Microsoft Game Studios and Krome Studios sends word that Viva Pinata: Party Animals has reached store shelves today for the Xbox 360.

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 favourite 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 colourful Piñatas send burp fuelled 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.

Plus, gamers will love taking on the persona of several new characters in the Piñata line-up who are ready to get their game on:

Meet Hailey Horstachio: There’s only one way to describe Piñata Island’s newest Spanish sensation, and that’s “Muy Caliente!” No other Piñata combines style, glamour, and spice quite like Hailey Horstachio. Always seen at the right party with the right Piñata at the right time, Hailey’s already established herself as a super-chic fashion icon who sets the trend every time she steps out on the scene. She’s also a great athlete, and believes winning the competition will launch her star into the stratosphere, while also reminding another certain Horstachio that there’s a new horsey on the block.

Meet Petunia Pretztail: Petunia may appear soft-spoken and well-mannered, but buried beneath that quiet exterior is a karate-chopping, kung-fu-fighting thrill seeker. Since arriving on Piñata Island from the Land of the Rising Sun, Petunia’s daredevil-may-care antics have made quite an impression, good and bad. Some, like Paulie, find her aggressive streak a little intimidating, while others, like BFF Hailey Horstachio, appreciate her live-in-the-moment attitude towards life. Ultra-competitive and always up for a new challenge, Petunia can’t wait to test her skills in the competition, score a big victory, and hopefully score some one-on-one time with a certain brainy Pretztail.

“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 colourful 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 (CDN) and is rated E for Everyone.

The Perfect Accessory for Viva Piñata: Party Animals Fans

Whether you’re shopping for Halloween or for the Holidays, your favourite little goblin will love the new Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers in pink and blue. Adding a splash of color to the holiday season for an estimated retail price of $59.99 (CDN), the whole family can enjoy Xbox 360 with these bright additions to the “chill” and black Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers.

The pink and blue Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers will make a great gift this holiday season for newer gamers. Delivering high-performance wireless gaming, the Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers feature all of the convenience and flexibility of the originals with a unique twist of personality. Now every member of the family can have a favourite color controller to match their favourite animal from “Viva Piñata: Party Animals.”