Funny to think I complained about this being a PS4 exclusive when I reviewed its predecessor. Now I do have a PS4, and the game has gone multiplatform. I actually bought it digitally before I even had the console, but only just now got to playing it. Oh it’s great by the way!

You can read that old review to find out what N is, because this is more of the same, polished to a mirror sheen. Basically a stylishly minimalist, harsh but fair platformer with satisfying momentum and movement mechanics and endlessly varied levels. My experience with this instalment was closer to what I found with the original, with me having to call it quits with about three fifths of the levels completed.

Metanet has generously updated the game since launch with a huge set of extra levels (the “Ultimate” update), and it also includes “Legacy” levels. Plus (fnar) there’s special co-op and race missions, so there’s plenty to do even if you’re stuck on a certain level, especially with the game’s grid-based level unlock system. This kept me busy for a while, often using the Vita for off-TV play.

So apart from new levels and modes (and enemy types), what does N++ add (fnar) to the formula (fnar)? Well, the ninja has a scarf now. This is actually pretty damn cool, it just adds to that feeling that you’re an awesome agile master of sick jumps and death-avoidance, when there’s a flowy thing streaming behind your character. It works for Rockman Zero, and it’s always good to see. There’s also now a vast array of unlockable palettes from the tasteful to the garish to change up the look, almost all of which work wonderfully well with the game’s spartan aesthetic.

So, it’s now the best version of N there is, naturally. The core is unchanged: it’s pure platforming nirvana, until you get bogged down in a trouble spot and it becomes your limbo. But you might eventually triumph and I dunno become enlightened or something. Then play some more levels. It’s a fiendishly well-made game, but not for the faint of fingers.