Once upon a time Rare though they had a winner; a game which would end all the confusion between a hardcore console and a kiddie console. Viva PiƱata was supposed to change the way we think about Xbox 360 gaming by showing off a title that would make children feel more inclined to game on a “big boys console.”
Unfortunately, execution of Rare’s new franchise title came with a few rough patches, namely Gears of War. Earlier on they had press releases and conferences about how this game was going to interact with users, inspire them to watch Viva PiƱata the cartoon to get new recipes for the game which would allow you to create new breeds of PiƱata. There were a few flaws in the plan. They didn’t hype the game enough prior to the release and then they decided to launch the game during the over-hyped Gears of War title.
Oddly enough my children (two and four years of age) would rather watch Sponge Bob and Dora reruns than a single episode of Viva PiƱata. I thought the show was cute and the bright colors and crazy creatures would draw children like moths to a flame, but they just didn’t care.
My children were too young to play the first Viva PiƱata and it didn’t provide enough interest for them to watch me play it and invest the hours. I found the game to be creative and fun… for awhile. Once my happy little PiƱatas started eating each other and fighting constantly I realized the joy was gone. If I want to listen to screaming and fighting I’ve got my own children, babysitting PiƱatas in a fake garden just wasn’t doing it for me.
Now, Viva PiƱata: Trouble in paradise has been given a date of September by Eurogamer. Rare is stating we’ll have 30 new PiƱata’s to play with along with new environments, co-op play and other cute options. Admittingly, Drop-in/Drop-out co-op play does sound kind of neat but my emotional scares from the first title have not healed yet.
I was told there would be a great deal of downloadable content (DLC) for Viva PiƱata. but found nothing available after I purchased the game and, if content exists now, I’ve long since lost interest in the game. The idea was solid, the demographic was available but the execution went flat. You cannot expect older gamers with children to believe Microsoft or Rare are planning to give us real kids games when you release a single title and show us no other kids games for two years.
At this point, if you’re looking for a console with more kid-friendly gaming you’re going to buy a Wii every single time. Titles on the Wii work for both young adults, teenagers, kids and older grandparents while the 360 goes strong with the 18-34 year-old male demographic.
If you want to be serious about bringing kids on board, Viva PiƱata is going to need some friends not just a single sequel. Otherwise, you’re going to find out quick that the 18-34 demographic will simply nod politely and move on to their next great fix… Gears of War 2 perhaps (November, 2008).
If the upcoming Viva PiƱata franchise executes like its prior title there will definitely be some trouble in paradise.
Hi guys.
Sorry for not commenting the last few episodes, but much trouble going on in real life, did noit find enough time to listen and enjoy your podcast š
I played a lot of Magic the Gathering becuase its short and i could play it on my own. Besides i played some WoW Classic WOTLK. And some time i spent with Life is strange true colors (still did not finish it)
Dorfromantik: I told you its addictive .. i love it as well š Its easy to calm down and play a round, easy listening smooth music … and you dont get anrgy if it ends .. you dont “loose” or get killed or stuff like that.
Krypto Stuff: i will not miss if if it would be gone. I am still not into it and i dont think i will be the next time … so … i dont care š
Demon Souls / Dark Souls: OMG … this games freaked me out … i tried them so often but they are so damn hard … did not finish any (besides Bloodbourne if this counts).
System Shock / Bio Shock: never played System Shock and only some hours of BioShock 1…
So long .. stay healthy guys and thanks for your effort you put in any episode <3
Greetings,
Ralf