It's a well known fact that the best way to solve puzzles and mysteries is by dancing. At least that seems to be the case in Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure, Sega's newly announced Nintendo 3DS game. Set in Paris, the game centers on an amicable (and rhythmic) thief named Raphael, who perhaps hasn't quite fully grasped the purpose of stealing. He has a thing for pilfering famous works of art, but then returns them days later.

According to the announcement, the narrative in Rhythm Thief keeps Raphael's dance card full as he searches for the "Wristlet of Tiamat," which will help him "unmask the mystery behind his father's disappearance."

The game's rhythm-based challenges will utilize the 3DS' stylus and touchscreen. Multiplayer and StreetPass functionality are also in the mix, though no further details are yet available.

Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure is headed exclusively to the Nintendo 3DS in "early 2012."