n+

Puzzle games, you may love them or hate them, it may entirely lay within the subject and presentation. n+ has a ninja who can jump really far and robotic enemies intent on killing you before you reach the exit, sounds good? It is…absolutely amazing!

The basic premise of the game is to activate a switch on the level that opens the door and exit the level before time runs out, you can also pick up extra time, how difficult can that be? Well on some levels not too difficult at all and on others absolutely horrendous. Thing is there are some testing jumps to make, bombs to avoid, homing missiles to outrun and electrifying orbs to dodge, all making exiting the level not as easy as you may think. The physics are also greatly exaggerated enabling you to bounce off walls to reach your goal.

The bit that some may balk at is the graphics, they are distinctly home computer looking, i.e., Spectrum, but you can see lots of work has gone into all the flourishes- smoke, exploding bodies, homing missiles etc. Much like Geometry Wars n+s’ simplicity is its’ greatest asset, it draws you right in and keeps you there for the good old “one more go”. At this time, having played it for several hours I’m not really sure that it is a bona fide puzzle game. Yes you have to think about your route and how to avoid the enemies but it feels a bit like an action platformer as well. At a rough count I think the game has around 300 levels, some may only take you seconds to complete others might take you half an hour after dying several times trying to work it out. There is also a replay feature so you can watch your triumphs or just hone your skills. This may sound like the only game you might ever need and at 800ms points it is a bit of a bargain, of course you could go online and download a free flash version, but it wouldn’t have the achievements!

Ok so far so good but there is more to come in the shape of a very comprehensive level editor, where you can fully make your own levels using exactly the same items as used in the game. This potentially could mean that this game could go on for as long as you don’t get bored with it. The interface is supremely easy to use and you can have your own levels up and running in minutes. They can, if you so desire, include naughty words!

Now it doesn’t stop there, oh no, there are also several multiplayer options. All can either be played via system link or over live, the modes on offer include race, survival and co-op, these can be enjoyed by up to four people. You can also use the levels you’ve made on the afore mentioned editor on line with friends over live- genius.