October 31^st, 2007 (11:44am) - Microsoft Game Studios and Krome Studios present the latest party gaming extravaganza developed exclusively for Xbox 360. Arriving in stores today, "Viva Piñata: Party Animals" is a social party game for gamers age 6 and up that is set inside an episode of the critically acclaimed 4Kids TV™ Viva Piñata animated series. The game will be available starting October 30th in time for the Piñatas to take in all the candy of Halloween. Regardless of whether you are young or just young at heart, "Viva Piñata: Party Animals" is a real treat for gamers of all ages.

In the game, players star as their favorite candy-filled Piñata from the popular Saturday morning animated series including Franklin Fizzlybear, Hudson Horstachio, Paulie Pretztail, Fergy Fudgehog, and more as they compete for fame and fortune in more than 50 distinct mini-games and races across Piñata Island. "Viva Piñata: Party Animals" features Xbox LIVE and local multi-player contests, like Burps Ahoy!, where colorful Piñatas send burp fueled sailboats across Lake Piñata! Nothing gets a hungry Piñata’s candiosity up like a sweet, yummy caramel apple! Players bob their way through Caramel Apple Gobble taking big bites out of the fruit, chewing it up as fast as they can to be the first one done. Or they can squeal with delight as they tackle Blown Away – a game of hot potato unlike any other – where they trick their pals into being the one left holding an exploding jack o’ lantern.

"Viva Piñata: Party Animals" is designed especially with friends and family in mind. Gamers of all ages can gather around the living room or connect from afar, with up to four gamers playing simultaneously over Xbox LIVE or split screen. "Viva Piñata: Party Animals" is the perfect game for parents looking for new ways to connect with their kids or friends just looking to share a few laughs. Pushing the advanced capabilities of the Xbox 360, "Viva Piñata: Party Animals" brings the colorful world of Piñata Island to life in way that’ll ensure that fans have a blast whether they’re playing for a few hours or just a few minutes.

Made exclusively for Xbox 360, "Viva Piñata: Party Animals" is available in stores now for $49.99 (U.S.) and is rated E for Everyone.