Rare reveals Viva Pinata @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on March 15, 2006

News: Microsoft's attempt to steal the hearts and minds of children everywhere will commence this Fall.

A month ago Rare hinted at their next project: Viva Pinata. Today, they've revealed just what Viva Pinata is.

Viva Pinata is a full-on assault into kid-dom with toys, a Saturday morning cartoon and an Xbox 360 game developed by Rare.

The world of Viva Pinata will bring a civilization of talking pinatas to life on Pinata Island. They will joined by a group of children and together they will crazy comedic adventures on Pinata Island.

Pinata Island will also be expanded through an Xbox 360 game created by Rare that sounds like a mixture of The Sims, Animal Crossing and Pikmin:

Set to release this holiday season worldwide, "Viva Pinata" is a customizable, social and spontaneous game that invites players of all ages and skills to explore an immersive world where they are challenged to create and maintain a living garden ecosystem that grows in real time. Beginning with a few basic tools, players build and take control of their environment to attract and host more than 60 species of wild pinata, utilizing hundreds of customizable elements to create their very own distinctively unique thriving paradise.

The game will constantly "evolve" with new content already planned for Xbox Live. Online play and pinata trading will also be a big part of Viva Pinata's Live experience. It is also Microsoft's first real attempt to break into the kids' game market with the Xbox.

"With 'Viva Pinata,' we are introducing a revolutionary brand that will entertain, inspire and excite children, families and creative minds around the globe," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft Corp. "With Rare and 4Kids Entertainment we will best showcase the vibrant world of 'Viva Pinata,' enabling a mass audience to have an immersive experience via the animated television series, the Xbox 360 title and related merchandise."

We'll have more after we break the pinata and reveal the sweet, sweet secrets inside.