SpawnPoint

N+ Video Game Review (NDS)

Story
There is not much to say about the story other then your a ninja out getting gold while avoiding traps. Kinda like on some of the Mario games, just going to go save the princess from King Bowser and his minions. This game should not be judged by it's story but of that of it's main aspect, the GamePlay.

Gameplay
The gameplay may seem a little mediocre because there are only a few things that your little ninja can do; Run, Jump, and Wall slide. But infact it's quite fun, this isn't any ordinary platforming jumping game as like Mario,Sonic. Some stages that your little ninja goes through involve a little thinking. This is where the bottom screen to your DS comes into motion. The bottom screen displays the map of the area and you can plan out your move where to go avoid the areas of land mines and so-forth.

Difficulty is another thing that differs from other platforming Games. Not only do you have to get from point A to point B but you also have to hit a few switches to unlock the door to the next level , whilst dodging Guns, Electrified Balls, Land Mines and Bombs. One false move and your dead.

There is a downfall to the gameplay where it kinda falls short. It get's repetitive after the 10th level and after you've done everything possible it tends to get boring. Don't get me wrong , it's fun for awhile but could they have added something like a time trial or a race before the other ninja does to add some spice to the game a little bit?

Level Editor
In the game N+ you are able to create tricky levels of your own and share it with the world online. I went about the level and played around with it for about 15-25 minutes and found that you can do alot with the Level Editor.  You can create a very tricky level, or rig it so that only you can win the round. I was unable to publish the map due to the lack of Wifi on my router.

Graphics
For a NDS game the graphics are so-so, not great yet not bad. One of the most amazing things I found in this game is the animation for your ninja.  His running animation so smooth, Jumping, Wall slide  are just superb. The Death Physics are somewhat bad yet beacuse the graphics are cartoony  the physics should not be taken too seriously.  It's rating is E for everyone after all.
 

Multiplayer
Unfortunately I could not try out the online aspect of the game because I do not own a Nintendo wifi connector.  Apparently you are able to play 3 type of matches online via wifi; Race, Survival and Co-operative for XBLA . You are able to play locally or over wifi and also the DS and the PSP version have Tag and Domination mode in them plus the other 3 modes in them.

Overall
Overall, N+ in single player mode is quite dull with it's repetitive stages, but it's multiplayer makes up for it with the online aspect of the game.  Being able to go co-op and challege another person in a race makes it well worth the price tag on it. So if your looking for a good handheld title with co-op or just some fun online gameplay, I highly encourage you to pick this title up and give it a go.

Brad Hapgood
Spawnpoint Editor