Games to Buy - Game Sugguestions for New Xbox 360 Owners

[mrstickball]

Slimebeast said:

But I need some more info about:

Viva Pinata,
only has a semi-demo to download. Could MrStickball (or one with similar tastes) tell me a bit more about it? Like, could my mom or papa get into it, and understand/get it? Has it messy graphics (like super fast, confusing stuff á la Sonic or Mario. I hate that)? Is it a multi-hour campaign, or has multiple scenarios, or is it just "arcade replay" gameplay?

Condemned,
Is it more spookier than Dead Rising? Gameplay length?

EDIT: Stupid me, answers for Condemned were already in the list.

Viva Pinata -

It's a ultra-cute game with adult-oriented gameplay. Ever play the old Maxis game "Sim Farm"? You create a virtual farm and forest to raise creatures on. It's not too fast paced. The "campaign" is an open ended game like a game of Sim City - you progress as long as you like. You eventually keep creating new farms when you learn new techniques and get level progressions. It's kind of difficult to explain, in the fact there are no set levels. You just keep playing and unlocking new creatures by growing proper foods and lands, until you "beat" the game by doing everything. It's not too fast, nor too slow - I do believe you can speed/slow the growth rates of everything.

 Condemned -

 It's vastly scarier than Dead Rising, which was mostly a zombie spoof. Condemned, atleast to me, is one of the scariest games EVER created. It still shows off some of the greatest aspects of next-gen gaming: advanced lighting effects, great sound effects, and a mature, ultra-engrossing plotline. Combat is very similar to Oblivion. It's around 15hrs. Great buy for $20, which is the going rate for it new or used.