Viva Pinata: Party Animals review

Overshadowing the less fun challenge events, the races are where Party Animals really shines. The tracks are fun and varied, with playful themes and bright, cheerful environments. Of course, lots of devious power-ups are scattered throughout the tracks to thwart opponents, like sticky honey to slow other pinatas down and Flutterscotch wings to help you fly past the competition. Secret shortcuts also appear in every race, many of which are cleverly hidden.

Pinata voice acting is thankfully kept to a minimum, as the only voices are those of the two Pinata commentators who give play-by-plays of the minigame action. We prefer the tranquility of the non-talking pinatas in the original game to the obnoxious voice acting of the TV show, so it's a huge relief that Paulie Pretztail and Fergie Fudgehog's annoying yammering is nowhere to be heard. Even still, announcer Pierre Parrybo's ultra-French outbursts start to grate after awhile.