• viva pinata

    Viva Instiñct? Killer Piñata? KI Vision Cards For Viva Piñata

    Those poor, poor Piñata. Some paper ass is going to be kicked... More »
    10/16/08
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    Comment by DigitalBloodUK: lol just tried it. It's not what you think ! 8 Responses | Other threads

  • review

    Viva Piñata: Trouble In Paradise Review: Maximum Candiosity

    Rare's Viva Piñata, a series now four games deep thanks to two spin-offs, has always seemed like an odd fit for the Xbox 360 crowd. A property that seems squarely targeted at kids, "kidults" and Rare die-hards — oh, and the subject of merchandising opportunities — seems to have a "love it or hate it" appeal, as the gathering of brightly colored papercraft beasts accomplished by smart horticulture might be kind of a hard thing to wrap one's brain around. The sequel, Viva Piñata: Trouble In Paradise, likely won't do much to change minds, as it sticks close to the gameplay of the first, while giving hardcore fans of piñata herding more of what they love. More »
    09/18/08
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    Comment by Dirk Dorkelson: "However you may feel about Rare's aesthetic, it's hard to argue that Viva Piñata: Trouble In Paradise looks stunning in... 3 Responses | Other threads

  • viva pinata

    Rare - No Viva Piñata DLC, Maybe New Banjo Kazooie?

    Viva Piñata fans hoping to get an extra dose of paper animal wrangling after VP: Trouble In Paradise will be disappointed, according to a recent web chat with the developers. More »
    08/29/08
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    Comment by Ted: A Banjo sequel to a game which is the third in a series? Is that proper wording? Anyway, I do hope... 4 Responses | Other threads

  • viva piñata: trouble in paradise

    First Viva Piñata Vision Card Revealed

    Rare has released the first official Viva Piñata Vision Card for use in Viva Piñata: Trouble In Paradise. More »
    08/12/08
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    Comment by Tim Reilly: Really stupid use of the camera... Why not just offer the characters as DLC or something? 1 Responses | Other threads

  • xbox 360

    Half Of Rare Hard At Work On Secret Googly Eyed Projects

    Hang tough, Rare fans. If Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts aren't quite scratching your Rare itch, the developer has more in store. Nick Burton, a senior software engineer at Rare, tells Videogamer that the developer's officially announced titles are being tackled by "about half" of the current staff, hinting that much more is on the way. Dreams of Killer Instinct 3 may be dancing in our heads, but we'll try not to get too excited. More »
    08/05/08
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    Comment by stranger: @Enkur: Preach the truth brother. The people need to hear it for somebody. more » | Other threads

  • viva piñata: trouble in paradise

    Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise Date And Details

    Oh, so here's a release date for the Xbox 360 Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise! September 5th is when the follow-up in the candy-filled franchise hits — and it strikes me, you know, what an odd idea! Who'd have ever thought that reviving fandom for piñatas, that semi-relic toy we used to bash as candy-crazed youngsters (you don't really see 'em anymore, huh?) would make such a decent idea for a gardening/breeding/life sim? More »
    07/03/08
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    Comment by Groomster: If you have a wildcard pinata then turn it into a pinata card then keep it in a safe place,... more » | Other threads

  • gallery

    New Viva Piñata 2 Screens

    Courtesy of Rare, here's four new screens for the upcoming Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise. Things are looking lovely, there's no doubt of that. But the first one looked (and played!) lovely, too. And still, nobody really paid any attention. Will genie huts and birds with gas masks change that? Probably not, but there's always hope! More »
    06/25/08
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    Comment by DARTH_TIGRIS: I paid $30 new for VP some 2 months after release. I've played it sporadically and haven't made much progress... more » | Other threads

  • xbox 360

    Microsoft Thinks DS Is "Very Viable Platform"

    Microsoft does not have a handheld device, which, you know, probably is a good thing! Why? It can put games on the Nintendo DS and get its brands out to people who may not or may never own an Xbox 360. Take Viva Piñata, which is getting DS title Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise. Microsoft-owned developer Rare has been working on the title as well as other DS games like Diddy Kong Racing DS. Says Rare's Joe Humfrey: More »
    06/11/08
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    Comment by freespeech: HALO DS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! more » | Other threads

