N++

N++ is the third installment in the fast-paced, momentum-based N platformer series, where players control a ninja navigating minimalist single-screen environments through advanced running, jumping, wall-jumping, and wall-sliding mechanics. The game features three main modes: Solo (with 2,360 levels across tutorial, new, and legacy episodes requiring gold collection and obstacle avoidance), Co-op (team-based challenges for up to four players), and Race (competitive multiplayer with simultaneous play and bonus mechanics). Set in a sci-fi/futuristic world, it includes a robust level editor for creating and sharing custom levels with global leaderboards.

N++: Review

Introduction

N++ is the culmination of a decade-long journey by Metanet Software, a Toronto-based indie studio, to perfect the art of the momentum-based platformer. Released in 2015, N++ is the third and final installment in the N series, following the critically acclaimed N (2004) and N+ (2008). This game is not just a sequel but a definitive statement on what a platformer can achieve when stripped down to its essential elements and refined to perfection. With over 2,360 hand-crafted levels, a robust level editor, and a minimalist aesthetic that belies its depth, N++ stands as a testament to the power of simplicity and precision in game design. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative themes, gameplay mechanics, world-building, critical reception, and its enduring legacy in the gaming landscape.

Development History & Context

Metanet Software, founded by Mare Sheppard and Raigan Burns, has always been a studio that values elegance and precision in game design. The original N was developed in just six weeks as a Flash game, but it quickly gained a cult following for its innovative approach to platforming. N+ expanded on this foundation, bringing the series to consoles and handheld devices with additional levels and multiplayer modes. N++ was announced at Gamescom 2013 and took over a decade to develop, with the developers aiming to create a game that would be “so refined and so complete that there’s no need to make another one.”

The technological constraints of the era played a significant role in shaping N++. The game was initially released as a timed exclusive for the PlayStation 4 before making its way to PC, macOS, Linux, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The decision to forgo online multiplayer in favor of local co-op and competitive modes was a controversial one, but it allowed the developers to focus on perfecting the core gameplay experience. The gaming landscape in 2015 was dominated by open-world titles and AAA blockbusters, making N++’s minimalist approach a refreshing counterpoint. The game’s release coincided with a resurgence of interest in indie games, and it quickly became a standout title in the platformer genre.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

N++ eschews traditional storytelling in favor of a minimalist, almost philosophical approach to narrative. The game’s description reads: “N, ‘the way of the ninja’, is a highly advanced system of spiritual, cognitive, and physical training. It emphasizes pacifism, humility, and the need to traverse a series of 5 rooms before the end of your lifetime; a feat known only as ‘beating an episode.'” This succinct description sets the tone for the game’s themes of perseverance, mastery, and the pursuit of perfection.

The game’s levels are named using a minimalist, lowercase convention, often referencing computer science terminology or pop culture references. For example, the level “pyrite” is a play on the term for fool’s gold, reflecting the game’s theme of deceptive simplicity. The absence of a traditional narrative allows players to project their own stories onto the game, making each level a personal journey of trial and error.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its core, N++ is about mastering momentum. The player controls a ninja who must navigate through single-screen levels filled with obstacles, enemies, and gold pieces. The controls are deceptively simple: two directional buttons and a jump button. However, the game’s physics engine allows for a wide range of movements, including running, jumping, wall-jumping, and wall-sliding. The key to success is maintaining and controlling your momentum, as the height and distance of your jumps depend on your speed and the angle of the platform.

The game features three main modes: Solo, Co-op, and Race. Solo mode consists of 2,360 levels divided into three categories: Intro (25 tutorial episodes), N++ (100 entirely new episodes), and Legacy (100 episodes from previous games). Each episode consists of five levels that must be completed in one session, with a 90-second timer that can be extended by collecting gold pieces. Co-op mode allows up to four players to work together to complete levels, often requiring sacrifices and precise coordination. Race mode is a competitive multiplayer mode where players race to the exit while collecting gold to increase their bonus score.

One of the game’s standout features is its level editor, which allows players to create and share their own levels. This has led to a thriving community of level designers, with global leaderboards and replays for every level. The game also includes a Hardcore mode, which presents levels in a different order and requires players to complete entire columns of levels without dying.

World-Building, Art & Sound

N++’s minimalist aesthetic is one of its defining characteristics. The game’s levels are set in a sci-fi world filled with robots, mines, and other hazards. The visual style is stark and geometric, with up to 60 color palettes that can be unlocked to alter the game’s look. The default palette is a monochromatic grey, but players can choose from a variety of colors, including hot pink, turquoise, and even a black-and-white palette that simulates graphics from the 1980s.

The sound design is equally minimalist, with a six-hour-long electronica soundtrack that complements the game’s fast-paced action. The music is subtle but effective, providing a rhythmic backdrop that enhances the gameplay without overpowering it. The sound effects are precise and satisfying, from the crisp thud of a jump to the explosive ragdoll physics of a death.

Reception & Legacy

N++ received critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising its tight controls, challenging level design, and sheer volume of content. The game holds an 82% score on Metacritic for the PS4 version, 90% for the PC version, and 88% for the Xbox One version. Critics lauded the game’s precision platforming and the way it distills the genre to its essential elements. The game was also recognized for its local multiplayer modes, which provide a unique and challenging co-op experience.

Despite its lack of online multiplayer, N++ has maintained a dedicated following. The game’s level editor and community-driven content have ensured its longevity, with players continuing to create and share levels years after its release. N++ has also influenced subsequent games in the platformer genre, demonstrating the value of minimalist design and precise controls.

Conclusion

N++ is a masterclass in game design, demonstrating how simplicity and precision can create a deeply engaging and challenging experience. Its minimalist aesthetic, tight controls, and vast array of levels make it a standout title in the platformer genre. While its lack of online multiplayer may be a drawback for some, the game’s local co-op and competitive modes provide ample opportunities for social play. N++ is not just a game; it’s a testament to the power of iteration and refinement, a final statement on what a platformer can achieve when stripped down to its essential elements. For fans of precision platforming, N++ is a must-play title that will challenge and reward players for years to come.