bit-tech Shopping: Atari N+

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Day

Strengths: Endless replay value, multiplayer, level editor, downloadable levels, quick, simple gameplay, good graphics

Weaknesses: Somewhat difficult, no online multiplayer, somewhat annoying soundtrack

Summary: N+ is a port of the online game and XBLA game with the same name. It's a simple game concept, navigate a ninja through numerous stages, from beginning to end, picking up gold and racing against the clock. The graphics are simple and clean, as are the controls, just the D-pad and a jump button. Physics comes into play, so that needs to be kept in mind when planning moves about the level. There's numerous single player levels, as well as a level editor, for endless replay value. Levels can be uploaded and downloaded, so there's plenty of incentive to use the level editor. There's also co-op levels and versus levels, for local multiplayer gaming. Unfortunately, there's no online multiplayer. The sounds are OK, though the soundtrack is a bit repetitive at times. The gameplay may be easy at start, though the difficult ramps up quickly. The short levels makes playing and putting the game away easy to do. It's a great game for the DS, challenging, simple gameplay with an endless variety of levels, both with single player and multiplayer. It's a must-have.