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First look: Shinobi

Check out exclusive screens from and new details on Sega's update of its classic ninja series.

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Long before video games featuring ninjas began to place a greater emphasis on stealth, the standard ninja game consisted of mayhem and death. As a result, the average gamer's impression of a ninja was of a conspicuous killing machine equipped with an assortment of weapons, usually including loads of shuriken. Sega's excellent Shinobi series stood tall among these types of ninja games. After debuting in the arcade, the series popped up on Sega's home consoles and portable hardware, with appearances on the Master System, Genesis, Saturn, and Game Gear. Unfortunately, the series stalled following the Vic Tokai-published Shinobi Legions on the Saturn in 1995, leaving fans to wonder if there would ever be a return to glory for Sega's premier ninja. Thankfully, after a seven-year wait, Sega has announced a new entry in the series, tentatively titled Shinobi, for the PlayStation 2.

The latest entry in the series focuses on a new ninja, Hotsuma, the leader of the Oboro ninja clan. Following a catastrophic earthquake that leaves Tokyo in ruins, a mysterious force sets out to obliterate what's left of the Oboro clan. Naturally, Hotsuma takes exception to the intended extermination of his clan, and he sets off to stop the carnage and find some answers. Hotsuma's quest will send him through the devastated streets of Tokyo, battling hordes of demons and twisted supernatural menaces that ninja school just didn't prepare him for.

The graphics and gameplay bring the series into 3D while staying true to its core gameplay. Hotsuma will have a wide assortment of moves and an arsenal of ninja weapons, such as shuriken and his sword, to use in combat, and he'll also have access to ninja magic. In addition, Hotsuma will have the ability to perform a "stealth dash" that allows him to attack a number of enemies in quick succession by chaining his attacks together. A cool byproduct of the move is an afterimage that is left in his wake. Finally, like all good ninja, Hotsuma will be able to perform a number of gravity-defying moves, like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Hotsuma's skills will serve him well when exploring the game's intricately designed levels, which feature secret passages, secret items, and shortcuts for curious players to discover.

Shinobi is currently slated to ship this fall for the PlayStation 2. Look for more on the game from E3 later this month.

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