I don’t think anyone could have predicted the success of the original N+. I remember sitting in my dorm, playing Devil May Cry 3 for the billionth time, when my friend walked in and said, ‘Dude, you have to play this.’ It was N+, and we spent hours taking turns trying to beat the single-player campaign and even more time playing co-op. For those who missed out on this 2008 classic, N++ delivers that exact same rush.
Mastering the Physics of Momentum
If you haven’t played the series before, you’re in for a treat. N++ is predicated on tough jumps, pinpoint controls, and a physics system built entirely on momentum. Your ninja avatar’s only real move is a jump, but you must use acceleration and specific leaps to navigate the environment. It is a platforming fan’s dream; nearly every level presents a unique challenge that forces you to master every facet of the control scheme.
Simple Mechanics, Massive Content
The general layout of the game is elegantly simple. You have 90 seconds to complete each level, and picking up gold increases your timer. On every stage, you must hit a switch to open the exit door and then make your way to it. It’s cleverly paced, allowing you to choose how much gold you want to risk collecting—though hardcore players will likely want the completion bonus for grabbing it all. N++ is massive in size. The campaign does an excellent job of acclimating players to different concepts through short arenas that prevent boredom while preparing you for the challenges ahead. I played for roughly 30 hours and still hadn’t finished every solo stage.
Co-op, Creative Tools, and Extras
Co-op is particularly fun with up to four players. Some stages even require players to sacrifice themselves into hazards to help others complete the level. Races are also a rush, though they lack online play, which is a disappointment. However, the game excels in extras, tracking stats like time spent in the air versus on walls and offering various UI filters to unlock. The level editor is another highlight, providing the same tools used by the developers. Even at launch, the community had already shared over 100 levels, ranging from automated ‘don’t-press-anything’ maps to artistic levels featuring poetry. N++ might lack online multiplayer, but it is everything a platformer fan could want in a sequel.
