N+ Review for the PlayStation Portable (PSP)

System: PSP, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: SilverBirch / Metanet	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Atari	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Aug. 26, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

As promised, we have to mention the level editor. At first, I didn't know how to place different parts on the screen and make it all work. However, after finagling with it a little bit, I realized it's a quite complete level editor that will make your game last even longer. You can use any and all of the explosives, different platform types, switches, locked doors, etc. You can test your own levels as much as you want, save them and edit them later, etc. What's more, you can challenge your friends with them and see how well they can do with your unique and newly designed levels, or you can design multiplayer levels you can both play together.

N+ screenshot

One more thing I can't forget to tell you about is the amount of gore included in the game. You can turn it on and off, and you can even make the visuals more simplistic (Pure) or more detailed (Plus). When the ninja gets hit by an explosive or falls to its death, it simply explodes and you'll see its limbs and guts go all over the place. Of course, we're not talking about realistic blood and guts; after all, he's just a bunch of pixels and lines put together. However, the explosive effect you see when it dies will definitely make you giggle. That is, if you leave the option turned on, which I recommend for everyone old enough for it.

N+ is a great game to take on-the-go. Unfortunately, if you're not very good at platforming, you may suffer greatly. The game will make you sweat, curse, and yell. If you're actually fairly skilled, you may curse a little less. Whatever the case may be, I bet you'll keep playing this game for a long time and even come back to it after forgetting about it. You should give it a go and see how it pans out for you. $19.99 is not that bad for a fun game like this…

By Maria Montoro
CCC Site Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.7

Graphics
I'd like to see more detail in a future version, although perhaps the simplicity is what makes it charming! Exploding ninja animations and bouncing physics make it cool.

4.0

Control
It's fairly easy to control the ninja, though slippery surfaces can be tough to deal with. Nothing wrong with the controls per se - it's just part of the challenge.

3.4

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Frantic techno music and retro sound effects seems the way to go these days with arcade-like games. However, it's starting to get too repetitive and adds to the already frenzied gameplay.

4.5

Play Value
If you're a platforming champ, you'll spend hours playing this thing. If you're not as skilled, you'll still spend hours with it because you hate to give it up. The vast amount of maps and the level editor make this game more than worth it.

4.1

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Hundreds of Built-in Levels: Conquer over 200 levels in single-player or play with friends in over 100 Cooperative and 50 Competitive levels!

PURE and PLUS modes: Play in PURE mode, reminiscent of classic "N", or try out the new enhanced PLUS mode, only in the handheld versions!

Ninja Techniques: Master stealthy Ninja techniques like wall-climbing and missile dodging to get past deadly laser drones, homing turrets, and other deadly enemies!

Networked Content: Download new maps and replays from the N server. Design new maps or show off your slick ninja moves.

Level Editor: Design maps and share them with friends or the world using the integrated level editor and the infrastructure modes of the PSP system.