled under:


Rare just sent word (via express pigeon airmail, no less) that the Nintendo DS edition Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise has been given a release date that should be familiar to all Viva Piñata fans. As it stands, Pocket Paradise will release to the United States on September 2nd and in Europe on September 5th, which is the exact release date for the 360's Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise. Speaking of which, Rare today also announced that Trouble in Paradise has gone gold and is currently being pressed to disc on some manufacturing line in Mexico.

Hold on, that's not all. Rare released a second Halo 3 inspired Viva Piñata BelieVe trailer titled "Museum" and we're told it was done by the voice actor for Leafos herself! Oh, how we love these BelieVe trailers ... just watch and have a good belly laugh. Har, har!

JoystiqRare settles on Viva: Pocket release and a new BelieVe trailer too originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>believepocket-paradiseraretrouble-in-paradiseviva-pinataviva-pinata-pocket-paradiseviva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseFri, 15 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise parties with four player online co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-parties-with-four-player-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-parties-with-four-player-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-parties-with-four-player-online/#commentsFiled under: ,

If those pesky Achievements for the game are to be believed, Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise will support four player online co-op. 360sync.com lists all the "bleep bloops" for the upcoming candy-filled animal simulator and one 10-point achievement, named "Full House," comes with with the description: Play 4 Player Online Co-op for 1 hour.

We're still not exactly sure what co-op entails, as there also Achievements listed for playing two player co-op, both online and off, for one hour. We should get more details soon before VP: TiP starts getting whacked at retail on Sept. 2.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqViva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise parties with four player online co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>four-player-coopmicrosoftrareviva-pinataviva-pinata-2viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseXbox-360Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Pinata Vision card goes online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/first-pinata-vision-card-goes-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/first-pinata-vision-card-goes-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/first-pinata-vision-card-goes-online/#commentsFiled under:

Viva Piñata and general Rare fansite MundoRare posted photos of the first ever, official Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise Vision card. You know, those Trouble in Paradise cards that, once scanned, plop the card's character into your virtual garden space. Well, the first Piñata Vision card we're being treated to is Ryan, one of thirty pinata cards that Rare developers have created and (have selfishly) named after themselves. It's a crazy interesting idea that we can't wait to embrace. As long as the scanning process is more efficient then our local grocery store's self checkout lanes. Those wonky scanners are no fun.

JoystiqFirst Pinata Vision card goes online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>raretrouble-in-paradisevisionviva-pinataviva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseThu, 07 Aug 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare: Kameo & PDZ sold tons, stop crying]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/rare-kameo-and-pdz-sold-tons-stop-crying/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/rare-kameo-and-pdz-sold-tons-stop-crying/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/rare-kameo-and-pdz-sold-tons-stop-crying/#commentsFiled under:

This might be an unpopular opinion among some but, Perfect Dark Zero and Kameo: Elements of Power were boring games. Although each showcased a small portion of the Xbox 360's new power at launch, the games were (mostly) critically chokeslammed. Blame it on the short development cycle of launch games or the decline of Rare's developmental quality (until Viva Piñata that is) but both games could have been much better. So, what does Rare think of the majority opinion on those launch releases? Well, they're a business, they care about sales, and according to Rare's Nick Burton, they sold a metric ton of copies of each (you jerk):

"One of the things that I always find funny is when people always quote Kameo and Perfect Dark Zero as being flops at the launch of the 360. In the industry if you break even you're lucky, you're in the minority," Burton told VideoGamer. "If you make a decent amount of money you're really in the minority. You're in the top percentile. Those two games made a lot of money. For the install base they sold phenomenally well."

Honestly, we didn't need Burton to tell us PDZ and Kameo made money because we can already tell Rare has been infused with cash. Look at Viva Piñata and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts -- clearly the people of Rare purchased some creativity and talent with that stack of monies. We joke because we love.

