N+

"Some games don't need to be complex to be fun."

As Video Games were created, there were simple, great games like Lode Runner and Doki Doki Panic (Which is better known as Mario 2) that never went old. Now, there are more complex games like Halo 3, Super Smash Bros Brawl, and the disappointing New Super Mario Brothers games. Shunned, unloved, and rare games like N+ shine light in the current Video Game era.

Gameplay
Plain and simple. Run, get gold, dodge enemies, get the switch, and go to the door. The thing is, it's not as easy as it sounds. As it is, you will easy be puzzled by the challenging levels this game puts out for you. What's best about each episode (five levels in an episode) is the neat variety of levels there are. Some levels in a pack make you utilize your jumping skills the most, dodge bullets and drones, and there even levels in the unique shape of an object, such as a heart. This adds a little bit more depth in each pack.

One thing we learned from Pong is how action-packed multiplayer in a video game is. N+ has a very fun multiplayer experience. There are 4 modes in this game: Coop, Domination, Blitz, and tag.

Coop: Similar to the original game, but you must work together with your enemy.

Domination: Collect all the most switches in the level. The one with the most gains time, the one with the lowest ones lose time. Similar to Capture the Flag.

Blitz: In this mode, you must race to the exit door the most, gaining time each times you do so. You also cause the enemies to lose time. Obviously, if your enemy goes through the door, you lose time.

Tag: As you expect it to be, tag. simply run away from the glowing person. When you are touched, you will be glowing, and you will lose time. Simply touch another person to become normal.

Level Editor
Gameplay aside, there is one major thing that makes this game great.: The Level Editor. It obviously isn't anywhere near good as Little Big Planet's Level Editor (considering how amazing it is), but it's pretty damn good. You can make mostly every single thing you can imagine: a shipwrecked ship, Skyscrapers, a jungle, or even a Pacman stage! The level editor isn't hard to use, so use the manual or hold the r button for help.

Wifi
A big aspect of this game. You get to play user created levels that people have released. Simply log in, (create a username, or be a guest) and play levels. With 10,000+ levels made, there is no reason not to have fun. Use the manual for more help on how to maneuver around.

Graphics
Considering that this was once a fan game, I have nothing to argue about. The character style is unique and the enemy models are quite nice. (There are two kinds of graphics, plus and pure. Plus is the updated graphics made just for N+ Pure is the original graphics, from the original game)


Sounds/Music
The sounds are fair. There are alarms, switches activating, jumping, sliding on walls, and few sounds made by enemies. Nothing big, but nothing terrible.

The music is a hit or miss thing. There are sound pretty good songs in this game, but some are bland and awful. (You can disable music in the options menu)


Overall
This game is great. There is plenty of fun playing the 450 or so levels in the game, but the multiplayer, Wifi, and the Level editor extend this game's greatness.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/05/08

Game Release: N+ (US, 08/26/08)