Startup studio Blazing Lizard has announced its first console downloadable game, Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball.

The first game in the Pirates vs. Ninjas series allows up to eight players to choose from five 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 six highly 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 new-gen proprietary game engine. There will be Exhibition, Story, and Challenge modes and multiplayer support for four players local / eight players online, and four-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.

For more information, visit blazinglizard.com.