N+ (DS & PSP)
The Flash game heads to handhelds
Tags: N+ Categories: DS Previews, PSP Previews, Previews
Posted by Daniel "monk" Pelfrey on Jul 29th, 2008
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After getting a look at N+ for the Nintendo DS and Sony PlayStation Portable, I have to say that this may be one of the best titles for either handheld – this year and perhaps of all time. I know this is a strong declaration, and a lot can happen between now and when the game is finally released, but as it stands, from what I’ve seen, N+ is an amazing game that takes advantage of the two platforms and gives some very “pure” gameplay that man other titles seem to forget, no matter what device they are played on.
The graphics are simple and sprite-based, harkening back to the old 8-bit era. Thi isn’t meant as a criticism, merely an observation as well as a reference point, as the developers are clearly going for an “old school” vibe as far as the game is concerned. The gameplay is platforming, much like the Mario games, but boiled down to its core essence, literally running, jumping and collecting.
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Each round lasts approximately 15 – 30 seconds, with some of the longest at about a minute. The game goes by quick, at least initially. Both the DS and PSP will come with 200 levels, each designed to fit the respective aspect ratios of the handheld. Playing the same game on the DS and PSP won’t necessarily be the same because the layouts will be different.
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Aside from the unique level layouts for each platform, the game will come with a level editor to allow the creation of custom levels. Players will then be able to upload these levels onto a website and have them shared with every N+ gamer out there. This means that there will be a communal server, even for the DS version of the game (the developers have found a way around Nintendo’s friend codes requirement for direct connections);
There will be a few levels ready for download at the game’s launch, but it will be the community that creates new stuff to keep the game fresh for months to come. Aside from the ability to create and download new levels there will be multiplayer and cooperative play. Four multiplayer game modes include Race, Blitz, domination and Tag.
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While the game may not push the technical specifications of either handheld, this emphasis on the gameplay really helps to make N+ stand out from the crowd. With a rich set of features there is more value here than it’s projected $20 price tag would imply. We are looking forward to this one and eagerly anticipate its release.
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Tags: N+
Posted by Daniel "monk" Pelfrey on Jul 29th, 2008 and is filed under DS Previews, PSP Previews, Previews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can post a comment, or trackback from your own site.
