Aren't you a little short for a ninja?

Hitman developer trains assassins of diminutive stature

IO Interactive – the studio behind the best-selling Hitman series of video games – has allowed its latest venture to spring from the shadows. Mini Ninjas is a cute-looking action title that features – yes, you’ve guessed it – vertically-challenged ninjas.

It marks something of a radical departure for IO; the company has gained its reputation by creating more realistic experiences than this. Still, we’re of the firm belief that you simply cannot have enough ninja-based games.

Here’s the press release, y’all:

In MINI NINJAS you play as Hiro, a young trainee Ninja and the last person that would be expected to go and save the world. Yet that is exactly what happens!

When the Evil Samurai Warlord, with the help of an ancient magic, turns forest animals in to an army hell bent on world domination, Hiro must lead his small band of Ninjas on an exciting journey through a disintegrating world, to battle the magical hordes of twisted Samurai and eventually confront the Warlord in his Fortress of Doom.

The journey to the Fortress of Doom is long and dangerous adventure that will take Hiro and his Ninja friends through a big exciting world which varies greatly, from bamboo forests, to snowy mountains, with treacherous castle interiors and flooded valleys. They will be challenged like never before and need to use their ninja skills, potions, magic and to defeat evil. Prepare yourself for a Ninja adventure like you have never seen before!

MINI NINJAS™ is due for release in fall 2009 and will be out for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and Games for Windows.

Check out the official website here.