Viva Pinata: Party Animals

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Game Information
Name: Viva Pinata: Party Animals
Genre: Racing, Party
Release Date: October 30, 2007
Console(s): Xbox 360
Developers: Krome Studios
Publishers: Microsoft Game Studios
Modes: Single-player, Multi-player

Plot
There isn't really much to say about the plot of Viva Pinata: Party Animals except that it has quite a unique plot. The game is based off of the childrens TV show where the pinatas race against one another on Pinata Island to claim the title of top pinata. The pinatas race in competitions and leagues on different tracks to earn as many candiosity as possible and hopefully be crowned the best racing pinata.

Gameplay
This game has a very different perspective compared to its prequel. The gameplay consists mainly of racing and offers some small mini-games on the side. Players chose one pinata to control for a league or a race and control that pinata until the race or league is over. The player must avoid obstacles and other racers power-ups to cross the finish line first. The races are very fast paced with distractions everywhere making the actual race fairly difficult to concentrate on. There are a very limited number of maps to race on as well as a very limited number of playable characters (8), however there are over fifty different mini-games available to play. The game also consists of a multi-player which is pretty much the same as the single-player apart from the exception that you are playing with other people via Xbox Live. The game also supports split-screen where you can race against up to four of your friends. Overall the gameplay is very simple and repetitive but enjoyable at first.


Graphics
The graphics of Viva Pinata: Party Animals are very similar to the game prequel and just as enticing. The game is very bright and colourful with things to look at everywhere you turn. The pinatas look just as they did in the original game except that they are now racing and have female characters too. The graphics are obviously still animated and very smooth and clean leaving no issues. The sound effects make the game even more entertaining; however the commentary can get quite annoying. Overall, there are no issues with the graphics and they are nearly the same as the graphics from the original game.



Controls
The controls are to this game are extremely easy to use and feel like a simplified version of Mario Kart controls. The characters are controlled using the analogue stick and other than that, the only other thing that needs to be used are power-ups which can be activated simply by pressing one button. The controls could be picked up easily by both new and old gamers and there are no issues what-so-ever in this field of the game.

Ratings (Personal)
Plot: 5/10
Game play: 7/10
Graphics: 6/10
Controls: 7/10
Overall: 6/10