Atari Details IGF Award-Winning DS, PSP Conversion N+

Atari has officially announced that N+ will be making its way to the DS and PSP in November, a conversion of the Independent Games Festival Audience Award-winning original, also detailing the level-sharing and multiplayer modes to be featured in the handheld titles. Originally announced in late May via the weblog of the game's creator, Metanet Software, both handheld versions are in production by external Toronto-based developers Silverbirch Studios. Currently still playable in its original PC/Mac Flash-based form, N is a heavily physics-driven platformer Metanet describes as "reminiscent of Lode Runner" with a gold-thirsty ninja "running around in a puzzle-y world inhabited by enemies." Atari says the portable titles will include new features, most notably local cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes through the PSP's ad-hoc system, and DS wireless connection. Like the Flash original, the game will also feature a full level editor, with players using the DS stylus to design maps, which can be shared with friends or across the world, as well as new downloadable content released over time to expand on the initial release. In January, Metanet Software also announced that a version of N+ was coming to the Xbox Live Arcade with the help of the Vancouver-based Eets developer Klei Entertainment. Said Atari senior global product manager, "N+ takes all the great elements of the flash game, from the amazing acrobatics to the simple-but-fast gameplay, and adds an impressive set of new features. With full support for wireless multiplayer, cartridge sharing ability, downloadable content and community leader boards, gamers will be able to settle, once and for all, who is the greatest ninja."