N Plus Infinity Times Two is a multiplayer-focused follow-up to one of the best platformers on PC: 'we don't think anyone else on this planet is as crazy about 2D platformers as we are'

N Plus Infinity Times Two: A New Era for 2D Platforming

N Plus Infinity Times Two is the long-awaited multiplayer-focused successor to one of the greatest 2D platformers on PC, N++. Developed by Metanet Software, the same Canadian duo behind the beloved N and N+ titles, this new project promises to expand the ninja parkour movement sim into a more social and competitive experience. While N++ has already amassed over 4,000 levels and received a massive free expansion last year, Metanet is taking a different approach with N Plus Infinity Times Two. Raigan Burns and Mare Sheppard, the developers behind the series, have described it as a blend of Smash Brothers, Rocket League, and even Counter-Strike and It Takes Two in terms of gameplay mechanics and multiplayer focus.

From Singleplayer to Multiplayer Evolution

To understand N Plus Infinity Times Two, it's important to look at the evolution of the N series. The original N was released in 2004 as a browser-based freeware game, and N+ came out in 2008 as an Xbox Live Arcade exclusive. Due to the nature of XBLA, N+ had to include an online component, which led to the introduction of multiplayer modes. This laid the groundwork for the series' shift toward social gameplay, and now, N Plus Infinity Times Two is taking that concept even further.

Burns explained that while N++ is a fantastic singleplayer experience, the team wanted to explore new possibilities in the 2D platformer genre. "We don't think we can substantially improve upon [N++] in terms of being a hardcore single player platformer," Burns said. "So for this new project we're trying to go a bit perpendicular, and we're trying to apply the same basic process [we did] to N+."

What to Expect from N Plus Infinity Times Two

N Plus Infinity Times Two will support both online and local multiplayer for up to four players. It will feature five main game modes, including cooperative and competitive options. While solo play is possible, the game is clearly designed with multiplayer at its core.

During a recent presentation, Metanet showcased two of the five modes. Racing is a fast-paced mode where players race to the exit while collecting gold and setting traps for opponents. The winner is equipped with a rocket launcher, giving them an advantage over slower players. A clever visual feature allows players to leave a color-coded trail, making it easier to track their movement on a busy screen.

Another mode, Tag Team, was described as a mix of Counter-Strike and Rocket League. It pits two ninjas against two hunters, with the ninjas trying to survive while the hunters use traps and contact damage to eliminate them. The hunters can even transform into rockets, a nod to the deadly mechanics of previous N games.

Other modes include co-op, one-up, and trials, each offering different challenges and experiences for players.

A New Perspective on Platforming

Burns emphasized that the inspiration for N Plus Infinity Times Two came from a deeper place. "A big source of inspiration for N Plus Infinity Times Two was to go back to the source," he said, referencing Shigeru Miyamoto. The legendary game designer once described the original Mario games not as platformers, but as athletic games.

This perspective has always resonated with the Metanet team. "We've always thought that that's a very inspiring way to think about platforming as a sort of virtual athletics," Burns said. The new game aims to shift the focus from single-player level design to multiplayer interaction, where the level becomes a conversation starter rather than the main focus.

Singleplayer Options for Every Player

Despite the multiplayer focus, N Plus Infinity Times Two will also include a full singleplayer campaign. This ensures that fans who prefer solo play can still enjoy the game. Additionally, each multiplayer mode will have a solo practice component, allowing players to master the mechanics before diving into competitive play.

Sheppard acknowledged the importance of the singleplayer experience. "We recognize [singleplayer] is what people love and what they will be expecting," she said. "And we love it too, even if we are maybe ever so slightly bored of that. We think we've done it really well up to this point and there are still lots of ideas to explore."

N Plus Infinity Times Two is set to release in 2027, giving fans plenty of time to prepare for what promises to be a revolutionary take on 2D platforming. Whether you're a longtime fan of the N series or a newcomer to the genre, this new game is sure to deliver an exciting and innovative experience.