Viva Pinata: Party Animals (Xbox 360)

...a fan of the original Viva Pinata, I brought this as soon as I saw it was available, And I have not been disappointed in the least.

The Game
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As the name suggests, this is a party game. Best played with up to 3 friends.

You can choose from 8 of the original characters from Viva Pinata, including my favourite, Francine Fudgehog!

Depending on if you choose a short, medium ...
...starts with a race, then is followed by either 2 , 3 or 5 mini games. The long games have more races and are followed by more mini games. Your place in the race will determine how much candy you get for the mini games, and your place on the leader board. The more candy, the higher you are. Top person wins simple!

Races
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I believe in total there are 10 racecourses. The point of the race simply, get to ... more

As a fan of the original Viva Pinata, I brought this as soon as I saw it was available, And I have not been disappointed in the least.

The Game
--------------

As the name suggests, this is a party game. Best played with up to 3 friends.

You can choose from 8 of the original characters from Viva Pinata, including my favourite, Francine Fudgehog!

Depending on if you choose a short, medium or long game. The format is as follows. Each round starts with a race, then is followed by either 2 , 3 or 5 mini games. The long games have more races and are followed by more mini games. Your place in the race will determine how much candy you get for the mini games, and your place on the leader board. The more candy, the higher you are. Top person wins simple!

Races
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I believe in total there are 10 racecourses. The point of the race simply, get to the end first. But in Mario Kart style, you pick up candies round the track that have power ups. From a rocket to fire at your competitors, wings to fly above and get ahead, or even honey that covers the other players screen, so they cant see where they are going. All in all, great fun to do to your friends.

Mini Games
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The mini games there are a lot of, Normally quite simple, involving collecting as many candies as possible. There are dance games, shooting games, button mashing games, pass the parcel type games and run around like a loon games! Short and manicly fun!

Multiplayer
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As I have said, the game is best played in a group. the silly competitions and bright colours add to a great fun session of stupidness. (added more to by the inclusion of alcohol ;) )

The game does not change at all, if you are playing with friends or not, it still follows the race then mini games format.

Online
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There is an online mode, where you can find other players and join like a normal game. However any experience I have had with this has led to the host quitting the game at the last moment if they are not winning! One of my pet hates of online gaming! But its plays fine, lag free and there is the option of talking to other players using the headsets.

Controls and Playability
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The game is simple to control, being based at a younger audience. Instructions for each game and race are displayed before hand, which does require reading skills but instructions are clear and colourful! Aimed at 3+ age, I would maybe suggest more 5+.

I found this game quite addictive and have got the achievement of playing 5 or more hours! Most of which was me trying to get the achievements. (which insidentally, if you play long enough you will get them all. Just things like win a round of shooting stars etc)

Playing with friends is definately what this game is made for and I still put it in my pile when friends are coming round! All my friends who have played enjoyed it.

Conclusion
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A simple to follow, bright and colourful game. For evenings needing a bit of childish fun this is a must!

4 Stars
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Also posted on Dooyoo.co.uk 

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