3DS Release Date For Shinobi Sneaks Out From SEGA – CRUSH3D Follows Suit

One of SEGA’s most well-loved characters and former figureheads will be making his return to home consoles later in the year. The Shinobi franchise will be making its return with the first entry in the series since 2003, as Shinobi is due to be released on Nintendo 3Ds. That game has now been given the official street date of 11th November 2011 by SEGA executives. Following hot on the heels of the confirmation, SEGA have also stated that puzzling sequel CRUSH3D will be released on 17th February 2012 – taking the action into the third dimension.

Unfortunately, players of the new Shinobi game will not play as the Ninja warrior we all know and love from his early Arcade and Master System antics, as SEGA describe that; Shinobi for Nintendo 3DS will put players in the shoes of Jiro Musashi, the father of Joe Musashi from the original 1989 release, offering a glimpse into Musashi family history. Sporting a vast story mode as well as an innovative, yet to be announced StreetPass™ mode, Shinobi will keep players coming back for more ninja action.

CRUSH was a highly-rated portable puzzler in 2007, but it didn’t receive the sales figures it deserved, however, with the sequel, SEGA are looking to right that wrong as; CRUSH3D is set in the mind of the young protagonist Danny, where he is testing out his friend’s new invention C.R.U.S.H. When the machine falls in love with Danny, he has to work his way through mind-stretching puzzles that blend 2D and 3D elements to escape its clutches.

Whilst you wait for these two big titles to arrive, why not view the Shinobi announcement trailer here?

Shinobi will release on Nintendo 3DS on November 11th 2011, whilst CRUSH3D arrives on February 17th 2012.