  • THQ Holiday Preview 08

    First Impressions Of Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise

    By now you know Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise is coming to DS, and I couldn't wait to have an early look at it during THQ's Fall/holiday preview event today. More »
    06/05/08
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    Comment by Guitarista87: I loved the original but this one doesn't look like it has the same flare. I'll have to skip this... more » | Other threads

  • nintendo ds

    Rare Puts Viva Pinata In Your Pocket This Fall

    If you've ever wanted to snag one of those cute widdle Viva Piñata animals to carry along with you, now you can. Kinda. THQ and Rare announced Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise for the Nintendo DS, releasing this Fall alongside the console sequel. More »
    05/13/08
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    Comment by Sugaray: After rumors for the past 2 years MS/Rare is finally admitted that they had decided to support the DS. VERY smart... more » | Other threads

  • indie games

    Weird Preview of the Weekend: Blueberry Garden

    Blueberry Garden is a forthcoming indie release from Erik Svedäng that looks like ... well, I'm not entirely sure. A surreal, super-minimalist Viva Piñata, perhaps? Your guess is as good as mine. I'm totally mystified, and I kinda like it. There's a bit more information over at the creator's blog (plus info on his other games), including a short story from Blueberry Garden involving party hats, birds, blueberries, and starving party hats. Poor little party hats. My interest is piqued and I'm waiting to find out more. More »
    03/08/08
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    Comment by Capt-CHAOS: This is great. I'll have to buy this for the kids, anything to encourage them in an artistic manner... more » | Other threads

  • dice08

    Viva Pinata Into The Pixel Piece Fetches Big Bucks

    The Into The Pixel art showcase at DICE featured plenty of wonderful artwork from beloved games like God of War, Metal Gear Solid, Half-Life 2 and Rayman's Raving Rabbids, each up for auction. The piece that looked to grab the biggest bucks was the Viva PInata digital painting seen above, which closed at $1400. The winner? None other than Epic Games' Mark Rein, who hovered near the bidding sheet like a hungry wolf until the auction closed, growling at anyone who attempted to outbid him. My choice? It would've been the Team Fortress 2 piece seen after the jump. More »
    02/08/08
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    Comment by Telly_Vision: @mikomichan: Not surprising - Rare's Lead Artist mentioned looking at Aztec and Aboriginal art when concepting what the pinatas should... more » | Other threads

  • christmas cards 07

    Rare Teases Killer Instinct 3 With Christmas Card

    The lads at Rare seem to be taking the piss (am I doing it right?) in their new Christmas card, which not only features Viva Piñata stars Hudson Horstachio and Fergy Fudgehog alongside Banjo and Kazooie, but a teaser stocking that reads "KI3." Clearly, it's in reference to the Rare fighting game series Killer Instinct which hasn't seen a release since Killer Instinct Gold hit the Nintendo 64 over ten years ago. More »
    12/19/07
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    Comment by Neopolitian: I would like to mix Killer Instinct with Power Stone. It's a pretty fun game in my head. more » | Other threads

  • viva pinata

    Behind the Design of Viva Piñata

    Gamasutra has a great article up on the development of Viva Piñata from pretty bland garden sim to the piñata-filled paradise of bright colors, cute animals, and irritating helpers. It's an interesting look at game design from concept to execution, and some of the decisions that go into what stays, what goes, and what needs a major overhaul - from initial concept art to packaging. And we discover how those piñatas got so damn cute: More »
    12/15/07
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    Comment by akashhhhh: I really, really hope we see Viva 2, with a Wii release so it sells a few copies! more » | Other threads

  • viva pinata

    MS Using Nintendo DS To Build XBLA "Expertise"

    How cozy is the Microsoft-Nintendo DS relationship? Just cozy enough, apparently, as Phil Spencer, general manager at Microsoft Game Studios, points to Nintendo's dual-screened portable as a training ground of sorts for its own service, Xbox Live Arcade. He tells Develop that having a developer like Rare focus on DS games is "important for us to build that experience as a publisher and game developer and understand what it means to build lightweight, maybe shorter session experiences, and maintain that design innovation." More »
    11/13/07
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    Comment by Radau: @Runex: I think he meant the game divisions. more » | Other threads

