N+
The first thing you need to know about N+ is that this game will kick your ass. I’ll explain why that’s a good thing later on. N+ is a platform game on Xbox Live Arcade, Nintendo DS, and PSP, and is the sequel/upgrade to the flash-based, free-to-download N on the PC. The story (such as it is) is about a ninja who is trying to steal gold coins from homicidal robots and psychopathic architects. Metanet Software developed N+, and Atari publishes the handheld versions.
Whether it’s the free PC version, or any of the console versions, Metanet has crafted the perfect run-and-jump game. I bought the DS version when it was released, downloaded the PC version when I’d finished, and when I saw N+ on Live, I bought it immediately. That might seem like lunacy, but every version has a completely different selection of levels, and hundreds of levels at that, so there’s a lot of game across the three platforms. To say I recommend N+ is an understatement.
Like Plants vs. Zombies, N+ is extremely simple, extremely addictive, and is a game I waste far too many hours playing. Unlike Plants vs. Zombies, N+ is incredibly hard. This can be frustrating on occasion, but the simple controls (the controls are move, jump and self-destruct) and tight (if extravagant) physics ensure that every death you suffer is entirely your fault. The quick levels and near-instant restart time keeps you playing. Finally, the addiction comes when you start saying, “I can beat this level. I just need to jump a half second sooner. I just need to wall slide a half second longer. I just need to….”
There’s a clear sense of humor within the game that makes death largely bearable and often extremely funny. When you miss a platform by just a hair, and land on a mine instead, your body explodes in a half dozen parts and subsequently set off every other mine they run into. Sometimes it’s as fun seeing how destructive a death you can have as it is solving the level.
In addition to the hundreds of levels spread over the various platforms, each version of N+ has a variety of bonus features. N+ on DS and PSP includes a level editor (for your internal sadist), as well as the ability to download and play other player’s created levels (for your internal masochist).
The 360 version also has a level editor, downloadable map packs, and both a local and a Live multiplayer option. In multiplayer, you can play cooperatively through the regular levels or through specially designed multiplayer maps. Only one ninja has to make it through the door alive in order to pass a level, so this can make some of the harder single player maps a bit easier. The multiplayer maps take advantage of this by isolating the door switch from the door, using one player as a distraction for the various death-dealing robots, or any number of other nefarious configurations. Also included for 360 is a race mode (first through the door wins) and survival mode (where players compete to pick up time extending coins while death is dealt fast and furious).
As long as you go into N and N+ expecting a challenge, you should have a good time. The minimalist graphics, tight gameplay and addictive one-more-try atmosphere make for a potent mix, one that I have enjoyed thoroughly. As of writing this article, I’ve seen the DS version of N+ for ten bucks, and the 360 version is 800 points with the third map pack free. And when you consider the free PC version, there’s really no reason not to try this game. Just don’t get too attached to your ninja.