A sequel to the popular online Flash game, everything is a "+" in this.
What exactly makes a ninja, ninja? Some might think it's the skill at the sword, but they're wrong, that's only a side-dish. What makes a ninja true is being able to move about with speed and avoid traps, to be able to be swift and work his way to his goal or target in the least time possible. Also, it involves slipping in and out of trouble in the blink of an eye. N+ gives players an opportunity, just like in the original, to put their ninja skills to the test.
Expanded from the original are more cool, amusing and witty characters to choose from, many new levels, and downloadable content. 250 single player levels not enough? Not a problem, players can choose through different downloadable packs and extend their gameplay experience. Also, new multiplayer modes are available, from races to survival modes.
Good: More addicting and fun than original, improved visuals, more retro feel, great fun for anyone with 800 Microsoft points, blood can be turned off for the kids, ability to make your own maps and share them.
Bad: Downloadable extras seem a bit steep in price, some levels may be irritating, controls are unresponsive in rare occasions.
Graphics: Another improvement from the original, although they managed to fit a retro look to it, much like it were a mixture of NES and 3D. Your character looks very 8-bit, but graphics in general on this game are very fitting for its style, and actually are pretty good.
Sound/Music: Most of the sounds are coins being picked up, walking into bomb traps, and so on. They all are quite crisp and clear. As for music, trance-techno beats are heard in the background, but after awhile can become just a little old and irritating.
Difficulty: One major that was done with this game is that the difficulty slopes, from very easy, to very hard, it doesn't throw you right in a crossfire.
Gameplay: N+ is a platformer crossed with a puzzler. The main objective is to collect gold coins to help keep your time up (yes you are timed throughout levels), avoid the many traps that hunger for ninja, hit switches, open the door, and make your exit to proceed to the next level. At the same time, you must put your ninja skills to great use, such as doing running-jumps and jumping off the walls.
Controls: They're simple to learn, one button jumps, the other is a suicide which will allow you to start the level over. As said above, on a rare so-often will the controls seem somewhat unresponsive.
Overall: For 800 points, which may seem a little over-priced, it's really worth it considering how much time you'll put into this game. It's one of those you'll never want to set down until you've had a good few hours of playing. If you have points to spare, grab this, and maybe get a map pack or two with it.