Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise

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For the original game, see Viva Piñata.
For the cartoon released in conjunction with this game, see Viva Piñata (TV series).
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Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise

Developer(s) Rare Ltd.
Publisher(s) THQ[1]
Platform(s) Nintendo DS
Release date North America Fall 2008
PAL TBA
Japan TBA
Genre(s) Life Simulation
Mode(s) Single player
Rating(s) BBFC: U
ESRB: RP (rating Pending)
Media Nintendo DS Game Card

Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise is a life simulation game developed by Rare Ltd., for the Nintendo DS video game console and is directly based on the original game, not an all-new game in the series. This version will be developed by Rare's handheld team, as opposed to Viva Piñata: Party Animals and the PC version of the original game, which were developed by third-party developers. This is Rare's second Nintendo DS project, after Diddy Kong Racing DS which was developed by the same team.

Contents

[edit] History

Back in 2005, Electronic Gaming Monthly reported that Rare was hard at work on two projects for the Nintendo DS. Their first Nintendo DS game released was Diddy Kong Racing DS, so that game and Viva Piñata were most likely the two projects mentioned.[2]

Viva Piñata for the Nintendo DS was first hinted at in an interview between Microsoft Game Studios and 1UP.com at the DICE 2007 Summit in Las Vegas.

“A Kameo or a Viva Piñata on a DS makes a lot of sense in a lot of ways from a franchise perspective. I think it’s fair to say that we’re going to continue to invest in that property [Viva Piñata]. Whether that is in the form of a sequel, a product line extension or through merchandising, whatever the case may be, that’s something that we’re going to stick with.” ” Whether you’re talking about [publishing games on] mobile or the DS — you probably won’t see it on the PSP, though.” - Shane Kim Corporate Vice President for Microsoft Game Studios[3]

The game was announced later at Comic-Con 2007.[4]

[edit] Development

According to Rare, the Nintendo DS version is the same game as the original game, such as "starting with ruined garden, attracting Piñata, growing flowers and trees, buying things from shops." Like the PC version, it "takes advantage of the hardware available, so you interact using the stylus."[5]

Rare also explains on their website that "you'll also be given free reign with an expanded selection of tools and tool actions, upgraded forms of the Journal and Encyclopedia, and brand new game modes such as Sandbox (for full and easy access to your favourite Piñatas) and Episodes (tying in more closely to the TV series and allowing fans of the show to spend quality time with familiar faces)."

"But one of the biggest changes is obviously the control method, with stylus input transforming the way in which you interact with your menagerie. Design, nurture, instruct, protect and care for your garden and animals through direct touch. DS wireless connectivity also lets you send prime Piñata specimens to your friends, making the act of parading your Doenut around in a humiliating pirate outfit easier than ever."[6]

It has also been announced that there will be seven new types of piñatas.[7]

In an interview by Gamasutra, Rare mentions that it's all stylus-controlled, and it works really well. The menu control was modified so that it uses the stylus well. Rare mentions that it's a lot more accurate. Rare also mentions that the DS version fits into the same mold as Civilization and SimCity DS, and that god-type games work well with the stylus and touch screen. Rare then mentions that the team has done a good job of getting most of the important parts out of the original game into the DS version, and that it stands up really well.

When mused that the DS version could outsell the original version which was "somewhat market mismatched", James Thomas, who developed the original, quipped: "Yeah, I think we've all come to terms with that. We'll be sobbing ourselves to sleep saying 'At least we set up a solid franchise!'" Justin Cook added: "But we always wanted them to do the best job they could, and they have. When I played it, I secretly wanted to be on that team for a while, but they obviously didn't need us at all." When asked when the game would be released Rare replied "soon".[8]

In a May 2008 interview with members from the team, the question "Was it always the plan to transfer Viva Piñata across to the DS, or did it take some prompting?" received the response "In discussions for a follow-on project for DKR DS it became a greater focal point, and in hindsight, seeing what we came up with, it's proven to be a complete no-brainer. We love it." from the game's producer, Paul Machacek.[9]

[edit] Release

On 13th May 2008 THQ officially announced the release of Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise in the Fall of 2008.[10][11]

On 22nd May 2008 Rare opened a dedicated Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise section on their website.[12]

The game's producer, Paul Machacek, was also interviewed on IGN[13]

Screenshots are also available on Rare's website.[14]

[edit] References

  1. ^ MundoRare | Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise is on the way to Nintendo DS
  2. ^ Rare working on 2 DS games
  3. ^ Microsoft - Viva Piñata, Kameo makes a lot of sense on DS
  4. ^ Viva Piñata heads to DS
  5. ^ Viva Piñata Breaking Open on DS
  6. ^ 30/7/07: Handheld Horstachios
  7. ^ Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise Interview
  8. ^ Exclusive: Rare Talks Viva Piñata DS
  9. ^ May 2008 Interview
  10. ^ THQ Press Release
  11. ^ THQ press release on Rare's website
  12. ^ Rare's VP:PP Homepage
  13. ^ IGN interview with VP:PP producer
  14. ^ VP:PP Screenshots on Rare's website

[edit] External links

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Viva Piñata series
Games
Viva Piñata · Party Animals · Pocket Paradise · Trouble in Paradise
TV series