JoystiqRare: Kameo & PDZ sold tons, stop crying originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banjo-kazooie-nuts-and-boltskameoKameo-Elements-of-PowerMicrosoft-Game-Studiosperfect-dark-zerorareviva-pinataThu, 07 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Piņata trailer makes us Believe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/viva-pinata-trailer-makes-us-believe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/viva-pinata-trailer-makes-us-believe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/viva-pinata-trailer-makes-us-believe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Now this is how you promote Viva Piñata. Parodying the Halo 3 Believe advertisement that swept a camera through a gorgeously crafted diorama, this trailer takes the characters of Piñata Island and places them in a similar epic battle -- complete with the original dramatic music. Is it fan made or legit? We don't know. It looks so good that it may be a professional job but it's so creative that it seems fan made. Who cares really, it is incredible. Also it works because now we totally can't wait for Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise to ship. We just hope it isn't like Halo 3 in that it doesn't include a scenario like this one at all.

Watch it. Live it. Love it. This trailer is epic. Believe.

[Thanks, Sean]

JoystiqViva Piņata trailer makes us Believe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-3halo3viva-pinatayoutubeFri, 01 Aug 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Viva Pinata was an Xbox game?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-viva-pinata-was-an-xbox-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-viva-pinata-was-an-xbox-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-viva-pinata-was-an-xbox-game/#commentsFiled under:

Okay, confession time: I never played Viva Piñata the first time around. The allure of festive animal husbandry was insufficient to entice me into the console purchase required. I've researched the original (by, uh, watching some YouTube videos and such), but I went into my quick demo of Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise without a real preconceived notion of how Viva Piñata is supposed to look or play.

How was this ever anything but a DS game? The tasks involved in playing Viva -- watering and planting plants, clearing land, building structures for critters -- make so much sense in the top-down perspective of Pocket Paradise that it's hard to imagine this game in a different perspective on a different system. It would be so much harder, I think, to manage a large-scale garden in a more zoomed-in view. Having a larger, wider look at the goings-on in the garden makes the game seem more natural and easier.

Continue reading E308: Viva Pinata was an Xbox game?

JoystiqE308: Viva Pinata was an Xbox game? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308farmingjoystiqffeaturesrareremakesimulationthqviva-pinataviva-pinata-pocket-paradiseSun, 20 Jul 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Fresh Viva Pinata screens hunted down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-fresh-viva-pinata-screens-hunted-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-fresh-viva-pinata-screens-hunted-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-fresh-viva-pinata-screens-hunted-down/#commentsFiled under:

Hacking our way through the undergrowth that surrounds our local press site, we located ten new wild and untamed Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise screenshots! Like the heartless types we are, we instantly clubbed them, bagged them, removed them from their natural habitat, and dropped them in our gallery for the rest of the world to gawk at.

Disappointingly, a quick inspection reveals no new species (there are seven fresh piñatas in this remake), but there's a bright side, reader: the most cheerful DS boxart of 2008 so far.


[Via press release]

JoystiqE308: Fresh Viva Pinata screens hunted down originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308gardeningpinatasrareremakesimsimulationthqviva-pinataThu, 17 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Viva Remakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/ds-daily-viva-remakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/ds-daily-viva-remakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/ds-daily-viva-remakes/#commentsFiled under:

The DS version of Viva Piñata looks really great -- for a DS game. A lot of what made the original Xbox 360 game appeal to the Xbox 360 audience was in the amazing high-def graphics, with the weird paper "fur" visible on every character. But the new game is for a different audience -- the DS audience (which probably includes the entire 360 audience anyway). Graphics don't matter as much, and this kind of game actually seems more in line with the Animal Crossing-loving DS crowd.

Do you think Viva Piñata will end up more popular on the DS due to meshing well with the DS audience? Or will it lose the sales that were generated mostly by shader-hungry 360 fanboys? Alternately, will some sort of fanboy vendetta on either side hurt sales?

JoystiqDS Daily: Viva Remakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpocket-paradiseraresimulationthqviva-pinataFri, 11 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy interview -- Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/ds-fanboy-interview-viva-pinata-pocket-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/ds-fanboy-interview-viva-pinata-pocket-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/ds-fanboy-interview-viva-pinata-pocket-paradise/#commentsFiled under:


Rare's Viva Piñata first charmed gamers back in 2006, when it appeared on the Xbox 360. Instantly, the title's original premise of nurturing beautifully animated piñatas in a garden of your own making helped it stand out in the crowd. On a system more renowned for third-person adventure games and futuristic shooters, Viva Piñata was a delightful revelation.

