New DS Viva Pinata info dug up from Rare

Members of the Rare team working on Viva Piñata for DS have divulged early details about the game over at the developer's official site.

"Basically VPDS is a streamlined version of the 360 version, all of the features are present from the 360 version but we have utilised the dual screens to give the player instant information about requirements, etc," said the team's DS designer, Gary, with regards to the differences between this new version and the original game on the Xbox 360 home console.

But he wasn't finished: "Also we have implemented a full touchscreen interface which really adds to the game experience. On top of that we have new piñatas, tools, etc. So basically quite a lot."

On DS, the game is apparently split into episodes, which is something a lot of similar open-world games such as The Sims have done when converting the experience to handheld. Familiar characters from the TV series will guide the player through the game and teach them new skills. The game won't feature co-op, but you are able to trade piñatas wirelessly with other players.

Though the team didn't want to give too much away regarding the new piñatas promised for the game, it did also go on to say: "If you're lucky you might get to see a Bispotti or maybe even the elusive Jeli".

Rare declined to comment on whether a publisher for the game has been decided on yet, or on a possible release date (although it did confirm, somewhat worryingly, that it would be coming out before 2010).

We loved Viva Piñata on Xbox 360. If it's successfully translated to DS it could be even better than Animal Crossing, so here's hoping.

We'll bring you more news on the game as we get it, obviously.