Word of a new Nintendo 3DS entry in the long-running ninja series Shinobi leaked out yesterday, and now publisher Sega has made it official. The new game, called simply Shinobi, is due to launch in September.

"Players will become a true ninja legend by mastering a brand new combo system switching between melee, ranged and acrobatic attacks," Sega said in the announcement. "They will also need to rely on Jiro's ninja magic to get an advantage over their enemies and get out of tight spots."

The new side-scrolling ninja 'em up is developed by Griptonite Games. The studio has previously created heaps of Nintendo DS versions of multi-platform games, and worked on Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines for PSP.

"For years the fans have been asking for a new Shinobi," said Sega West senior VP of marketing Gary Knight. "With Shinobi on Nintendo 3DS we are able to answer their prayers and bring this legendary series to the next level."