  • only in japan

    Xbox 360 Bundle Sells Out Right Here, Folks

    Keep in mind that this is one store in one enormous Japanese city. Onward! French DSliteblog takes a break from its regular DS postings to bring word that retailer Yamada Denki in south Osaka has sold out of the limited edition ¥34,800 (US $302) bundle. The tag on the glass case says "kanbai shimashita," and that means SOLD OUT as of yesterday. (The bundle went on sale November 1.) Besides the console, the pack also includes copies of Forza Motorsport 2 and Viva Piñata. A slight, slight, slight glimmer of hope for Micrsoft's chances in The Land of the Rising Sun. Gotta favor: Can somebody check and see if hell has frozen over? Thanks. More »
    11/07/07
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    Comment by Protector one: What did "kanbai shimashita" mean before yesterday? more » | Other threads

  • japan

    7-Eleven's Offers Good Bargain Xbox 360 Bundle

    First: Yes, 7-Eleven in Japan sells video game consoles. Onward! This December, Lost Odyssey is getting its December 6th Japanese release, and the convenience store is offering this Lost Odyssey. Reservations will be accepted until December 4th for the &39,880 (US $346) bundle that includes an Xbox 360, 20GB HDD, wireless controller, Forza 2, Viva Piñata and Lost Odyssey. Hey Japan, this is a good deal — even if Viva Piñata is like $10 bucks in the Akihabara bargain bins! More »
    11/01/07
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    Comment by thestone: Man, the foreign countries keep getting the best 360 Bundles. It is understandable though, since the 360 is doing worse in... more » | Other threads

  • viva pinata

    Microsoft Confirms My Fear of Cannibalistic Pinatas

    I always love it when a game company can show a bit of a sense of humor about their own product. Kotakuite Zach sent in this screen grab from the most recent Xbox Flash email. A small poll asked players which survival horror they would be afraid of facing in real life. Slipped in between Dead Rising's zombies, and BioShock's Little Sisters were the colorful denizens of that most horrific of all games, Viva Pinata. If I had to pick off that list, I would definitely choose to fight a zombie horde or a slew of monsters before I would want to face even one of those horrifyingly cute, cannibalistic beasts. Something about paper animals that eat the candy innards of their fallen comrades is deeply disturbing. Like all those clowns coming out of that tiny car... absolutely terrifying.
    10/28/07
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    Comment by Americo: Viva cannibalism! more » | Other threads

  • xbox 360

    Japan Gets Two Price Cuts, New Value Bundle

    Microsoft Japan just shot us an press release announcing that the Xbox 360 would be getting a price cut. Starting November 1st, the 20GB bundle, which originally listed at ¥39,795 (US $346), will retail for ¥34,800 ($302). Likewise, the ¥29,800 ($259) Core System will sell for ¥27,800 ($241). A new, limited-edition 20GB "Value Pack" with Forza Motorsport 2 and Viva Piñata will also go on sale. It will retail for ¥34,800 and not include an HDMI cable. Not a bad deal if you don't own an Xbox 360. Hey Japan, you listening?
    10/22/07
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    Comment by bird1988: @Random-J: yeah i think so but m-softs needs better ad-vertising more » | Other threads

  • hey kids

    There's A Viva Piñata Party In Your BK Kids Meal

    Fans of Viva Piñata, charbroiled beef and/or mechanically separated, reshaped chicken meat will want to hoof it on down to their local Burger King and secure themselves a BK Kids Meal. The fast food chain is giving kids their required daily amount of plastic with an octet of brightly colored toys molded in the form of the cast of Viva Piñata Party Animals, one free with each kid targeted combo. More »
    10/08/07
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    Comment by icarusprime: @Gamer-Named-Tim: god like?! not to me, ugh ... i hate burger king fries ... they are only good like right out... more » | Other threads

  • viva el matrimonio

    Nothing Quite Like Proposing With Viva Pinata

    Joining the ranks of World of Warcraft, Viva Piñata can now also claim its first wedding. PinataIsland.info Forum member PINATAcast posts: More »
    09/13/07
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    Comment by ese: I'm calling for a VP themed wedding cake. more » | Other threads