Soon, the candy-filled creatures will be making their debut on the DS in Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise. Based on the original Viva Piñata title, what we've seen so far suggests that the team have achieved something we'd have never expected: they've managed to squeeze an Xbox 360 title on to Nintendo's handheld, while preserving every feature and trinket that was available in the original.

With its fertilizer and shovel prepared for Pocket Paradise's release later this year, DS Fanboy sat down with Pocket Paradise Producer Paul Machacek and Software Development Engineer Joe Humfrey to chat about why they brought Viva Piñata to the DS, the jump from analog stick to stylus control, and the emotions involved in seeing your very first Mousemallow perish. Go past the break for our full interview!

Continue reading DS Fanboy interview -- Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise

JoystiqDS Fanboy interview -- Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gardeningjoe-humfreyjoystiqfeaturespaul-machacekpinataspocket-paradiserareremakesimsimulationthqviva-pinataThu, 10 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata sequel busts open in early September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/viva-pinata-sequel-busts-open-in-early-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/viva-pinata-sequel-busts-open-in-early-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/viva-pinata-sequel-busts-open-in-early-september/#commentsFiled under: ,

All you Nerds worried about wasting Mounds of time waiting for Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise should stop being such Airheads. The anticipated sequel will be Star-bursting onto the scene on Sept. 2 in North and Latin America and Sept. 5 in Europe and the UK. That leaves plenty of Paydays for you Smarties to save up the $59.99 you need to buy it. That's not a Whopper of a price ... much less than the 100 Grands it would take to travel to ... Whatchamacallit ... Mars.

You see, piñatas are filled with candy ...

[Via X3F]

JoystiqViva Pinata sequel busts open in early September originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsmicrosoftRarerelease-dateTrouble-in-ParadiseViva-PinataViva-Pinata-2Viva-Pinata-Trouble-in-ParadiseXbox-360Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Step into Viva Pinata video paradise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/step-into-viva-pinata-video-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/step-into-viva-pinata-video-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/step-into-viva-pinata-video-paradise/#commentsFiled under:


Gamespot has uploaded five new videos from Rare's upcoming DS romp, Viva Pinata Pocket Paradise. The videos focus on what matters most: gameplay. While they are brief in length, the combination of all five make for a nice little diversion in the usual rigmarole of your day. We suggest you take a break and check out the rest of the videos past the break.

Continue reading Step into Viva Pinata video paradise

JoystiqStep into Viva Pinata video paradise originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pinataspocket-paradiseraresimsimulationviva-pinataviva-pinata-pocket-paradiseTue, 01 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MS supports Viva Piņata franchise heading to DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/ms-supports-viva-pinata-franchise-heading-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/ms-supports-viva-pinata-franchise-heading-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/ms-supports-viva-pinata-franchise-heading-to-ds/#commentsFiled under:

Chatting with Eurogamer, Rare engineer Joe Humfrey re-confirmed Microsoft's' understanding ways when talking about Viva Piñata making its way to rival Nintendo's DS, saying that "they see DS as a very viable platform." Humfrey is of course talking about their upcoming Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise project that'll bring those adorable piñatas to the DS. Which, admittedly, seems a bit odd at first, but makes sense from an "let's do all we can to expand the franchise" mindset. "They put the Viva Piñata franchise on TV to reach a broad audience, they put it on PC to reach a different broad audience, and they're doing the same thing with the DS," says Humfrey, "they're trying to widen the audience of the franchise."

And we fully agree. A DS version of Viva Piñata is going to roxorz and Microsoft should embrace Nintendo's portable handheld, that is until our Xboy releases. When that happens, we won't play nice with Nintendo.

JoystiqMS supports Viva Piņata franchise heading to DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsmicrosoftnintendonintendo-dsrareviva-pinataWed, 11 Jun 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata Pocket Paradise media is for mature audiences]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/viva-pinata-pocket-paradise-media-is-for-mature-audiences/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/viva-pinata-pocket-paradise-media-is-for-mature-audiences/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/viva-pinata-pocket-paradise-media-is-for-mature-audiences/#commentsFiled under: ,

This latest set of Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise screenshots contains adult content, and should be viewed with parental guidance. Be sure that your state or municipality does not have obscenity laws against viewing scenes of piñata romance before venturing into our gallery.

In addition, we've embedded the first two Viva Piñata videos after the break -- they're too hot for the front page due to graphic Whirlm content. Well, one of them is. The other one's mostly gardening. Although, now that we think about it, considering that the Piñatas are basically ambulatory plant matter, it's all mostly gardening. Naughty gardening.

Continue reading Viva Pinata Pocket Paradise media is for mature audiences

JoystiqViva Pinata Pocket Paradise media is for mature audiences originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gardeningpocket-paradiserareremakethqviva-pinataWed, 11 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Trouble in Paradise trailer teaches us evil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/trouble-in-paraidise-trailer-teaches-us-evil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/trouble-in-paraidise-trailer-teaches-us-evil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/trouble-in-paraidise-trailer-teaches-us-evil/#commentsFiled under: ,

Rare just released a new Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise trailer today and even though we don't get to see any in-game goodness, we do get to be completely entertained. You'll have to jump over to Eurogamer to watch the vid, but it's worth it because you'll get to watch Professor Pester detail his evil plan to his fellow henchmen and hilarity ensues. Hmm, now after watching the trailer we have a mad jonesing for some desert dessert and chilled penguin on a stick ... yummm!

JoystiqTrouble in Paradise trailer teaches us evil originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>raretrouble-in-paradiseviva-pinataviva-pinata-2viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseTue, 10 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise gets its own little oasis online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/viva-pinata-pocket-paradise-gets-its-own-little-oasis-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/viva-pinata-pocket-paradise-gets-its-own-little-oasis-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/viva-pinata-pocket-paradise-gets-its-own-little-oasis-online/#commentsFiled under: ,


Rare has kept quiet for the most part about Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise, preferring, for the most part, to limit themselves to releasing one screenshot every couple of months and making some joke about the game's progress. Now they've boldly opened a website for the game! Which even has information! And screenshots, which we've added to our gallery. There's an interview with some of the Pocket Paradise team as well, which is mostly jokes!

Looks like players who have already broken open the 360 game will have something to look forward to here: new piñatas, which will also appear in the 360 sequel Trouble in Paradise. The DS game will also use a new episodic format in addition to the Playground mode.

JoystiqViva Pinata: Pocket Paradise gets its own little oasis online originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gardeningrareremakeviva-pinataviva-pinata-pocket-paradiseFri, 23 May 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Game Studios' 2008 in Gaming: A Yearbook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/microsoft-game-studios-2008-in-gaming-a-yearbook/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/microsoft-game-studios-2008-in-gaming-a-yearbook/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/microsoft-game-studios-2008-in-gaming-a-yearbook/#commentsFiled under:

Interested in seeing what you'll be playing on your Xbox 360 in the coming months? X3F has compiled the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook for you, a list of this year's exclusive graduating class with a detailed account of each title's current status and the stories surrounding them.

The 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook chronicles the graduates, like the soon-to-be released Ninja Gaiden II, and the titles that didn't make it to grad, like Alan Wake. Yep, he had to be held back for a semester or two. Or maybe three, we just don't know yet.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios graduating class ...

JoystiqMicrosoft Game Studios' 2008 in Gaming: A Yearbook originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionalan-wakebanjo-kazooiebanjo-kazooie-nuts-and-boltsfable-2gears-of-war-2halohalo-warsLionheadLionhead-Studiosmarvelmarvel-universe-onlineMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmicrosoft-games-studioninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iinuts-and-boltspeter-jacksonRPGtoo-humanviva-pinataviva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseXbox-360yearbookFri, 23 May 2008 11:00:00 EST