#level-design

Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s a new year, and a new opportunity to check out some amazing N++ levels made by the extremely talented community.

Here’s a word from the level featuring team: “Our plan for now is to submit winners from the ongoing mapping contest dMMc (https://monthlymapping.wordpress.com) in addition to 1-2 extra picks to keep the featured level batches in groups of 5.

I'm sending over the winners of the first edition of the contest with an extra valentines themed pick, I hope you enjoy :)”

Thank you for the submissions, Kostucha, and to everyone who contributed levels (abho, frankytrees, and HZ)!

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

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Name: Hold On to My Love Author: HZ

“How can you say no” - Kostucha

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3rd place tie: Name: MM01 // shattered Author: abho

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3rd place tie: Name: Timekeeper [MM01] Author: frankytrees

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2nd place: Name: [MM01] Cathedralist Author: HZ

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1st place: Name: 7 Years Bad Luck [MM01] Author: frankytrees

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Want to play these levels? Awesome! All levels can be played from all platforms.First, you’ll need 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 ;)

Is it just me, or have the levels created by the fantastically talented N++ community been even more beautiful than usual, lately?! This week we have another 5 stunners for you -- as exciting to look at as they are to play. Check them out!

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

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graphite0: we're all of us alone by DarkStuff

"One of the most impressive qualities that I see in DarkStuff's maps is the ability to represent abstract concepts through tilesets, entity placement, and level flow. From the struggles of moths to the struggles of being trans, they always deliver not only a map, but an experience. That's why I was particularly interested in what DarkStuff would create from Pixl's prompt: A lonely map which would be as long as "an absurd marathon".  What DarkStuff presented can only be described as a bleak and abandoned looking tileset, accompanied by the doors that open and close the 12 unique routes that run through the level, and a single rocket. At first glance, the map seems simple; after all, how hard can it be to avoid one enemy? Of course, after you are forced to face this lone enemy for the 10th time, you realize how difficult it can be to manoeuvre in such an enclosed space. But that is not what stands out when you play this map. The real magic happens when you are everywhere except the room with the rocket. There are no other distractions, no other obstacles. It's just you, a coin on the other side of the map, and the ever-draining timebar. After a while, you start to miss the frantic dance with the missile in the middle, the only thing trying to kill you and the only thing keeping you company. The tunnels that surround the center chamber of the map are dead and lifeless, with jagged corners and blocky gaps that threaten to drag you down and waste your precious, finite time. However, don’t be discouraged by the tricky terrain. Precise jumps and clever routing rewards you with the few milliseconds you desperately need to conquer this daunting challenge, and allows you to escape the crushing solitude that surrounds you." - HamSandwich

i mek a snek now tek the gold by RandomDigits

"Over the past fortnight 40+ maps were created and uploaded that share one common theme: sneks. From cute sneks to evil sneks, abstract sneks to serious sneks, bendy sneks to techno sneks, and much more! It's impressive how well one simple prompt highlighted the creative diversity within the N++ mapping community. RandomDigits made this snek now go tek the gold! (It's really fun)" - scottm

phantom altar by spiltmilk

”A beautifully atmospheric map that proves that some things are best experienced with friends who also want to kill you.” - donfuy

Still waters run deep (CN152) by VR456

”A big empty space that scares you with its boosted, deadly movement, and that reminds you of how small we all are in the grand scheme of things.” - donfuy

welcome by Sam

”Submitted to commemorate the introduction of Japanese players to N++, "welcome" by Sam (also known as bigblargh to parts of the community) is a scenic, serene map that anyone can enjoy.” - NiceDay

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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:

This week’s featured levels from the impressively skilled N++ level-making community are super cool and very unique. You gotta check these levels out -- you won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for the submissions, scottm, and to various contributors for the comments/reviews below! //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Decay by M5290

“A very fun level that’s well balanced and has a lot of fun highscoring opportunities” - Pixl 

Raindrops by Melancholy

When it rains it pours! Never has a level so accurately depicted how it feels to be caught in a downpour. Avoid getting your headband wet by rushing between a number of different shelters when the rain begins to ease, only for it to come down twice as hard as soon as you do.

breeding grounds [T++] by Zarah

Zarah provides a terrifying insight into how drones are made. A T++ challenge is included for the particularly curious.

