by Rhys Rosser

Created on: July 04, 2008

Viva Piata
Introduction
Viva piata was first introduced to the market in 2006, on the Xbox 360 platforms. After a few successes at E3, it has gone from strength to strength, and is now one of the leading family games on the market. However, do not be fooled, it is not just for children and is also for adults, I am in my mid teens and I still quite like it, but it isn't a talking point

Welcome to Piata Island, it is now your job to become the greatest gardener the world has ever seen, grow the plants, and attract new piata by any means necessary, and when you get a call from piata central you know that you are well on your way.

Graphics
The graphics on Viva Piata are absolutely fantastic; it incorporates the colour that would appeal to the younger genet ration, with logical colours that could be seen as educational. For example, the Buzzlegum, the bumblebee, is colour yellow and black. The graphics are also very sharp, and when played on an HD TV, are taken to a new level.
Sound
Not a great deal can be said about the sound, it is of a good quality, and relates well to the game itself, the only time that the sound is really used is for music, fights and when a piata is ill.

Instructions/Ease of use
The instructions are very helpful and were useful when playing the game for the first time. It also is helped by a small tutorial session given by Leafos, a girl who is there when you start; she gives you advice throughout the game and is very useful. The controls are fairly simple, and incorporate a menu which successfully uses all the needs, in a style that relates well to the game.
Storyline
An interesting storyline that unfolds as you work through the game and you can read it in your journal when you have unlocked various chapters. The basis is around the gardener who used to own your garden, but is now an old fuddy duddy. This is kept simple so that it can be understood by the young children that it is aimed at.

Characters
There are 5 main characters and these are Leafos, Storkos, Seedos, Dastardos and Jardiniero. Leafos is the one person who talks to you on the island and you won't get far without her advice. Storkos delivers eggs when you have successfully romanced to piata of the same species. Seedos plants seeds, Dastardos kills piata and Jardiniero is the most gifted gardener ever, he used to work the land that you now own, and he gives you upgrades to your equipment.
Piata
On piata island, there are over 60 different species, and most of these relate to their real animal

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