Random Reader: Wait a minute Chris. The PSP? This isn't a retro game!
Chris: Is that a problem?
Random Reader: I guess not. It's just that the name of the site is Rodey's Retro Reviews.
Chris: Well, a guy has to be able to play some newer titles. Plus, not everybody likes retro games as much as me. If I didn't review a newer game now and then, it wouldn't be fair to those people. Besides, this game has a real retro feel to it, even though it came out in 2007. I think you'll really enjoy.
Random Reader: Well..okay! That doesn't sound so bad. Gee Chris, you're the best!
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N+ is the re-hashing of an incredibly well made, highly successful 2-D Flash game entitled N, that puts you in control of a ninja who needs to collect as much gold as possible before exiting each stage. Not to mention, while simultaneously maneuvering your way around a handful of pesky obstacles, out to turn you into mince-meat.This game screams platformer, but beware, this isn't one of your dad's platformers, this is a TURBO-platformer (you see what I did there?). So, if you haven't touched a platform game before, or don't really like that type of game, steer clear of this title. This game will bring even the best platformer players to shame. The game starts off easy, just having the player jump from one area to another, collecting gold pieces on the way, but it soon blindsides you with unspeakable madness. Levels with mines covering the walls, bombs hovering in the air as if thrown out at random, homing missiles around every corner. This one will frustrate you, I guarantee it.
Now you'd think that all the obstacles and obscene level of platforming would be enough for a challenging yet enjoyable game, but they don't stop there. On top of it all there is a time limit, and usually a rather short one at that. So, you might be asking yourself, "Chris, why not just run to the exit and leave the gold behind?" Sure, that would work, except the amount of time you have left at the end of the level determines how much time you get in the next (each stage consists of 5-levels), and in order to end with more time on the clock, you are going to have to collect gold, since each gold piece adds an additional two seconds to your time. This is probably one of the games best aspects, since it puts the player in that position where they are torn between running for the exit, or taking the safe route, collecting gold on the way. These times make for some incredibly intense and suspenseful moments.
The physics engine in the game also adds a lot to the gameplay. If you've ever played games like Spyro the Dragonor any 3D Mario title, you know that momentum means everything in a platformer with proper physics. That concept of gaming definitely travels over to N+. A lot of the later levels in the game require you to keep you ninja moving at incredibly fast rates, running and jumping off walls, fitting through narrow passages or sliding down steep slopes. And where momentum can help you, it can also be the death of you, since moving too fast or falling from too high can make you dead. This will require you to slide down walls, jump between strategically placed platform and assess your situation before getting too far into danger.
Gameplay aside, the game also has a few "trophies" to achieve and also lets you toggle between playing with the new PSP quality graphics to the original Flash look. On top of that N+ has a multiplayer mode that you can play wirelessly with or against your friends. It also has a custom level builder so you can set up your own courses and try them out. N+ has also been released on the Nintendo DS and is a downloadable game on Xbox Live Arcade (it also pays to mention that the XBLA version has 3 expansion packs available for download). You can also download and play the original Flash version of the game for free by following this link:
I had a lot of fun with this game and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves platformers and is looking for a challenge. Try it out and let me know what you think of it! Have fun!
