Ninja action inbound as 'N+' slashes onto XBLA

While Paramount Pictures hogs the Live limelight following the revelation that it is extending its content contract with Microsoft to bring rental-based movie downloads to the Xbox Live Marketplace, it would appear that this week’s Live Arcade update is attempting to limp in beneath the radar. N+ making its stealthy way to the Xbox Live Arcade this week. Credit R'eyes/Flickr.

N+ making its stealthy way to the Xbox Live Arcade this week. Credit R'eyes/Flickr.Moreover, ‘limp’ is perhaps the appropriate description for tomorrow’s offering in terms of quantity, with only a single new gaming entrant looking to tempt Arcade fans via ninja-based battling.Quantity doesn’t necessarily ensure quality of course, and one superb game is all that’s required to tease Live subscribers into a download… so let’s take a gander at what to expect.

If the idea of assuming the role of an acrobatic gold-thirsty ninja tickles your gaming fancy then the arrival of ‘N+’ is just what you’re looking for. Slashing its way onto the Xbox Live Arcade as an enhanced version of the original 2D game “N,” players will need to fight through hordes of homicidal battle robots across a futuristic world if they wish to emerge victorious at the game’s climax.Beyond the single-player experience, which includes 2D rag-doll physics, “incredibly styled next-generation graphics,” unlimited lives, more than 300 levels -- and a built in level editor for even more longevity, N+ also offers up local or Live gameplay with a friend via Cooperative, Survival, and Race modes.Here are the game’s official features: Addictive gameplay: N+ features run-and-jump gameplay with hilarious rag-doll physics. It's easy to get into, but challenging enough for the hardcore gamer. Many, many levels: Featuring well over 300 all-new levels, the game also includes a built-in level editor for players to create their own levels. Additional level packs, including the classic N levels from the PC version, and multiplayer level packs, will be available in the future. Multiplayer modes: Multiple cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes are included. Try survival, race, or co-op play. Replays: Each level can be replayed to see how fast you completed the level. Additional content: Check out additional ninja costumes for both single-player and multiplayer games, and skin your dashboard the N+ way.N+ will be available for download on the Xbox Live Arcade from 9.00am tomorrow (Wednesday, February 20) for a cost of 800 Microsoft Points.