N+

"N+ falls just short of a B+"

N+ falls just short of a B+

What happened to the good old days of gaming, where everything was simple, yet well thought out. Game producers still have not figured out that better graphics do not necessarily mean better gameplay. The simple graphics, unique gameplay, and fast paced action of n+, come together to make this a great DS game.

Graphics: 10/10

As I just explained in the overview, a game doe not have to have first-rate graphics to be entertaining. The graphics on n+ are very similar to its predecessor, n. The developers outfitted this game with two sets of graphics: vamped-up and classic. The default is the vamped-up graphics however, you can very easily change it back to the classic graphics. The vamped up graphics make everything look futuristic and the classic graphics are the same as the original n. The developers also made good use of the system's duel screens by implementing a zoomed-in view (of the level) on the top screen and a zoomed out view on the bottom. If anything, the graphics were the strong point of n+.

Music: 4/10

After listening to the music for about one minute, I could not take it any longer. The producers must have hired a tremendously lazy composer as that the music loops every five seconds. Not that those five seconds were bad, but after the 100th time I ended up turning the sound off and listening to my iPod instead.

Sound: 7/10

I have never really been a fan of the sound in n or n+. The sound effects are the usual: pounding feet when the ninja runs and a splattering noise when the ninja gets killed.

Gameplay: 9/10

N+ is an exhilarating game of dodging lasers, hoarding gold, and jumping over mines. One moment you can be bouncing up a wall and a second later, your extremities are being blown apart through the air. Generally, this game was pretty easy. As a veteran of the original n, this game was a cakewalk, albeit the last few levels. My biggest complaint was the length of this game. I admit, a game does not have to be long to be fun, but n+ was almost too short. I beat this game within 24 hours of buying it and I almost considered taking it back, but I did not (see replay value).


Replay Value: 10/10

N+ is a great game because of its replay value. Because the game is so short (approximately 4-6 hours), chances are, you will not remember the hundreds levels that you just flew through, by the time you are done. After you beat it, put it on the shelf for a few months; when you pick it back up, it will almost be like a game you've never played.

Rent or Buy?

Buy! This game definitely stands out from all of the shovelware that gets thrown on the shelves these days. It is an enjoyable game and usually sells for cheap (since it is not made by Nintendo).

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/19/09

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