Ever since N++ was announced we’ve been eagerly anticipating
returning to the inertia based platforming. The memories of hand cramps and
worn out fingers are still fresh in the mind from the Xbox 360 version of N+ and
a chance to head back into such a pure piece of skill based gaming is something
this generation of consoles really needed.
N++ is the final game (or version of the game depending how
you look at it), in the N series and comes packed with a ridiculous amount of
content. You get pretty much all the levels from N and N+ and a whole host of
new levels of well. In all there are a couple of thousand levels to test
yourself against. If that isn’t enough there are also race and co-op levels to
try out (though you can't do this online anymore). If that still isn’t enough there’s also a level editor to make and
share levels online and there will be incoming DLC as well.
As well as levels there are a host of graphical options and
music tracks to unlock as well. It’s hard to think how exactly any more could
have been squeezed in here. The levels can be tackled with up to three friends as
well in local co-op. It’s certainly good to have lots of different things to
play around with as you’ll certainly be dying a lot. Luckily, restarts are
pretty much instantaneous now so you can set off to make exactly the same
mistake again in a matter of seconds.
Presentation in N has always been minimalist and it remains the
same here with a simple selection of colours for each scheme and clearly
defined level design. It means everything is focused on getting your little
ninja to zoom around the levels at break neck speed and we wouldn’t have it any
other way. We really liked the retro graphic scheme (not a massive surprise
perhaps?), which makes the game look Vectrex-esque with lots of neon outlines.
The goal of each level is to hit a switch that opens the
exit door and then make your way to it. A timer bar continually ticks down
throughout the set of levels you have picked and it can be topped up by picking
up little gold squares. Hit the switch, grab the squares and avoid the mines
and obstacles and then move on. That is essentially it, a simple concept but
one that never gets old.
With the new levels come some new enemies to get your head
around. The missile and gun turrets return along with all your most loathed contraptions
from before but now you also have to deal with a host of new death machines
such as the evil ninjas that follow your exact movement trail. Of course if
they catch you it’s all over but then everything kills you in this game.
Everything.
The gameplay itself is based around an inertia system. As
your ninja runs, jumps and falls they pick up speed which can then be used to
launch off surfaces or up the side of walls. Hit the ground from too high and
you die, but hit the ground on a downward slope and your ninja will just keep
running ready for the next set of acrobatics. It’s a simple system that works
perfectly and you can only wonder how long it took to balance out in testing.
Most importantly it makes you feel like a badass super ninja and when you get
the flow of a level there a few better feelings. Luckily, the game allows you
to watch replays of both your and everyone else’s best runs to show off and
also see how to shave seconds off your time.
Overall, N++ is an outstanding game. The fact it contain the
content from N+ as well is a massive bonus as some of those levels are simply
amazing. It’s just so full of excellent content and imaginative ideas that
platform fans have to check it out. It’ll also last you forever and even if you
do get through everything then you can start designing your own levels. It’s
the definitive version of one of the best indie games ever. Buy it, love it and
get killed thousands of times in it.
Overall 9/10
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