When someone talks about "God Games" most gamers think about Populous, Sim City, or Civilization. They take place in worlds were you make all the decisions; where that tree will be planted, where the water and land is, and most importantly were the inhabitants will live. These games are made for the micro-managers. Most virtual life games deal with humans and their struggles but ever so often a game comes and breaks the stereotypes. Black and White, Sim Ant, and Spore are all games that fly in the face of convention and blaze there own path. Viva Pinata in one of these games.

The concept centers around the question "Where do Pinatas come from and how do they live?" Obviously this makes for a whimsical visual style. The idea is inventive and fresh at a time when the market feels flooded with sequels, remakes, and knock offs. The game was developed in tandem with a Saturday morning cartoon with the same premise. If that is an asset or a liability remains to be seen. However my bet is on the former. Rare Ltd., the game developer, is good at what they do I believe they can make a great game even if its a licensed property. Viva Pinata's largest hurtle is not its cartoon counter part but the perceived notion that it's a kids game. With it's bright colors and cuddly appearance one could easily pass it by. Will adult gamers turn their nose at it and potentially miss a refreshing and original game experience. The flip side to this coin is also hard to predict. In the past "God Games" have many advanced features that makes them complicated to play. If Viva Pinata was made for kids and not older gamers will it connect with its target audience. If it's to hard for kids and to cute for adults in might find it's self stuck between a rock and a hard place with no sales.