Just to clear things up from the start, the PSP and DS versions supposedly only differ very slightly. The PSP version allows for unlimited downloads of user-generated content, whereas the DS has a restriction due to cartridge storage size limitations. Also, the DS version has a useful map view on one of the screens to make level navigation easier. As a huge fan of user-generated content, I went with the PSP version to get maximum value out of the game.
With those formalities out of the way, I would like to start by saying this game is awesome. N+ is simply a no-frills platformer. Players take control of a stick figure ninja who has two simple goals: open the exit door, and leave through said exit door. N+ is so barebones, it doesn't even bother covering up the minimalist gameplay with some silly story. You turn on the game and jump straight into action.
The game is divided into five-level episodes which are unlocked progressively as sets of episodes are completed. In any given episode, players are given a simple time limit in the form of points. The points are constantly decreasing, and only the gold found lying about the level can increase the point total, which increases the counter. At the end of the episode, the point total remaining is the player's score for the episode. This creates a situation in which players must optimally collect gold in order to attain the highest score; interestingly, collecting all the gold won't always make for the highest score, as some pieces take longer to collect than they are worth.
N+ controls like a dream. N veterans will need to adjust, as the game feels slightly different from its flash counterparts. However, after adjusting players will likely be wall-jumping and gold-collecting with ease. Obviously, with little else in the N+ package, enjoyment is derived solely from the game's controls and platforming. Players are required to master the ninja's jumping (which grants players spectacular in-air control), as well as his wall-jumping techniques, in order to achieve the greatest satisfaction from the game.
Nothing feels better than zipping around a level nabbing all of the gold, and hitting all of the required switches, without ever fully touching ground in the process. I found myself creating new goals, such as collecting all gold or avoiding a certain wall or the floor, just to feel like more of a badass during the level's completion. Yeah, there isn't any reward tied to my self-imposed goals, but damn do they feel good to complete.
The simple presentation of N+ also works in its favor. There is little background nonsense to distract or confuse you, and all of the unique enemies are clearly identifiable at first glance. Even better, fans of the original N's presentation will be able to enable "pure" graphics in order to return N+ to its roots. The game's solid frame rate also helps complement the silky-smooth feeling of the controls.
Like its graphics, N+’s background music and sound effects are also quite simple. Though generally passable and sometimes interesting, the music tends to fade into the background and is often subconsciously disregarded in light of the far more engaging gameplay.
The game is rounded out with the previously mentioned user-generated content capabilities. Players can quickly and easily produce levels with all of the features found in the single player mode. Furthermore, players can upload their creations to the internet and quickly and easily play/download any levels created by other N+ players. Naturally, quality and challenge is all over the board, but a user rating system helps players select the best levels available. Players can even qualify their rating, as the game also tracks how many times each stage has been played.
N+ also includes a couple of multiplayer modes (cooperative and competitive) that may interest players. Unfortunately I was unable to test them as I don't have a second PSP nor do I know anyone who even owns one.
Platforming fans looking for the latest and greatest in the genre needn't look further than N+. Its spectacular controls and simple premise make it a total blast to play; users only need to decide whether the DS or PSP version suits them best. In either case, players are getting an excellent title that won't quickly leave their system.
Final Score: 9/10
