Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

N+ builds on the simple yet addictive foundation of its flash-based predecessor, N, by refining the core ninja movement into a more responsive and polished experience. Players control a small, lightning-fast ninja capable of wall-running, wall-jumping and precision leaps that feel both intuitive and exhilarating. Despite only using a single jump button in addition to directional controls, the ninja’s acrobatics open up a wealth of traversal possibilities, from scaling vertical shafts to performing daring long-range jumps across hazardous terrain.

The level design is bite-sized and fiercely challenging: each screen-sized stage comes with a ticking clock that can be extended by collecting golden “time coins,” but true progress hinges on activating exit switches or unlocking doors. This relentless race against time, combined with obstacles such as deadly spikes, rocket-firing droids and one-way moving platforms, creates a high-stakes environment where split-second timing and muscle-memory precision are rewarded.

Death in N+ is instant, but the game’s forgiving nature lies in its unlimited retry system. Failure becomes a learning tool rather than a punishment, encouraging players to master each segment bit by bit. Whether you’re navigating a spike corridor or timing a wall-jump over alien turrets, the constant loop of trial, error and ultimately triumph forms the core of N+’s addictive gameplay loop.

For those who crave extended longevity, the PSP version’s inclusion of roughly 200 levels—spanning both the original episodes and community-created stages—offers nearly endless variation. The built-in level editor further amplifies replayability, empowering players to craft and share their own fiendish designs with friends. This blend of official and user-generated content ensures that N+ stays fresh long after the credits roll.

Graphics

N+ embraces a minimalist aesthetic that prioritizes clarity and performance. The PSP version’s “Plus Mode” introduces subtle visual enhancements—a richer color palette, smoother animations and refined background elements—that maintain the game’s signature high-contrast look while giving it a modern polish. Switching between the original “Pure Mode” and the revamped visuals is merely a button press away, allowing veterans to revisit the stark simplicity of the browser classic or dive into the spruced-up presentation.

On the DS, the split-screen layout offers two viewing distances: a zoomed-in close view for pixel-perfect precision and a zoomed-out perspective for better situational awareness. While this dual-screen approach caters to different playstyles, the PSP’s single-screen medium view strikes an ideal balance, presenting hazards and platforms at just the right scale for rapid decision-making. Across both platforms, frame rates remain rock-solid, ensuring that lightning-fast ninja maneuvers never stutter.

The user-created levels exhibit a surprising range of visual flair, from meticulously crafted obstacle courses to whimsical themes that stray far from the original episodes’ stark industrial look. Although the core assets are reused, clever tile placement and imaginative design breathe new life into the engine. The result is a cohesive yet diverse visual tapestry that underscores the strength of community-driven content.

Story

N+ doesn’t lean on narrative complexity—instead, it embraces a minimalist approach that puts the focus squarely on gameplay. The premise is straightforward: you are a ninja racing through dangerous gauntlets to collect gold, beat the clock and escape the level alive. This stripped-down storytelling is a conscious design choice, allowing the player’s own accomplishments and immediate challenges to serve as the emotional hook.

Any semblance of lore is suggested rather than explicitly told. Whether you imagine your ninja as a lone agent infiltrating a robotic fortress or a resilient warrior mastering an ever-shifting obstacle course, the game leaves room for players to project their own backstories. This blank-canvas methodology keeps the spotlight on the visceral thrill of each jump, wall-run or near-miss rather than on cutscenes or dialogue.

Though purists may lament the lack of cinematic flair, the streamlined narrative of N+ perfectly complements its emphasis on precise platforming. The satisfaction comes from overcoming each screen’s unique gauntlet, collecting every time coin, and inching closer to a flawless run—an emergent story that unfolds through gameplay rather than scripted events.

Overall Experience

N+ stands out as a masterclass in how simplicity and depth can coexist harmoniously. The fundamental controls are easy to learn yet exceptionally difficult to master, creating a rewarding difficulty curve that hooks you within minutes and keeps you coming back for more. Whether tackling the official episodes or diving into community-crafted challenges, every stage feels meticulously constructed to test and refine your skills.

The PSP version’s robust level editor and sharing capabilities infuse the game with near-limitless replay value. Discovering a friend’s inventive puzzle, then attempting to mimic their lightning-fast run, fosters a vibrant communal spirit. Competitive and cooperative local multiplayer modes further expand the game’s social dimension, letting you race head-to-head or team up to conquer levels in tandem.

Graphically, N+ is a testament to the power of focused design. The interchangeable Pure and Plus modes, along with the DS’s dual viewpoints, allow players to tailor the visual presentation to their preference without sacrificing performance. Combine that with the game’s instant-death stakes and infinite retries, and you have a finely tuned platformer that prioritizes feel and flow above all else.

In a market crowded with sprawling open worlds and cinematic spectacle, N+ offers a refreshing counterpoint: a lightning-quick, precision-driven adventure that places skill and creativity at the forefront. For anyone seeking a platformer that rewards practice, ingenuity and determination, N+ delivers an experience that is both brutally challenging and immensely satisfying.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10