N+ DS and PSP Review

N on the PC is a kick a*s freeware game that features baseline graphics, a punishing difficulty level and more platforming challenges than you know what to do with. A few months back, the developers released an HD version of the game, complete with new levels and multiplayer modes, on Xbox Live Arcade, and tilted it N+. Also titled N+ are two new versions of the game, just released for the DS and PSP. And while the basics found in the PC and XBLA versions are here, there are some differences that may bother purists.

N+ for the DS and PSP maintains the same gameplay goals as the franchises' previous entries: Avoid robots, collect gold, stay alive. The game is played from a 2D perspective, and lets you control a very nimble ninja, capable of wall-jumping, sliding and bouncing his way around obstacles. While the basics remain the same, people that played the first two games will note some control differences. The ninja feels much faster and more manuverable than before. That sounds like a good thing, but a part of the challenge of the original was using your momentum to get around obstacles, and that feeling is definitely lessened on the handheld versions. He feels less like a character with weight and more like a floating, bouncing sprite. It's still fun and challenging, but it would've been nice if the developers were able to perfectly recreate the feeling on the PC and XBLA versions on the handheld.

The visuals have also been changed on the handheld versions of N+. The ninja remains a solid-colored stick figure, but the enemies and environments have been given more futuristic, less minimalist stylings. You can, however, revert to the old school graphics...which is what you'll probably do if you're a fan of N from way back. The new graphics are a nice change, but they aren't going to wow you and, in the end, just get in the way of your platforming.

Both handheld versions of the game offer some incredible new features for the franchise, though. You can now download and share your created levels (made with the incredibly easy and intuitive level designer) over WiFi. You can also take on folks with your designed levels or play through a massive number of co-op challenges that are included in the game. There are also adversarial modes, and most of these take a new angle on classic N gameplay, adding survival or race elements.

As far as which version to buy, we'd recommend the DS. The online sharing seems easier on this platform and the use of the second screen is ingenious. On the lower screen you can see a zoomed in view of your ninja, perfect for making precise jumps and moves, whereas the top screen has a view of the entire stage, allowing you to see upcoming threats and challenges. The touch screen on the DS also allows you to edit levels much faster, which is great for you UGC folks out there.

Even with its control differences, N+ on the DS and PSP is well worth your time, especially if you're a fan of the series or love hardcore platforming games. The game will also only run you 20 bucks, which is a steal for a game that has so much content packed in there.