  • no more

    Rare Too Busy for Crap Like Viva Pinata DLC

    There are so many hours in the day. Developer Rare is not going to widdle them away making downloadable content for Viva Piñata. Rare is doing other stuff, 'kay? A member of Rare's team commented on its website: More »
    09/05/07
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    Comment by MR_Gamer: Given how long ago the game was released, the lack of DLC is not surprising. Still, I'm disappointed because I... more » | Other threads

  • how do i xbla

    Almost One Third Of 360 Owners Unaware Of Xbox Live Arcade

    A new report from research firm Frank N. Magid Associates reveals that Xbox 360 are not only largely unaware of the console's high definition graphics capabilities, but that nearly a third of owners are unfamiliar with the Xbox Live Arcade service. The report, based on responses from 1800 households (however, only 149 of which actually own an Xbox 360), reveals that while a large number of users have purchased or tried an XBLA title, a surprising number of them are clueless about how they can get UNO, Double Dragon or Pac-Man Championship Edition on their chill white Xboxes. More »
    08/13/07
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    Comment by L_K_M: @justhesh: Actually willingly wanting to remain dumb in the face of facts and science takes a special kind of idiocy. more » | Other threads

  • a new paradigm

    Party Animals Invents...Button Mashing?

    In an online interview, lead designer Cameron Davis talks about the upcoming Viva Pinatas: Party Animals for Xbox 360. Having enjoyed the first Viva Pinata game, I'd been optimistic about the new title. But knowing what I know now—the groundbreaking controls in the new belching minigame—I'm ecstatic:
    The core idea of it was that I wanted the player to use the controller in a new way, and hitting two random buttons as quickly as possible was just the ticket.
    Other innovations are said to include a menu system, color graphics and...if we're lucky...a pause feature that freezes the game in progress. For those with callused thumbs, a demo should be hitting LIVE shortly. More »
    08/02/07
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    Comment by Purple Dave: Ah, but the innovation seems to be that it doesn't matter what buttons you push, so long as you push... more » | Other threads

  • e307

    Viva Pinata Party Animals

    Microsoft just announced a new mini-game heavy Viva Pinata. It looks like Mario Party but with chocolate-offal stuffed toys. I'm no Viva Pinata fan, but a game controlled by power belching is something I'm suddenly very interested in. More »
    07/10/07
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    Comment by Archangel: @AshsToAshs: Microsoft probably went: "Well... if it works for Nintendo..." more » | Other threads

  • crackdown

    Crackdown Nabs 7 Euro Award Noms

    Realtime Worlds' Xbox 360 hit Crackdown isn't just loved for its easy access to the Halo 3 beta, it's totally critically lauded, too. The Develop Industry Excellence Awards finalists have been announced, according to Gamasutra, and it looks like the supercop game managed to score a record-breaking seven nominations. Nice going, Realtime Worlds. More »
    06/08/07
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    Comment by f0cus: Go Viva, it's an awesome game. more » | Other threads

  • viva pinata

    Free Live Piata Play

    Finally the long wait is over. All of you folks who were too ashamed to go out and buy Viva Pi ata in the store, and not clever enough to order it discreetly through the internet can now download a free 1GB demo via Xbox Live and put your mad animal husbandry skills to the ultimate test. No more sitting alone watching the free Chewnicorn episode of the animated series over and over again, one eye on the door in case someone should happen to drop by unannounced. More »
    03/13/07
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    Comment by Chef: I guess I'm in the minority in that I think Viva Piñata is not at all one of the best... more » | Other threads

  • rare

    Rare Talks Banjo Threeie, Viva Piata Future

    The GameTrailers folks caught up with Rare concept artist Ryan Stevenson at DICE to talk about the past, present and future of Rare. This... err, rare interview with one of the team members goes into little detail about the next Banjo Kazooie outing and the follow up to Viva Pi ata, but does touch on the topic of life at Rare following the departure of founders Chris and Tim Stamper. Watch as Stevenson deftly avoids directs answers, offering only hints at the company's upcoming games. Michael McWhertor More »
    02/19/07
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    Comment by Smorlock: Banjo looks like a child molestor now, and Kazooie looks like a hooker. Why couldn't they keep the cartoony... more » | Other threads

  • achievements

    The 360 Achievements That Never Were (Or Ever Will Be)

    Game Stooge, baby brother of established game blog 2old2play is the newest in an ever expanding world of game sites on the web. Currently, it's updated rather infrequently, but they do have a pretty funny article up right now listing the top 10 Xbox 360 achievements that we'll never see. It's a great list and I got quite a few chuckles out of it, so I thought I would share some of my favorites. More »
    02/18/07
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    Comment by Shnyzx: I thought it read "Beat one match of DOA X2 without Masturbating." I think that might be an impossible feat more » | Other threads

  • viva pinata

    Hope For Viva Piata For The DS?

