Any platform game fans out there? If you’re looking for a bit of a challenge, then why not give the succinctly named N a try? It may not look like much, with pretty much completely monochrome graphics, but just smell that gameplay! With 500 levels included, it’s also going to be quite a while before you complete this addictive slice of game.

The story goes that you are a Ninja with a thirst for gold, which basically means the standard run around the level collecting things. No prizes for originality there. However, whilst your Ninja may only be a little stick man, he’s a beautifully animated stick man, driven by a very detailed physics engine. This means that you can run and leap your way around the levels in a very realistic manner, bouncing off walls with a well timed jump, or getting a big run up to make it over that huge gap.

It doesn’t stop there though, as getting killed is often as much fun as playing, since death is also powered by the physics engine. Falling too far causes the little man to crumple into a broken heap on the floor, whilst getting blown up is hilarious. Limbs and body get separated with a little splash of blood, then make their own individual ways around the level. Any body part which hits another obstacle will then get blown around by the explosion, meaning the poor little Ninja can easily end up scattered across the screen.

You have the platform game basics such as springs and moving enemies, which later get joined by lasers and homing missiles which you have to out run. If you’re careful, you can use the force of explosions from missiles to get extra height, just like the rocket jumping technique from Quake.

The levels are split up into episodes each comprising five levels. Completing an episode unlocks the next, and when starting a new game you can choose which episode you want to start at. If you do manage to complete the game, there is also a separate level editor available so that you can create your own fiendish levels. N was developed by Metanet, and is available as a free download from their website. Give it a try, and watch the time fly by as you get hooked!

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