Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise

Nintendo DS

Porting a video game from a next-gen system to a handheld system usually results in less than spectacular results, so it’s a huge surprise that Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise for the Nintendo DS outshines its Xbox 360 cousin. Challenging players to cultivate a garden that will be inviting to a myriad of living piñatas, the game is a basic life sim with quirky twists. Though it’s rated E for Everyone, the game features simulated piñata sex and piñatas that will convert fruit to fertilizer, complete with hilarious sound effects. Streamlined user interfaces and garden progression are a relief after the tedious game play on 360. However, with some added tie-ins to the new animated series, you should crack open this piñata before the franchise becomes oversaturated like Power Rangers and Pokémon.