#community-made

What a long winter it’s been. This month’s levels are inventive and full of life, and they represent spring so well! Let’s take a look. Thank you for the submissions, DarkStuff!

And thanks to Skylighter, audrey (aka NewGirl+), HamSandwich and DarkStuff for the comments on each level! You all rock.

Here are the levels, from top screenshot above to bottom:

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Name: Hyper-Jungle Lazer Webvine Author: sam "Oh… oh no." - DarkStuff

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Name: Switch Valley Author: sam (aka bigblargh) "Yes’m, this here’s Switch Valley, where the trails are tangled and the cacti loom tall! Legend says there’s a rich bounty o’ gold for those who brave this deadly bed of thorns, but those fools that go down never come back up. You see them cliffs? They can’t be climbed, no ma’am. Once you’re down there, you’re stuck down there, at the mercy o’ the sun, the wind, the parched sands, and those god-forsaken overgrown cacti. Trust me — the gold ain’t worth your life. It'd take a bone-o’-fied ninja to get back up those cliffs!" - audrey (aka NewGirl+) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Name: gash Authors: DarkStuff & ekisacik "This collaborative clash of the mapping titans is a masterclass in mine weaving and rocket dodging in every location conceivable. DarkStuff's magnificent sloped tileset and minework provides countless movement options against the waves of mines in the ninja's path. ekisacik's rocket, exit, and gold placement provide just the right amount of extra stress against the ninja's flow through the level. Go for a run that breaks even in time; that's how it's meant to be played, after all! An artistic masterpiece of a level. 10/10." - Skylighter ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Name: Pacesetter Author: Leachy Jr. "The Leachy Jr. Pacesetter test is a multistage aerobic capacity test that progressively gets more difficult as it continues. The 8 corridor test will begin momentarily. Line up at the start. The jumping speed starts slowly but gets faster each time you reach a C-switch surrounded by 8 gold. A single corridor should be completed every time you reach this point. Remember to alternate between sides of the corridors so as not to be totally obliterated by deadly high voltage laser beams. The second you do get totally obliterated by deadly high voltage laser beams, your test is over. The test will begin when the jump button is pressed. On your mark. Get ready! ... Start." - HamSandwich ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Name: Absolute Algae Author: alreadydead "This level reminds me of when I was little, and my parents would only allow me so much time on the screens. Usually I played Lego Star Wars, sometimes I played Mario, or even this obscure game I loved called Bugdom, but I could only do so for an hour a day. I was so enraptured with videogames, as I think many young people are, that one of the games of pretend I would play, in my free time, in the yard or in my room or by the window sill, would be to pretend that I'm playing a videogame. I'd make levels out of random objects I had around, and then hold my Yoshi plush toy and make it jump through hoops, narrating the gameplay and adding my sound effects. This level makes me think that alreadydead did that with moss on a rock, or maybe algae floating on a pond. I can imagine holding a little figurine of a ninja and squinting to make the perspective work, then dragging him around, adding my own explosive sound effects, and generally completely missing the point of going camping. And that's a certain type of joy." - DarkStuff

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Want to play these levels?

Awesome! All levels can be played from all platforms.

First, get N++:

Nintendo Switch:

https://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/games/detail/n-plus-plus-switch

Xbox One:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-CA/store/p/N-/BT33CHSSB89V

Steam:

http://store.steampowered.com/app/230270

PS4:

https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-us/games/n-plus-plus-(n)/cid=UP2108-CUSA00041_00-NPPGAMENPPGAMENP

Kartridge:

https://www.kartridge.com/games/MetanetSoftware/n-nplusplus

Then from the Main Menu, just go to Browse, and choose the “Featured” tab. So easy! Of course the levels probably aren’t ;)

Want to suggest levels to feature, to make your own levels, or to enter design contests?

Join the excellent community on discord:

This month we have some really interesting maps for you to check out -- and some wise words from bigblargh: “This time my own review is a haiku, which is an art form I've realized has a lot in common with mapping. At first it might seem like a level editor is a constrictive form of self expression, but like haiku, those who practice stop worrying about what they can't do and start thinking about what they can. After a while the limitations fade away. I hope the following designs lift your spirit like they lifted mine.”

Thanks bigblargh, for the submissions, and for your insight! And thanks to NiceDay, DarkStuff, RandomDigits and bigblargh for the comments!

