<![CDATA[Kotaku: Viva Pinata]]> http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/kotaku.com.png <![CDATA[Kotaku: Viva Pinata]]> http://kotaku.com/tag/viva pinata http://kotaku.com/tag/viva pinata <![CDATA["Large Franchise" With "Zany Ideas" Coming To Project Natal]]> A job listing spotted by website CVG appears to hint that a "large franchise" is coming to Project Natal. This job listing also serves as a very important reminder — namely, not to use the word "zany". More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5472691&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Viva Instiñct? Killer Piñata? KI Vision Cards For Viva Piñata]]> Those poor, poor Piñata. Some paper ass is going to be kicked... More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5064791&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5051882&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5043657&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5036232&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5033527&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5022025&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5019407&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5015301&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5013515&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=390074&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=365476&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=354554&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=335944&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=334396&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=322421&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=320154&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=317601&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=315911&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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? More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=313349&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=308400&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=299415&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=296496&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=289091&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=285344&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=277036&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=267352&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=243857&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=237950&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=237670&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=236384&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=235642&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=235540&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Gates: Viva Piata Is For Girls]]> Aw, Bill. Why'd you have to go and further emasculate the tens of thousands of male teens and twenty-somethings who own Viva Pi ata? I knew there was a reason I didn't buy this game. I'm neither young nor female nor do I garden. Michael McWhertor More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=234165&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[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 »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=225559&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Big-Ass Mexican Viva Pinata]]>
Word is that Viva Piñata is pretty darn great. So great that it deserves the world's biggest paper mache animal. Over at the Six Flags in Mexico, they did just that and created a 14.6 meter piñata that just screams smash me por favor. Brian Ashcraft More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=218948&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Reader Goes To Viva Pinata Party, Lives To Tell The Tale]]>
While on a business trip to L.A., Kotakuite Eric L. decided to swing by Microsoft's little Viva Pinata fiesta, "The Biggest Pinata Party In The World." He was even able to snap some pics of the event to send along to us, although I was sorely disappointed that NONE of them included party host Mario Lopez. You may remember Mr. Lopez as the hunky A.C. Slater onSaved by the Bell. Then he did The Other Side, which was a pathetic attempt to capitalize on the male side of the already pathetic bitch fest The View. But, I digress... More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=218891&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Viva Piata Fiesta En LA, Este Sbado]]>
If you're in the Southern California area (Santa Monica, specifically), you might want to cruise on over to the pier this weekend for some Microsoft and Viva Pi ata sponsored fun. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=218159&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[The Viva Piñata Piñata]]>
Did you know that Viva Piñata went on sale? No, really. It happened. We will never forgive ourselves for missing developer Rare's biggest game since their last biggest game. As punishment, we're posting a Viva Piñata piñata. This scare item was given to employees who worked on the game and is probably one of the few which wasn't smashed to smithereens. More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=214552&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Save the Pinata, Play Nintendo]]> No it's not a real NIntendo commercial, but it should be. Brian Crecente More »
]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=214202&view=rss&microfeed=true