More than a decade later, the team behind N++ is back with a multiplayer sequel
Back in 2015, the two-person studio Metanet released N++, a brutally hard 2D platformer that was a decade in the making, building off of previous releases dating back to the freeware Flash title N. A…
Back in 2015, the two-person studio Metanet released N++, a brutally hard 2D platformer that was a decade in the making, building off of previous rele
Read Full Story at The Verge →Why This Matters
The return of Metanet’s N++ team with a multiplayer sequel underscores a growing appetite among indie developers to revive cult-classic franchises while pushing technical boundaries. Their choice to revisit a decade-old formula—known for its punishing precision and minimalist design—signals confidence that hardcore platformers still have a dedicated audience willing to embrace brutality as an art form.
Background Context
N++ emerged from a lineage of Flash-based platformers that thrived in an era when browser games were a primary gateway for experimental game design. Its sequel’s multiplayer focus reflects broader industry shifts post-2015, as studios increasingly prioritize social and competitive elements to stand out in a saturated indie market dominated by live-service titles.
What Happens Next
If the sequel succeeds, it could revive interest in the "N" series as a franchise while proving that retro-inspired mechanics can carve a niche in today’s gaming landscape. A misstep, however, might reinforce skepticism that modern audiences still crave ultra-niche, punishing gameplay—unless the multiplayer hook revitalizes the core experience.
Bigger Picture
This revival aligns with a renaissance of retro-inspired indie games, where nostalgia and technical ambition collide. The multiplayer angle also mirrors a wider industry trend toward competitive and social gaming, even in genres traditionally dominated by solo play.
