Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball (Xbox 360)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 1.5 stars Poor
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 3.5 (1.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Don Francis
• Reviewed on: 09/04/2008
• Released on: 09/03/2008
• Originally published on GameSpot: Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball (Xbox 360) Review

Regardless of when, how, or why the debate over whether pirates or ninjas are better began, Gamecock brings Blazing Lizard's deciding game to the Xbox 360. Whatever your level of interest in pirates, ninjas, or dodgeball, Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball unfortunately fails to deliver much in the way of satisfying action.

If for some reason you are expecting a dedicated simulation of the schoolyard pastime, check your anticipation upon download. Instead of a contemporary blacktop and a host of prepubescent players, Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball populates the matches with the titular characters. It also adds additional unlockable groups, including both robots and zombies. The Story mode gets underway with a series of two-versus-two matches in which you have to whittle down the health of the opposing team's players. As you complete the easier matches, you unlock additional three-versus-three and four-versus-four match types. You only control a single character, but can switch between team members at any time. As a player you can run, jump, throw, catch, deflect, and attack. Throwing with the X button can be varied between strong and light attacks depending on how long you hold the button. By pressing B, you can call in a pass to then unleash a powered-up attack to either deal additional damage or land a near-unavoidable throw.

Even though the character models look good enough to support the zany trappings of the game's concept, they borrow too heavily from other pop culture touchstones to be considered unique. The character close-ups in the story-light cutscenes are passable. For those who can get that far, the zombie storyline offers a surprising amount of adolescent humanity. It is the only payoff in an otherwise drab collection of narratives. Only one story is told in the game, but the cutscenes exist to reveal the characters' backstories, motivations, and oddities through flawed dialogue. In many instances, the characters are so annoying you wish you were on the opposite team just to beat them in the face with the red ball. Fortunately, there isn't much voice acting, otherwise, players might have another reason to play with the sound off in addition to the nauseating, continually looping, repetitive music.

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