Like the popular Alien Homminid games, before N+ hit Xbox Live's Arcade, it started out as a simple flash game. The developers, Metanet Software, were experimenting with algorithms that would detect various angles of collision detection. The original flash game was called N. The new version for the 360 is called N+. The game is a classic platformer, but it also pays close attention to physics and gravity. For example, in games like Mario or Sonic, you can jump from an impossible height and land without a scratch; you can't do that in N+; you'll witness your body parts flying across the screen in a bloody barrage if you try.



All the levels are built within the restraint of a single room which doesn't actually side scroll like many platformers. You play as a ninja, but unfortunately the game isn't a hack and slash, (sorry no ninja sword fighting) it's more or less of a puzzle/platforming game. The general premise of the game requires you to make your way to the door located somewhere in the level. You may need to hit a few switches and dodge some enemies/obstacles on the way to your destination. You can also collect gold throughout the level which will increase the amount of time you have to finish the level. The beginning levels may seem extremely easy, however once you get to the later episodes of the game, you find that it will take precise timing and thoughtful tactics to complete the levels. And there are a lot of levels... The levels are split into episodes, which get progressively harder. However, with this difficulty comes repetition, which is the only real minor downfall of the game.

The true finesse and uniqueness to N+ comes from the well developed angular collision detection of the levels, and the physics/momentum of your character. To reach certain areas you may need to be running up a curved platform at a certain speed. Your momentum will affect the length of your jump and will carry you a further distance. Without momentum and careful timing of your jumps you'll find yourself falling to a very gruesome death. Throughout the levels you'll also discover interactive objects such as launch pads, trap doors, and bounce blocks, all of which are associated with the physics of the game.

I played both the original flash version and the new 360 port. The port stays true to the fun, recognizable gameplay and the sounds in the 360 version seemed to have been updated. Obviously, the addition of achievements and leaderboards are also present for the new 360 port. I bought the Xbox Arcade version of the game since I knew how good it was from the flash version, however if you're looking to try it out for the first time, without spending the $10, you can head over to Metanet Software's site and download the original N game for PC or Mac. N+ is good, but isn't for everyone. It's platforming at its most fundamental level. The challenge is clearly there for hardcore gamers, along with the quick fun factor for casual players.

Additional note* The N+ developers are apparently at work on a new game called Robotology. Sources says that the game, again, is a physics-based platformer, but this time with the ability to use grappling hooks to maneuver around the levels. The graphic style of the game will be similar to N+, but more detailed.