Image courtesy of Square Enix

Small guys with big swords are coming to give you some chuckles.

The new platform game “Mini Ninjas” is due Sept. 8, according to an announcement Thursday. A button-mashing game, “Ninjas” features the blade-swinging, mystical antics of Hiro, who with a little help from friends takes on evil samurai.

Players employ incantations, combat, collecting and smooth talk with animal friends to fight the power and right wrongs. In anticipation of the release, publisher Square Enix and developer IO Interactive have unveiled the “Code of the Mini Ninjas,” because you can’t go around swinging sharp objects for no reason.

Among the code’s elements are:

* Protecting the balance of nature – an oath that cannot be broken.

* Never killing; Mini Ninjas must use their skills and powers to lift evil magic that has descended on the land, restoring enemies to their true animal selves.

* Realizing loyalty can be as important as speed.

* Realizing a good sword is the one left in its scabbard, because stealth can be more powerful than might.

* To be cunning as a fox, be a fox. To match a panda’s power, be a panda. Even chickens possess strength — and the enemy does not suspect the chicken.

Colonel Sanders, you have been warned.