As a big slap to the face of gaming pundits everywhere XBLA throws more and more games at the apparent misconception that games aren't released in the summer time. Week after week the list of potential summer releases gets longer and longer. I say, bring it on. I'm ready. Well, actually that is patently false as I'm just now finishing up Mass Effect and have about 10 XBLA demos to catch up on. But more is always better, right? Right?!?

Before I go completely bonkers trying to play catch up, here's the latest achievement additions:

• RocketBowl (Win 25 times in a row on Xbox Live...seriously?!?)
• Gin Rummy (Well rounded if possibly a bit uninspired.)
• Pirates vs Ninjas: Dodgeball (Pure awesome!)

And yes, I realize I just made a seperate Geo Wars 2 achievement post. But don't you think it deserves it?

Pointless pontification after the break as per usual.

[via A360P]

Those lucky folks over at Xbox360Fanboy were able to get their  grubby little hands on some extremely good looking shots from Blazing Lizard's upcoming title Pirates Vs. Ninjas: Dodgeball. 

Having finally revealed the fourth and final team that you will be able to play (Pirates, Ninjas, Zombies and Robots), one must wonder how much longer we'll have to wait to play it.  According to X3F, it looks like the only hint we've been given is the first half of this year.

While all of the screen shots (and concept art) have been absolutely gorgeous, what this game will really be judged on is how it plays.  If it can capture the feeling that Super Dodge Ball for the original NES brought us, then I can see this title becoming one of, if not the, best selling titles on the service. 

However, if they miss on the gameplay...

Here's the official trailer for Pirates vs. Ninjas: Dodgeball from Blazing Lizard and Gamecock. It's coming "Early 2008". Watch and enjoy (or complain if that's your style).

Oh, and G4 has more about the game's characters too.

[via GameTrailers/XBLAInsider/X3F, thanks to YourExWife]

It was only a matter of time, right? And now we have the official announcement. Gamecock is bringing Blazing Lizard's opus, Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball, to XBLA.

And just in case the historical accurate animosity between swashbucklers and ninjutsu practitioners never interested you, Blazing Lizard has finally announced the third team (two more are still secret) that will be hurling spheres (at breakneck speed) toward your unsuspecting head -- Zombies. How seasonally appropriate of them.

The game is slated for Q1 2008 but to tide you over till then, here are some fresh concept art and environment shots. Press release after the break.

Previous coverage here.

[via IGN and Blazing Lizard, thanks Blue_Falcon]

 

Pirates vs. Ninjas: Dodgeball is now one step closer to arriving on XBLA unspecified "home console download platforms in the first quarter of 2008". Gamecock has just announced that they have entered into an agreement with Blazing Lizard to publish the game.

Considering Blazing Lizard is chock-full of former Volition employees (makers of Xbox 360 exclusive Saint's Row), the likelihood that PvN:D will arrive on XBLA seems very high.

For more on the game, check out the Blazing Lizard site here. Click on Games for Dodgeball screenshots and concept art.

Official Gamecock site here.

[via Gamasutra]

Since I've been horribly backlogged with tips and other stories I thought I'd turn this into a regularly occurring feature. It's an easy way for me to catch up and also harness your collective tipster skillz.

So, here's what's been happening around the XBLA world that I haven't had the chance to share:

Former Volition employees (Saint's Row) have today announced the first game that they will create at their new company that focuses on downloadable games, Blazing Lizard. Needless to say nerds around the world will be overjoyed with the fact that they will be able to find out who finally is better Ninjas or Pirates as both sides throw down in a classic game of dodgeball with the title Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball. The title will be a first in the Pirates vs Ninjas series. Dodgeball has been done very well in the past with Super Dodgeball and the minigame in Bully, so it's time to get excited because we can expect Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball in early 2008 on Xbox Live Arcade (hopefully).

[Via Evil Avatar, thanks to all that tipped us]