Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball (Wii) - Review by Chris

Introduction

The age old internet meme: who would win in a fight between pirates and ninjas? It's been around for a long time and you'd think that game developers would have seen fit, by now, to create a game to finally answer the question. But thankfully, Blazing Lizard have brought it upon themselves to do just that, but not in the way you'd think as they cutlass and ninja-to aren't clashing against one another, more the two square off to see who can best one another in a game of dodgeball.

Gameplay

As the title of the game suggests, this is all about pitting these two very distinct and very different cultures against one another in a rectangle arena and giving them some red balls to throw at one another. It's as simplistic as it sounds, although there are options to change up and vary the playing style. The game incorporates an exhibition mode where players can go up against the AI and its 3 difficulty settings as well as choosing the parameters within which they can duke it out, such as hot potato, where all throws are of the super strength type, or no brawl, where you're not allowed to hit or strike your opponents to make them drop the ball. There is also a story mode where you choose from one of the seven available teams to take through their own story, with only the pirate and ninja ones being unlocked at the beginning and the others becoming playable once you finish the previous ones. It's a nice touch and does provide some longevity to a title that is best played in short bursts but the real problem with the story mode is that all the stories, regardless of which team you select, are almost identical and lack the variety that will keep players coming back to play through. It's a shame and a real missed opportunity. Another problem is that the AI is either really good or really bad so the difficult fluctuates immensely. As a result, it can be hard to get into a groove or enjoy it because at one moment, you'll find it too easy and at the next you'll find it almost impossible.

There's also a challenge mode for you to try your hand at where you'll be tasked with reaching a certain outcome in a match yet this lacks depth because there are only 10 challenges and while they are initially difficult, once you're used to the game and its mechanics, you'll blaze through these quickly. Finally, there's the obligatory multiplayer mode where up to 4 players can compete against one another in one of the game's arena and in one of two distinct playing styles: either dodgebrawl, where all players are allowed free reign of movement around the whole court and are allowed to attack their opponents, or the traditional dodgeball. It's the basic setup in terms of modes yet it's so rudimentary and lacklustre that there is no real spark between the game and the player, meaning that you'll never really find much enjoyment beyond the initial sit down. It doesn't feel like a game of dodgeball really, and that has nothing to do with the characters. The action is slow paced and maybe just a bit of an increase in tempo would have helped in the enjoyment factor.

Controls

The game's controls are easy to pick up and you'll never really have trouble using them. Combining the Wii-mote and Nunchuk, you'll use the analogue stick to move your selected character around the arena, with the C and Z buttons being used to change character and for dodging, and with the Wii-mote you'll be flicking to simulate the throwing motion as well as for hitting your opponents. The A and B buttons are then used for jumping and passing the ball, respectively, and the d-pad can be used to dodge but it's awkward to reach and pull off in the game but sometimes you'll never need to dodge. If you're quick witted, you'll never use it. It's an easy and accessible setup but the flicking of the Wii-mote seems tacked on and wholly unnecessary. Some more thought into getting the best setup for the controls without having to force gesturing on the player would have been appreciated.

Graphics

There are a total of 7 teams to choose from and a decent selection of arenas as well to fight in. Yet when it comes to characters, while they all look good and distinct in their style, with the styles covering monsters, zombies, aliens, robots, pirates, ninjas and even a throwback to one of South Peak's published titles Mushroom Men, but they lack any distinction beyond that. Their animations are carbon copies of one another and these are sluggish and not of the highest standard. Arenas are varied in their designs, coupling up with the styles of the available teams, yet they look bland and generally don't impress. I know it's a dodgeball title yet South Peak Games have stated that the arenas are interactive yet they aren't and some interactivity along with more detail and environmental pieces would make for some more interesting and memorable places.

Sound

Apparent from the odd grunt and groan in the arenas, there isn't much in the way of sound. There is music that has been habituated to the respective arenas but it's not something you'll take specific notice of. The story mode lacks any voiceovers for the cutscenes but this being a budget title, it's probably for the best that we've been spared from hearing what would have been some truly awful voice work as actors try to impersonate pirates.

Final comments

While the initial play can be fun, subsequent playing is lacklustre. The developers have tried to create longevity to the title through the modes available but when the core gameplay is just so unmoving, it's hard to see anyone other than younger gamers taking to the challenge of actually playing through these modes. Creating a decent video game out of the sport of dodgeball will always be a tough challenge but with the shortcomings this title has, it looks like it'll be a long time before the pace and action that dodgeball can produce can be replicated into a game.

Pro: A decent to play through, some fan service with the Mushroom Men appearing
Con: Lacks any real depth, graphics are average at best, the fun dwindles after the initial play
Final score: 5.1

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