XBLA recently saw the release of N+, the sequel to the much loved “N.” While “N” was a free flash game, N+ is a full on 800 pointer arcade game, so is it worth the money?

N+ is a game where you control a little ninja stick figure, as you try and reach the exit of over 300 single screen maps, a lot of which are brand new. The maps may appear simple at first, but boy do they get tough thanks to mines, precipitous drops and a bunch of enemies. Buyer beware, the learning curve is a little steep. The game chucks you into some hard levels a bit too early on, while the later levels can take up to 50 tries and may warrant the purchase of a padded room.

For your 800, well earned points, you’re getting a lot of content. On top of the 45 episodes, each containing 5 levels, there are also co-op specific levels for up to 4 players, leaderboards, a level editor, survival and race multiplayer game modes.

The co-op levels are brilliant. You’ll have to open doors and lure enemies for your buddy, but often you’ll be completely sealed off from each other. Like the main campaign, they do get plain sadistic at times leading directly to my lack of hair and fingernails. Here’s one weird point about the co-op though: when playing with four players, instead of splitting the group in half, it splits it 3 and 1, which leaves the host getting no help.

N+ will cause you a lot of frustration, but there’s something about the game that makes it a hell of a lot of fun and more addictive than crack, which leads to some very satisfying moments when you finally complete a troublesome level. Usually jumping and shouting for joy ensues.

Check out the rest, along with some screenshots, on the next page.

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