    The 1UP crew sat down with Microsoft Corporate Vice President for the company's game studios recently and asked about the future of Viva Pi ata. What'd Shane Kim have to say about the IP? Well, that Microsoft will "continue to invest in that property" and... More »
    02/13/07
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    Comment by LORDofDANCE: "You're all wrong." Wow, I guess no one can have an opinion besides br549. That wasn't even wit or sarcasm;... more » | Other threads

  • valentine's day

    No Date For Valentine's Day? Cozy Up To Your 360!

    Microsoft is playing Cupid this year for lonely gamers who have no one to spend Valentine's Day with. Who does MS think your perfect match is? Why, The Xbox 360, of course! Xbox Live is offering some exciting Valentine's activities for the single gamer including last night's "Lost Planet All Nighter" and Wednesday's thrilling Viva Pinata trade off. The Xbox crew also have advice for the lovelorn in the form of some top ten lists and suggestions of some games that will take your mind off your lonely, miserable life and perhaps most disturbing, how to get your Pinatas to get biz-ay. More »
    02/11/07
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    Comment by Gospel X: I guess I'm the only one who feels that making a date with your Xbox 360 is kind of sad.... more » | Other threads

  • dice07

    The Games On The DICE Floor

    Want to play the latest games? Games that won't be out for months? Don't come to DICE! Stay home. The Green Valley Ranch grand ballroom featured one room decked out with offerings from publishers for the PC, PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, Wii and ... the Gamecube? Yep! The console that didn't get a presence at E3 2006 was represented by two playable kiosks featuring The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess. More »
    02/10/07
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    Comment by vongarr: Was Bioshock there? Why don't you get the SC demo dowingba? It didn't treat my computer too bad. more » | Other threads

  • bill gates

    Gates: Viva Piata Is For Girls

    02/05/07
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    Comment by protozoider: I didn't know I was a young girl.... I should re-evaluate my life. Should I let my girlfriend know? more » | Other threads

  • rare

    Rare Founders Leave Company

    1UP is reporting that Rare founders Chris and Tim Stamper have left the Microsoft owned development studio. The two have reportedly left to "pursue other opportunities", with the departure supposedly having nothing to do with the poor sales reception of Viva Pinata. More »
    01/02/07
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    Comment by L_K_M: Rare's fanbase grew up on colorful games. Yep! And now they've grown up. :) So basically your point is that grown-ups can't... more » | Other threads

  • viva pinata

    Big-Ass Mexican Viva Pinata

    More »
    12/04/06
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    Comment by Chef: The piñata's actually filled with Ghost units ready to secure the Mexican President and take back Mexico City. more » | Other threads

  • viva pinata

    Reader Goes To Viva Pinata Party, Lives To Tell The Tale

    More »
    12/03/06
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    Comment by IndigoFerret: I brought my six year old daughter to the event and she had a blast. She managed to pick... more » | Other threads

  • microsoft

    Viva Piata Fiesta En LA, Este Sbado

    More »
    11/29/06
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    Comment by platinum: Just sweet how you threw that bit of spanish in there at the end of the headline! Adorable! more » | Other threads

  • viva pinata

    The Viva Piñata Piñata

    More »
    11/14/06
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    Comment by amrcanpoet: I can also back up the claim that VP is an immensely addictive game. I've racked up damn near... more » | Other threads

  • nintendo

    No it's not a real NIntendo commercial, but it should be. Brian Crecente

  • viva pinata

    Dubious Viva Pinata Flash Game

    More »
    11/12/06
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    Comment by Recongoddess: where's brian? i need my daily dose of the brian and brian show... hell, even flor.. viva pinata is addicting.. it's... more » | Other threads