Space Battle II: Saboteur by sam The second part of sam’s epic Space Battle series is not really a sequel in the traditional sense, but the next part of a continuing story. Where the first part was a harrowing all-action galaxy-spanning tale of despair, the second is gritty and grounded, following the titular Saboteur’s many attempts to covertly board the ever imposing mothership. Fans of the genre are no strangers to cliff-hanger endings, but here we are left with so many questions, the most important one being this: Just who is the saboteur? Some are speculating a prequel is already in the works. Sam has been tight-lipped on a part 3, but with his uncompromising vision for the series, it would come as no surprise to see Space Battle take the Best Series award in the coming Dronies.                                                                                                     NinjOS [Art|Cla55ic] by VR456 Level ID: 76819 It is art. But is this review?

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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:

Get ready for more new community-made N++ levels! Check out the awesome flow and bold shapes of these new levels.

Thanks so much for the submissions, Untamed Nim!

The screenshots above are, from top to bottom:

inhert by Gealx3

underwater outpost by pigeons

bad vibes [G--] by subversivedesign

gaussian security systems by subversivedesign

výletní lod' by subversivedesign

Want to play these levels? Awesome! First, get N++:

Xbox One: https://www.microsoft.com/en-CA/store/p/N-/BT33CHSSB89V Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/230270 or PS4: https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-us/games/n-plus-plus-(n)/cid=UP2108-CUSA00041_00-NPPGAMENPPGAMENP

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

Happy Pride everyone! This month, we have another amazing selection of incredible levels from the N++ community, which show off the many talents and skills these players have.

Here’s a word from the level featuring team: “The review team wishes you a very happy -- oh, whoops, uh second half of -- Pride Month! [...]  While we didn't pick maps specifically for Pride Month, we did color the screenshots to be rainbow, which I think is pretty fair --  they should make a lovely little rainbow.”  They do! So beautiful.

Thank you for the  submissions, DarkStuff, and to everyone who contributed  levels  ( tytytbone13 , lifdoff , Leachy_jr, Zarah, and DrAnvil ) and commentary ( DarkStuff, NateyPooPoo, and r10pez10 )!

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

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Name: oh, fun box! Author: tytytbone13 "fun box? does what it says on the tin" ~ r10pez10 (guest pick by ekisacik)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Dalton needs hugs Author: Leachy_jr "No one can truly know pain until they have spent countless hours playtesting and perfecting each part of a map, pouring every ounce of care into the beautiful balance of gameplay and aesthetics... only to have that map proverbially yeeted off the front page with 25 levels banged out by a monkey on a typewriter. Yet when everyone else went on the attack, shaming Dalton's every corner, our beloved Leachy_jr said "Nay, there is one among us who might need a hug the most..." Even artificial intelligence ought to eventually learn what love is, and who better to assist than the wonderful N++ community. And to Dalton, if you ever read this: please hop into the discord and say hi. I will have a hug ready for you." ~ NateyPooPoo ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: back alleys Author: lifdoff "Lifdoff once again shows himself as the master of picking a theme and sticking to it. He introduces the deceptively simple mechanic in the first room -- you've seen this before. Activate thwumps, wait for them to get out of the way. You're unimpressed. You couldn't possibly be less surprised. But wait. These rooms are starting to get a bit more complicated. The timings are tighter and your movement is stranger, yet never without its momentum and always without jank. The map looks like it might be routable, but it discretely pushes you towards one natural route that has been fine-tuned for your enjoyment. Bait thwumps, react to their movements. Get through crevices. Evade the cops by slipping into the back alleys -- they may own the roads, but you own everything else." ~ DarkStuff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: tilt Author: Zarah "Thank you for participating in the beta N++ 3D platformer experience version 42.8.34. Please remember to place your complimentary glasses into the bin by the exit door." ~ NateyPooPoo ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name: Nmlss-051 Author: DrAnvil "Vr gd lvl" ~ DarkStuff

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Want to play these levels? Awesome! All levels can be played from all platforms.First, you’ll need 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 ;)