XBox 360 Rally

After the release of the incredibly awesome Saints Row for the Xbox 360, many members of the Volition team that developed Saints Row, as well as other beautifully gorific titles as Red Faction and The Punisher, left to form their own developer studio, Blazing Lizard.

So what would the first game to be released by a developer house formed almost entirely of men who specialize in simulating death in glorious fashion? Dodgeball, naturally.

Blazing Lizard, which last week announced their intention to specialize in “family-friendly content” announced their first game: Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball.

Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball is the first in a series of Pirates vs. Ninjas titles. Being able to pick from one of five teams (including both Ninjas and Pirates, rumor has it), you and seven of your friends will be able to face off with friends over Xbox LIVE as you run around six seperate arenas, including the beached pirate ship you see in the screenshots.

So, why would Ninjas and Pirates battle to the death, you ask? Blazing Lizard’s Studio Director, Chris Stockman, has the answer:

What more needs to be said when it comes to Pirates vs. Ninjas. This is the ultimate in rivalries, and we aim to have them settle it with all out balls to the wall action.

So what do you think, people? Who would win in the epic struggle between Pirates and Ninjas? If you ask me, the answer is obvious — Lumberjacks.

UPDATO MAGNIFICO:
So, I had to ask. I got ahold of resident dreamboat Chris Stockman and asked him, straight up “will there be Lumberjacks?”

I can officially say we have no plans for a lumberjack team. Good guess though ;).

This writer can officially be classified as a “sad panda”.

BLAZING LIZARD ANNOUNCES PIRATES VS. NINJAS™ DODGEBALL

WE SET OUT TO FINALLY ANSWER AGE OLD QUESTION

SAVOY, IL – AUGUST 13, 2007 – For decades, mankind has contemplated what would have happened if two historical icons had battled… with balls. Finally, there’s a studio brave enough to tackle this difficult question. Blazing Lizard, Inc today proudly announces its first console downloadable game, Pirates vs. Ninjas™ Dodgeball.

The first game in the Pirates vs. Ninjas™ series allows up to 8 players to choose from 5 unique teams (Pirates, Ninjas, and three more to be unveiled later), and compete against one another in the ultimate sport of champions – Dodgeball. However, this is no ordinary Dodgeball game. Teams aren’t restricted to one side of the court, instead they roam freely around 6 gorgeously detailed arenas. In addition, characters are equipped with combat moves and special abilities to deliver a more action-packed experience than could ever be found on the playground.

Pirates vs. Ninjas™ Dodgeball is being developed using Infyrno™, Blazing Lizard’s next-gen proprietary game engine. It allows for sweet gameplay with an art style and theme suited for all age groups. There will be Exhibition, Story, and Challenge modes and multiplayer support for 4 players Local / 8 players Online, and 4-player Co-op modes.

“What more needs to be said when it comes to Pirates vs. Ninjas,” said Chris Stockman, Studio Director of Blazing Lizard. “This is the ultimate in rivalries, and we aim to have them settle it with all out balls to the wall action.”

Pirates vs. Ninjas™ Dodgeball will be available for download on yet to be announced home console systems in the first quarter of 2008.

ABOUT BLAZING LIZARD, INC.
Formed in early 2007, Blazing Lizard’s goal is to create high quality, compelling console downloadable games for all platforms. Their first game Pirates vs. Ninjas™ Dodgeball is poised to redefine consumer expectations of console downloadable games when it’s released for a TBD platform in the first quarter of 2008.

Microsoft, Xbox 360, Blazing Lizard, Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball