N+ Co-Op Review
Review System(s): Xbox Live Arcade
If you played N on the internet, in its flash incarnation, you know it's a game of speed, finesse and exploding body parts. N+ for the Xbox Live Arcade is more of the same - except in hi definition and with one really nice addition - online co-op.
The co-op mode in N+ allows you to play with up to three of your friends in special levels designed just for co-op. The basic goal of N+ is to hit a switch and open a door, then exit via said door. Sounds simple right? Well you'll have to dodge rocket, jump mines, ninja wall jump and more to achieve your goal. In co-op, the task is split. One player has access to open the door while the other can actually exit the level. So while there's no direct team work, you must both survive to win the level. This isn't easy with only two players as once one dies, the other person must self destruct. Luckily with four players you'll get another shot at your goal.
Sadly the best part of N+ is actually the gruesome deaths. I've never seen a game that encourages death by making it so damn funny. Seriously, I can't even describe in words how great it is. Lucky for you - we have our video review!
The Co-Op Experience: Play through levels with up to three friends (4 players). Players must work together to solve their respective puzzle which helps the other players.
N+ Co-Op Review from Nicholas Puleo on Vimeo.
Yeah, but essentially you are just solving separate puzzles that unlock something for the other guys. There's no teamwork really on your puzzle or strategy with co-op. If there we levels where perhaps you had to jump off your team mate to reach other heights, or use them in some way to beat the level.
I'd disagree with that second comment. There's actually quite a bit of teamwork involved, even if you have 4 people playing the single player campaign. Here are some examples1. there are several missions where you have to press 5 (or more) separate switches before opening the exit - in these instances, you can have your friends go for specific switches. 2. In the more basic levels, you can have you friends collect the "gold time pieces" while you're hitting the switch - this helps when you're trying to get high scores.3. There's always the "cheap" way of playing where you can have one person just go straight for the door, while the other goes for the switch. Yeah, that may seem cheap, but given there are 300 levels, you can definitely still find challenge in this method when getting to the later levels.
Great video, loved the deaths! What was the music? I know I have heard it somewhere before...
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This game deserves a 5/5 for the co-op features, hands down. Despite the overall challenge factor, playing the game with local 4 player coop makes the levels much more playable, and thus a lot more fun.The other great thing about this game is that it caters to all audiences. The most seasoned video game players will find a challenge in the last 50 levels, yet even your girlfriend or sister could pick up and play through the first half of the game with you. {sorry for the stereotypes}I've honestly spent more time playing this game than any other xbla game out there. It's highly addictive if you let it be.