Here are the levels, from top screenshot above to bottom:

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Intercapacitator by abho “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. At least, Mr. Clarke thinks so. Here is a map with this law at work; drones are on set paths and follow repeatable patterns, right? Then why can an assortment of them become the foundation of such aimless chaos? The machinations are all on screen. Nothing is hidden from you. But putting it all together is a futile effort. Analysis will fall short. Understanding will not be achieved. Resign to losing track. The only option is to go.” -DarkStuff ---------------------------------- Web by monopole “Beautiful but deadly, monopole’s ‘Web’ first appeared on the N User Map Archive (NUMA) in 2006.  A sanitised version of the level was later included with Nv2, made easier by the removal of the rocket and gausses from the corners of the map.  The version we see here was ported from NUMA to N++ by InterstellerX95, though it is worth noting that it is not an exact copy of the original (https://www.nmaps.net/39201) - a few entities and tiles are out of place.  Despite that, the level is close enough for us to enjoy what is truly a classic of N history.” - NiceDay ---------------------------------- 28 - gittinouttathahouse by HamSandwich “pros: path design, gauss placement, simplicity, use of space, tileset details, atmosphere, HamSandwich cons: I can't play it forever” -RandomDigits ---------------------------------- MEGA MEGA MEGA by BanjoDave “Super uber ultra omega! Monolith fortress, concept in concept, recursive magnificence! The weak-minded will feel crushed by the weight of all this awesome might, and work to worm their way skyward. However, the strong, the brave, they who are blessed with the MEGA, will find themselves at home and at peace within the deepest bowels of the beast.” -DarkStuff ---------------------------------- Gauntlet Z: One With Everything by NateyPooPoo The Sandwich Artist makes Buddha's lunch to order: "One With Everything" -bigblargh

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Want to play these levels?

Awesome! All levels can be played from all platforms.

First, get N++:

Nintendo Switch:

https://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/games/detail/n-plus-plus-switch

Xbox One:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-CA/store/p/N-/BT33CHSSB89V

Steam:

http://store.steampowered.com/app/230270

PS4:

https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-us/games/n-plus-plus-(n)/cid=UP2108-CUSA00041_00-NPPGAMENPPGAMENP

Kartridge:

https://www.kartridge.com/games/MetanetSoftware/n-nplusplus

Then from the Main Menu, just go to Browse, and choose the “Featured” tab. So easy! Of course the levels probably aren’t ;)

Want to suggest levels to feature, to make your own levels, or to enter design contests?

Join the excellent community on discord:

Wow, drop what you’re doing and check out these amazing, newly-Featured levels hand-crafted by the amazing N++ community! 

Thanks for the submissions, scottm, and to everyone for the comments and descriptions of the maps!

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The World's Hardest Race

by The Knight

"An extreme test of jump timing and technique, this map stands out for having an excellent minimal design while maintaining the challenge of some of the hardest, most entity-filled maps."

- Georgia_O_Kief

  Water For Runner by Yellotone

"Charge your way through this cut-throat Yellotone action map.  Dash around corners, zoom through tunnels, but be ready to just as quickly apply the brakes!  With enemies and mines covering your every move, you will need to be on your toes to make it through this maze."

- lord_day

laser windows by RayOfLight

"RayOfLights’ signature open-ended level design shines through in this map. There are many different routing possibilities without feeling overwhelming. It’s a map that I kept coming back to, experimenting with routes, but mostly just having fun improving my score."

- scottm

Life VS Entropy by dcl00713

"The aesthetics of this map are stunning in their simplicity. The tile shapes couldn't be simpler, and the arrangement of the gold and the mines is not very complicated either. And yet, the whole map conveys an incredibly evocative image that I could not help but be enthralled by. Somewhat incredibly, the gameplay is nearly as good as the visuals here, with some intricate perp jumps that are just fun to execute. The second, more chaotic and haphazard half of the map also serves well to contrast the orderly nature of the first half in both gameplay and looks and further reinforces the central theme of the map that brings the whole map together. Life VS Entropy is truly a complete package of excellence."

- lifdoff

Kanri o Tsudzukeru by Fujita Seiko

"I'm only floating on the breeze Sweet dreams are falling from the trees I'm on my knees I'm fumbling through my pockets for my keys One at a time, mama please"

- donfuy

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Want to play these levels?

Awesome! All levels can be played from all platforms.

First, get N++:

Nintendo Switch:

https://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/games/detail/n-plus-plus-switch

Xbox One:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-CA/store/p/N-/BT33CHSSB89V

Steam:

http://store.steampowered.com/app/230270

PS4:

https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-us/games/n-plus-plus-(n)/cid=UP2108-CUSA00041_00-NPPGAMENPPGAMENP

Kartridge:

https://www.kartridge.com/games/MetanetSoftware/n-nplusplus

Then from the Main Menu, just go to Browse, and choose the “Featured” tab. So easy! Of course the levels probably aren’t ;)

Want to suggest levels to feature, or to make your own levels for contests like this?

Join the excellent community on discord:

Happy New Year everyone! Let’s make 2020 a great one. Starting off with some fresh new levels made by the excellent N++ community! 

Thanks for the submissions, scottm, and to everyone for the comments and descriptions of the maps!  //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Thorns by DrAnvil

"Apart from looking cool, this map has one heck of a stubborn rocket turret. Either that or, oblivious to it's own explosive characteristics, the rocket just really really really wants to get the relationship to the next level. Both options are extremely terrifying in their own way, so just have fun trying to avoid it."- Donfuy

trans1: dysphoria by DarkStuffLevel 

”What drew me in to DarkStuff's maps when I first started playing them were the extremely creative and evocative tilesets they often employ, but I've found that overall, their less immediately visually impressive maps are the ones that I end up enjoying the most - as is the case with "trans1: dysphoria". What I like most about this map is that it is a very good map on its own, elevated by the way all of its elements tie into the maps main theme of gender dysphoria by having two distinct halves meshed together, both in the tileset and in object placement, with the cramped layout or the high difficulty conveying stress and mental anguish. While many great maps combine a great tileset and fantastic object placement to create a certain gameplay feel, the very best maps come about when all the elements that make up a map are themselves facets of a bigger whole and all serve to convey the maps central theme, and this is a great example of that.” - lifdoff

flauwekul-31 by deep_

"An incredibly smooth level with slick yet somewhat unconventional aesthetics. incredibly fun to run around in once you get an idea of the route" - Pixl

dreaming by sept

"sept's signature abstract designs shine through in this level. There are fleeting moments of speed and momentum mixed effortlessly with slow and thoughtful sections. It really does play out like a dream" - scottm

Fresh Lava Mines by joeyspapa

"It really makes you feel like Fresh Lava Man"- Georgia_O_Kief

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Want to play these levels?

Awesome! All levels can be played from all platforms.

First, get N++:

Nintendo Switch:

https://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/games/detail/n-plus-plus-switch

Xbox One:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-CA/store/p/N-/BT33CHSSB89V

Steam:

http://store.steampowered.com/app/230270

PS4:

https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-us/games/n-plus-plus-(n)/cid=UP2108-CUSA00041_00-NPPGAMENPPGAMENP

Kartridge:

https://www.kartridge.com/games/MetanetSoftware/n-nplusplus

Then from the Main Menu, just go to Browse, and choose the “Featured” tab. So easy! Of course the levels probably aren’t ;)

Want to suggest levels to feature, or to make your own levels for contests like this?

Join the excellent community on discord:

You are in for a treat this week, because these new Featured N++ levels made by the talented N++ community are bursting with creativity. From concept to execution, these levels are sure to impress even the most experienced of N++ players.

Thanks for the submissions, scottm, and to everyone for the comments and descriptions of the maps! //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

bramble shamble by Skylighter

“The worst level ever made.

Jokes aside, I waited for a first completion to feature this one, because it's beautiful. The "precision-style structuring" that makes up both the vertical and horizontal chambers resonates with me very much, the immense amount of mines in those chambers both entertaining and appealing. The level looks clean and simple, to the point where it frustrates me with its actual difficulty. The knowledge of slope mechanics and corners really shows in this level, too! Overall, it's linearly chaotic, which is my jam.” - ekisacik

How the Janitor Stole the Profit by firetamer2

"firetamer invites you to participate in what can only be described as "The heist of the century". Here's what you'll need:

- God-like speed, dexterity, jumping power, and reflexes.

- An unquenchable thirst for gold.

- An escape plan." - scottm

Learning to Juggle by NiceDay

"First we juggled balls - people grew bored saying it was too safe, so we juggled torches - yes it kept them interested... but know we had to know how far we could go, we juggled chainsaws, and finally, chainsaws and torches together. People were in awe and my worldwide juggling empire was thriving. This was it, juggling was as hardcore as it could possibly get. Or so we all thought. Along comes this new guy, goes by the name of NiceDay, now there's a name I'll never forget. He's took juggling one step further, to the absolute extreme. Full body juggling. Yeah you heard me right - he juggles himself with his anti-self, now you do not want to touch these things, not even to shake hands. But here's the real kicker - He's teaching regular non-juggling folk how to do it with this new guide, and the expert pacing and progression techniques he incorporates into this unique concept makes Learning to Juggle easy. Now everyone's doing it. Not much longer after NickDay released his guide my worldwide juggling empire collapsed, torches aren’t the hot thing they once were and the chainsaws are just not cutting it anymore." - scottm

21-02 Shifting Sands  [O++]    by Melancholy

“Melancholy is great at using toggle mines and gold to create interesting challenges that force you to intelligently approach your routing. Coming from v1.4, toggle mines are still a somewhat new thing for me, but they are easily my favourite new enemy that has been added in N++, and this level is a masterclass in great, deceptively great toggle mine usage. The additional O++ challenge is a nice touch that adds more difficulty than you might think, but ultimately, this level as its best when it simply presents you with a gold-filled toggle mine field and says "Go for it!". Coming up with and executing a great route has rarely felt this satisfying.” - lifdoff

12 - Hideous Blight by HamSandwich

"Frigid forest glade

Unfurling under moonlight

A hideous blight" - scottm

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Want to play these levels?

Awesome! All levels can be played from all platforms.

First, get N++:

Nintendo Switch:

https://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/games/detail/n-plus-plus-switch

Xbox One:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-CA/store/p/N-/BT33CHSSB89V

Steam:

http://store.steampowered.com/app/230270

PS4:

https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-us/games/n-plus-plus-(n)/cid=UP2108-CUSA00041_00-NPPGAMENPPGAMENP

Kartridge:

https://www.kartridge.com/games/MetanetSoftware/n-nplusplus

Then from the Main Menu, just go to Browse, and choose the “Featured” tab. So easy! Of course the levels probably aren’t ;)

Want to suggest levels to feature, or to make your own levels for contests like this?

Join the excellent community on discord:

We’re back with more featured N++ levels, from the awesomely talented community! This week’s featured levels are impressively varied tests of skill and timing. And some get a bit spooky (more on that theme soon)!

Thanks for the submissions, scottm! //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The Bone Worm by NiceDay Windy Walk by Kyatta Breath by BanjoDave coin1: making the rounds by DarkStuff new york drone exchange by NewGirl+

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Want to play these levels? Awesome! All levels can be played from all platforms.

First, get N++:

Nintendo Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/games/detail/n-plus-plus-switch Xbox One: https://www.microsoft.com/en-CA/store/p/N-/BT33CHSSB89V Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/230270 PS4: https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-us/games/n-plus-plus-(n)/cid=UP2108-CUSA00041_00-NPPGAMENPPGAMENP Kartridge: https://www.kartridge.com/games/MetanetSoftware/n-nplusplus Then from the Main Menu, just go to Browse, and choose the “Featured” tab. So easy! Of course the levels probably aren’t ;)

You gotta check out this week’s community-made N++ levels, they’re so cool!

Thanks so much for the submissions, scottm, and thanks to players for the comments about each level :D

The screenshots above are, from top to bottom:

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journey through spacetime by Zarah 'This level, though featuring a handful of tedious gimmicks centric around corners, was incredibly fun. The level flows really well.' - Skylighter

5-in-1 B-00 by BanjoDave lightning fast reflexes and precision ground handling will be needed when zigzagging through this gorgeous level, however, slowing down to get the gold is allowed.

  boss-like hall of fame by bene like a boss ’Out of the numerous levels Bene has published in the past year this one is on the more interesting side of things. Just completing the level bears a tough challenge in itself unexperienced players will surely struggle with and allgolding it is a rather great achievement. And if that's still not enough for you (it surely was for the two people who have completed it thus far) there's an optional Evil Ninja challenge to spice things up even more! A level only for true bosses!' - Bigcubefan Artery Blocker Plus by Yellotone A mini-game inside N++. Guide the deathballs through the middle corridors whilst trapping them one-by-one, only when all deathballs are trapped can you reach the exit.

  flooden death by pigeons Yep, it's a rising water level - Get the gold before the flood does!

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Want to play these levels? Awesome! All levels can be played from all platforms. First, get N++:

Nintendo Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/games/detail/n-plus-plus-switch

Xbox One: https://www.microsoft.com/en-CA/store/p/N-/BT33CHSSB89V

Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/230270

PS4: https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-us/games/n-plus-plus-(n)/cid=UP2108-CUSA00041_00-NPPGAMENPPGAMENP

Kartridge: https://www.kartridge.com/games/MetanetSoftware/n-nplusplus Then from the Main Menu, just go to Browse, and choose the “Featured” tab. So easy! Of course the levels probably aren’t ;)