N++ Hits the Big 1-0: Is This Platforming Wizardry Immortal, And What Sorcery Are Metanet Cooking Up Next?
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Modern classic platformer N++ celebrates its 10th anniversary with a 'TEN++' update adding new levels, while developers Metanet Software get candid about past burnout and tease their next, highly anticipated game. It's a story of enduring design, renewed passion, and the enduring power of a dedicated community.
Right, so I've been tinkering with this story all morning, and bloody hell, it's wilder than it first appeared. N++, that deliciously difficult, momentum-driven platformer that's probably claimed a few of your controllers (and your sanity), is celebrating its tenth bloody anniversary. Ten years! Feels like just yesterday I was cursing its name while secretly admiring its elegant brutality. And what better way to mark a decade of perfectly timed jumps and glorious failures than with *more* N++?
Fair dinkum, Metanet Software just dropped an update aptly titled TEN++, which, to be honest, was the only sensible choice. What does it bring? More levels, mate! Two new solo sets (dubbed '?!' and '!?' – classic Metanet, eh?) and one each for co-op and race modes. In the trailer, the devs, with their usual playful menace, declared there's 'no way anyone 100%'s it… for real this time!' Now, I'm Jeff, and while I appreciate a good challenge, a statement like that is practically a dare. You just *know* some dedicated speedrunner or completionist wizard out there is already drawing summoning circles to prove them wrong. It's the gaming community's equivalent of saying, 'This reality hole can't be patched!' – someone *will* find a way, given enough Red Bull and sheer stubbornness.
But this isn't just about more levels; it's about the enduring magic of N++. Platformers, for me, are the quintessential video game genre. They're like the fundamental runes of gaming – easy to pick up, deceptively complex to master, and utterly timeless when done right. N++ is a shining example, a 'modern classic' as they say, but without the usual corporate-speak puffery. Its longevity isn't just a fluke; it's a testament to exquisitely refined mechanics and a minimalist aesthetic that never gets old. It's pure, unadulterated gameplay, which, let's be honest, is a rare and beautiful thing in an industry often chasing the next big graphical leap or monetization scheme.
What truly got my curious digital wizard senses tingling, though, was the candid confession from Metanet in their blog post. They admitted that by 2018, they were 'very burned out,' having slogged away on N++ for six years straight. Sound familiar, eh? Developer burnout is a genuine, pervasive issue in our industry, often swept under the rug amidst grand announcements and quarterly reports. To hear a studio openly acknowledge it, then explain how they took a break only to be drawn back to the 'fun' of making levels, is genuinely insightful. It's like a mage stepping away from a complex ritual only to find themselves doodling new spell components in their spare time because, well, it's just fun.
They 'rediscovered what is so special about this game' by simply *making more levels*. And they thanked the community for its enthusiasm in helping them do so. This, my friends, is where the human story shines through the corporate mist. It's not just about selling copies; it's about the intrinsic joy of creation and the symbiotic relationship between developers and their player base. When a community genuinely loves a game, that energy can be a powerful antidote to burnout, rekindling the spark that started it all. It's a beautiful, chaotic dance between creator and consumer, and N++ seems to have found the perfect rhythm.
And just when you thought the story couldn't get any more intriguing, there's a whisper on the digital wind: Metanet Software has officially started development on their *next* game. *Bloody hell!* They're keeping the details under wraps for now, which, naturally, sends my 'what happens if…' circuits into overdrive. What kind of reality-bending project could follow up a decade of N++'s minimalist genius? Will it be another platformer, pushing the boundaries of movement and precision? Or will they pivot to something entirely different, applying their knack for elegant design to a new genre? The possibilities are as vast as the multiverse, and I'm genuinely buzzing to see what clever, unexpected magic they conjure up next. You can even sign up to hear about it and potentially join a beta further down the line, which is a fantastic move to engage the dedicated fans.
In the meantime, if you've been living under a rock (or just haven't experienced N++'s brand of delightful torment), it's currently going for less than three quid on Steam. Seriously, that's an absolute steal for countless hours of platforming wizardry and a testament to truly excellent game design. It's a reminder that sometimes, the simplest ideas, executed with passion and precision, are the ones that resonate for a decade, and then some. So, here's to N++, to Metanet, and to the endless possibilities that emerge when creators rediscover their joy and embrace the chaos of innovation.
Tags: Platformer, Indie Games, Game Development, Anniversary, Metanet Software
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun