Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise

 Xbox 360
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 64 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 64
  3. Negative: 0 out of 64
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  1. Destructoid
    73
    Online integration, what I think is the most fascinating new feature of the game.
  2. HellBored
    72
    While still pretty and all, Trouble in Paradise doesn't move forward enough to warrant a purchase if you've played the previous ones.
  3. X-ONE Magazine UK
    70
    Attempts to open up Viva Pinata kind of miss the point. Whether this is a failure in marketing or development is anyone’s guess, but adults will still have fun.
  5. NZGamer
    70
    I can’t help but feeling that, while a good deal of effort has gone into enhancing the essential Viva Piñata experience, the limitation of things I can put in my garden when there is so much on offer really does kill my buzz.
  6. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    70
    Here comes cooperative multiplayer – the “family fun” at its best. Sequel to colorful strategy game brings lots of improvements unfortunately many of them are only cosmetic changes. [Oct 2008]
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  7. Gamestyle
    70
    If this is your first foray into the VP world then you’ll love it, but for those of us who were waiting for a true sequel, we’d best be more patient.
  8. Hardcore Gamer
    70
    It’s cute, approachable by all, and most of all its addicting and creative gameplay can get its hooks in you pretty deep if you let it.
  9. Thunderbolt
    70
    Like many sequels, Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise excels at adding additional content to an already workable premise, but fails at properly expanding on the core experience beyond the original.
  10. Official Xbox Magazine
    65
    Even if there were room to experiment, a few dozen animals aren’t sufficient to lure back veteran gardeners for long, and newcomers are bound to wonder why life on the island is so needlessly difficult. In the end, Trouble in Paradise proves to be aptly named.
  11. Gameplayer
    55
    Unfortunately the final experience feels exclusively created for folk stuck in a confined area with a lot of spare time on their hands and few other recreational options. Like, say, in prison.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
91
#91 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
50
#50 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 72
  3. Negative: 6 out of 72
  1. Sceptic
    Feb 3, 2013
    10
    Despite its cutesy look,which is utterly charming,there's a hardcore sim underneath the surface to rival the likes of the Total WarDespite its cutesy look,which is utterly charming,there's a hardcore sim underneath the surface to rival the likes of the Total War series.There's a hundred hours of absolutely addictive gameplay here that never plays the same way twice and will certainly remain in my top ten games for the long,long time.P.S-Keep a journal for your next playthrough.A must have.… Full Review »
  2. Para-Dox
    Oct 21, 2010
    10
    This game is brilliant. Just For Fun eases new player into Pinata island and normal gardening mode will challenge the veterans. ProfessorThis game is brilliant. Just For Fun eases new player into Pinata island and normal gardening mode will challenge the veterans. Professor Pester and his ruffians makes your gardening more of a handful. I really don't understand how anybody could rate this lower than eight? A must-have… Full Review »
  3. Rox22
    Dec 12, 2012
    8
    It is more or less the exact same game as the first one, just with improvements and additions. Making it feel more like a large expansionIt is more or less the exact same game as the first one, just with improvements and additions. Making it feel more like a large expansion pack, than a new game. But even so, those improvements are good, and replaying a game I enjoyed the first time is great. I would score it higher, as it does deserve it, but due to the lack of innovation I can't. Overall: Still as good as the original, perhaps even better. But the lack of original content is really it's only criticism.… Full Review »
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