Xbox 360

N+

In terms of raw gameplay, I enjoy playing N+ more than any other XBLA game. It’s not a graphical masterpiece, but man, it’s fun as hell. Even dying is kinda fun, what with its awesome ninja ragdoll explosions. N+ is everything a Xbox Live Arcade game should be, with awesome single and multiplayer gameplay, user-generated content and, of course, ninjas.

As a general rule, taking a freeware game and converting it into a 800 point XBLA game is not going to be taken well - or at least that was the thought until N+ came around. Originally a freeware PC game, N+ translates exceptionally well to its new format and has enough meat in it to justify its price tag.

Never mind the fact that the same exact game is available for no charge on the Web. Never mind the fact that the game resembles an Atari 2600 game. The bottom line is that N+ is insanely fun, no matter what your skill level. The gameplay is addictive, there's a ton of stages and the multiplayer and level editor will keep you busy for hours. N+ is as close to A+ quality Xbox Live gaming as you can get.

N+ effortlessly brings to mind the classic platformers of days gone by; within a few minutes of play you will be mentally planning routes through each level and agonizing over pixel-perfect jumps, just like everyone used to back in the era of the 2D Sonic and Mario titles. This is game play in its purest form and should be both encouraged and celebrated in these days of self-indulgent graphical excess.

All in all, my gripes about N+ are pretty minor. The fact of the matter is that N+ is an incredibly fun game. Although its difficulty level can sometimes drive you up the wall, the simplistic, addictive gameplay is more than enough to keep you glued to your X360 for hours. Add that to the massive, constantly growing library of levels, and you'll find plenty to make this title worth the 800 Microsoft points.

N+ is a reminder that flashy graphics and high concept gameplay are not necessary to create a killer casual game. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.

Metanet's Flash-based ninja game transitioned well to Xbox Live Arcade and is well worth a download if you're yearning for a pure platformer. Sure, you can download its predecessor for free on your PC, but with more levels, console controls and a bumped-up look, N+ feels like a new experience.

While not perfect, N+ offers one of the best experiences on Xbox Live Arcade. It has no story, but pure gameplay.

N+ hat mich wirklich unglaublich positiv überrascht. Bei 13 MB und der "C64-Optik" war ich anfangs sehr skeptisch. Aber nach den ersten Gehversuchen waren alle Bedenken verflogen. Für 800 MS Points bekommt man zwar keine tolle Geschichte, aber ein unglaublich gut durchdachtes, fesselndes und motivierendes Spielprinzip mit sehr viel Inhalt, mit dem man lange Zeit Spaß haben wird. Ganz gleich, ob man nun an den Einzelspieler-Levels knobel und probiert, mit Freunden den Coop-Modus unsicher macht, online Multiplayerpartien austrägt oder selbst mit dem Editor ein wenig rumprobiert. Wer eine Xbox 360 sein Eigen nennt, der sollte auf jeden Fall einen Blick auf die kostenlose Anspielversion werfen. Es lohnt sich wirklich und ist die knapp 10€ mehr als wert.

N+ is the kind of game that will suck you in and keep you playing far longer than you want to. Sure, you can play N online free, but the excellent multiplayer, old-school simplicity, and treacherous difficulty make the upgraded N+ worth a purchase.

"N+" é uma versão aprimorada e turbinada de um popular jogo de navegador que consegue manter o clima descontraído e desafiador do original, oferecendo também muitas novidades. Embora o nível de dificuldade possa espantar alguns jogadores, é um game leve e descompromissado, capaz de manter o interesse por muito tempo, pela variedade de mapas e pelo divertido modo multiplayer.

Destinés aux amateurs de challenges corsés capables de plier n'importe quel oldies en quelques minutes, N+ pousse la plate-forme dans ses derniers retranchements. Partant d'un concept simple mais ultra exigeant dans son gameplay, le titre nous fait réapprendre la persévérance et fascine plus qu'il ne rebute. Une expérience à ne pas manquer, en solo comme en multijoueur.

N+ may not look like much, but it’s fun and addictive. It definitely deserves a place in your Live Arcade library.

N+ is a game that is actually more old school than many older games. It shows great aptitude for minimalist design and strikes a good albeit controversial balance between steep difficulty and steady progress. Joyful and infuriating in turns, it comes well and truly to life as a shared experience and, if nothing else, is perfect for masochists. If you think that 1000 deaths achievement will take you a long time to reach, think again.

To “N’d” this review then, what starts off as being a basic platformer soon reveals its highly addictive nature and is well worth the cash - 300 odd levels with more being available over time, the Multiplayer aspects and level editor makes for a hugely enjoyable game that’s a lot of fun with friends. Featuring a retro look that’s basic but massively functional, this game has oozes charm spliced with masses of evil and cunning. The sound too is retro is style with a very 8 bit feel to it. Well worth the download.

There's a debate amongst the more literate gaming press about complexity verses simplicity, and although it's often sidetracked by completely moronic commentators who have little knowledge about the psychology and philosophy behind the arguments, it does bare some further examination. Because a game like N+ will come along and although its entire mechanic is simply pressing a button and moving a stick, it is one of the most frustrating and demanding games ever made, thus blowing apart all the pre-conceived notions about complexity people have, and proves that if you have a good game play mechanic, you have a good game.

So it’s not really anything about N+ itself that will turn people off, as it’s a fun game in its own right with a ton of content in this one little package. Those that can get around the whole “but it’s free on the PC” obstacle will find an enjoyable game. It’s a shame that the sharing of user-created levels has been incredibly gimped to the point where DLC will be your main way of obtaining new levels now, and that may cost you in the end. Unless you’re highly anticipating the handheld release of the game or are just a cheap ass, there’s no reason to not buy this addictive puzzle platformer.

N+ still isn't the prettiest game, but as a lightweight XBLA title it is surely nothing to sneeze at. As I said before, it will be a welcome breath of fresh air for 360 owners looking for a quick fix provided by a highly addictive game. Platforming nuts and fans of the series won't find themselves disappointed at the content and frenzied gameplay packed into this 800-point arcade game. For a game which in its later bits exists simply to test your patience, it sure does a good job of keeping players in their seats.

If you haven't already downloaded the free version on the PC, or if you have 800 Microsoft points burning a hole in your console, you owe it to yourself to download this game. Regardless of your jumping skill, platforming history, or dodging prowess, N+ is sure to leave you equally nonplussed and wanting more.

If you’re in the market, Xbox live market to be precise, for a fun, fast paced puzzle game then I’d say the 800 points is worth it. Even though the game can prove to be frustrating at times you will still find yourself going back for more, sometimes all it takes is a little break. The sound and graphics aren’t incredible, but for Xbox live there nothing terrible. Single player is fun but multiplayer on one Xbox is where the game shines. Online multiplayer also has its moments but is unfortunately plagued with some bugs. With the large amount of levels it can find itself to be a little repetitive, but with the variety of game modes this game is definitely worth the 800 points, as long as you enjoy thinking and problem solving.

What makes N+ really new and fresh though is its customizability. You can design your own levels with an in-game editor and upload them for others to play. The vibrant community of N players on the internet are already doing exactly this. Let's hope N+ on Xbox Live Arcade finds the same kind of support.