N+ = A+?

A while back, the internet Flash game 'N' appeared on the scene. It was a great physics-based game. In the game, you control an extremely agile ninja who can scale walls, run very quickly, and jump about 6 times his height. The goal was to open the door with a switch and then reach said door. Also, hazards such as land mines, homing missiles, and lasers made the job very difficult.

Recently, the game was given a new iteration in the form of a DS game called N+. It takes everything great about the original, and adds new levels, a level editor, multiplayer, and online play. How cool is that?

Surprisingly, the game doesn't lose any of its charm with its translation to Nintendo's ever popular portable. The physics are essentially identical to the original. This is great, considering the DS's controls are more comfortable than a computer keyboard.

Also awesome is the fact that you can save (a few) replays. This is important because some of these levels may take hours to complete. Not because they are large, but because they are extremely difficult. One of the more difficult levels has you scaling mine-laden walls and hitting multiple switches while homing missiles continuously chase you around. Dang.

The game also has a new style, with more realistic looking enemies and areas. But, if you prefer the classic style, you can use that, too. Interestingly enough, if you save a replay and switch styles, the replay turns out different. So I guess they're not totally identical. Crazy.

All in all, the game is loads of fun. It's one of those great DS games that you can open, play for a few minutes, and then put away until you have another free minute. The graphics are well done, the gameplay is good, and the replay value is very very high. Plus, there's a level editor. Level editors rule!!!

I would recommend this game to anyone who likes ninjas, anyone who likes explosions, and anyone who likes video games. Hoo-hah!

Pros:

• Extremely addicting fun
• Loads of levels, plus a level editor
• Great physics, great design, great fun!

Cons:

• The music is terrible (but you can turn it off)
• The interface is a little clunky
• Sometimes you die for no reason (this is rare)

This game has earned a Blatantly Biased: