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Exploring Piñata Island with Rare
Xbox.com: How big is Piñata Island, and how varied are the different regions? Also, how does time of day and climate affect their actions? Gregg Mayles: The Island is big enough to support a whole range of gardens, but each player generally focuses on their own plot of land so it's not the kind of game where you go looking for the forest level, lava level etc. Having said that, you can cultivate your own land however you like, so if you really want a forest then it's not so hard to make that happen... The climate system affects colour and visibility in your garden and can also have an impact on your daily routine (rain cancels out the need to water your plants, for instance). The time system, meanwhile, helps determine when certain species are most active, which Helpers are on or off duty, which daily chores need doing and so on. Xbox.com: What kinds of tools are required, and about how many, to keep on top of the environment; are there rare tools that perform special tasks perhaps? In addition to adorning the animals with funny hairdos etc, can we also decorate their homes, choose music for their jukeboxes... and will they react to that too? Gregg Mayles: The basic tools are the shovel, watering can and grass seed packet, which start off pretty rudimentary but 'level up' as your skills improve. You can also buy things from the village shops including accessories for your Piñatas, some of which have useful side-effects, but it's up to the player to find that out! As for homes, each different species already has its own unique design, just as the romance dance tune is preset to something suitable to get them in the mood.
Xbox.com: How tricky is it to lure the rarest Piñata, can you give a hint as to how we might attract something very special? Is it frowned upon to aim for only nasty animals, do some animals have a negative effect on the Island as well as to each other? Gregg Mayles: The 'nasties’ are the Sours, and when they turn up you'll probably wish they hadn't as they can cause fights, property damage and all sorts of other trouble. They can be rehabilitated though (unlike the Ruffians). The rarity of the others goes up in a kind of hidden scale, from the likes of the Whirlm and Mousemallow to the more impressive and harder-to-get species like the Elephanilla, until you eventually reach the stuff of legends right at the top... Xbox.com: What's the greatest thing that can happen on Piñata Island, and what's the worst? Also, do you have an example of the kinds of tasks set by the locals, and the various rewards received? Gregg Mayles: The very nature of Viva's gameplay makes 'best and worst things' a difficult one to answer. The outcome of anything you try to do depends on how you go about it, so one player's greatest achievement or biggest disappointment could be old news or wishful thinking for someone else! Only Central will set you tasks, and even then only when you prove yourself worthy. The main reward is the experience that your s get when they join the elite ranks sent off to parties around the world - they'll be far more valuable when they return. Xbox.com: On Xbox Live, what kind of challenges can players set for each other? If you trade an animal and you desperately wanted him or her back, is that possible... or is it bye-bye forever (sob)? Gregg Mayles: Players can pack just about anything in their garden into a crate to trade with friends, so anything can be sent back too if you decide you want it back (and if you can persuade your friend to part with it). We do have plans for eventual Xbox Live co-op where players can visit their friends' gardens and dig in, so what you're tasked with doing while you're there is entirely up to the other player. Xbox.com: Thank you Gregg. |
