So the N-series has been going strong for over two decades in many different forms. These hard-as-nails-precision-platformers have been truly beloved by fans of the genre. Using momentum, walljumps and movement to run around and nailing precise jumps is at the heart of N. So N+∞x2 takes that formula and reinvents it once more, now taking the form of an online multiplayer competitive game. With up to four players you can run around tight levels in several modes.

At Gamescom, Leon and I got to play two different modes. First up is race, where you do what it says on the tin. You race against each other to reach the goal as fast as possible. Along the way you’ll need to dodge obstacles that instantly kill you, as well as dealing with the actual physics like fall damage and wall jumps. The controls are extremely tight and N-fans will feel right at home. The real charm is that as you race each other, you can grab coins that increase your final score. It’s this risk/reward approach where grabbing coins will lose you time and cause you to take significant additional risks, but may secure you victory even if you come in third in the race.

The real fun twist is that once you arrive at the goalpost you turn into a rocket that can blast away the other players. Until someone reaches the goal everyone gets respawned back in upon death, but once the first player has won, the timer counts down and death will be permanent. It’s these push and pull mechanics that made it so much fun to play locally with a group of four. The other mode, Tag Team, sees the group divided into Hunters and Ninjas. The Ninjas will need to grab as many coins as possible, while the hunters are invincible and simply need to touch the Ninjas. On top of that they can turn into rockets at any time, giving them a massive speed boost, but also becoming hard to control. Games are played best out of three, so even if you do get blasted away early, you can still get the other team in the next round.

If you are a fan of multiplayer platforming games, or local arcade-like experiences like Killer Queen Black, Towerfall or Nidhogg, you will feel right at home with N+∞x2. While I wasn’t able to hear it all on the busy show floor, the soundtrack especially should be notable, with over 300 (!) artists contributing tracks to the game. And not to worry solo players; there are still dedicated levels and challenges for those of you who aren’t looking to have your platforming interrupted by others.