Shinobi returns on the Nintendo 3DS

SEGA has announced that the Shinobi franchise will be making it’s return to the video game scene after 8 years of slumber.  Releasing exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS, Shinobi is being developed by Griptonite Games and will be available in September 2011.

Shinobi is the long anticipated return of the fan favorite series and includes the classic side-scrolling action gameplay players have loved since the original. Shinobi introduces several exciting new features such as StreetPass™ and a large assortment of achievements and challenges to unlock.

“For years the fans have been asking for a new Shinobi,” said Gary Knight, Senior Vice President of Marketing of SEGA West. “With Shinobi on Nintendo 3DS we are able to answer their prayers and bring this legendary series to the next level.”

Shinobi tells the story of Jiro Musashi, the leader of the Oboro clan and father of Joe Musashi, the hero of the first iterations of Shinobi. Players will become a true ninja legend by mastering a brand new combo system switching between melee, ranged and acrobatic attacks. They will also need to rely on Jiro’s ninja magic to get an advantage over their enemies and get out of tight spots.

Check out the screenshots for Shinboi for the Nintendo 3DS