What games are here do a decent job of providing the kind of easy-to-learn gameplay that will keep the youngsters happy, but leave the grown folks bored after a few plays. Even the games that seem to feature button-mashing madness, like the apple-eating contest, never quite feels like you are in control of how quickly things are happening on screen. Better events focus on well-timed jumping or stick swinging, although even some of the better-hit balls strangely fall well short of their target in the piñata-hitting contest. Some of the most entertaining games feature old piñata favorites, like the Raisant bashing game, or the aforementioned Ruffian mashing candy collection.
Live play is just as solid as playing over the same console with in-house friends. Playing online may be your best bet to see all the challenge events, as one of the gamers in the group needs to have a challenge unlocked for all four to play it. Being a party game, the game really shines when you play against friends. It offers play online or off for up to four players to battle against each other for piñata supremacy. If anything keeps you plugging away at this lacking title, it will be the joy of playing with friends and the easily attainable achievements.
With the 360 so devoid of family-friendly party games, Party Animals should have been a slam-dunk, not just slightly better than Fusion Frenzy 2. The game gets the tone and characters right, but this time the piñatas feel stuffed with quick-cash rather than candy.
