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Index › 1980s › N-Sub
N-Sub cover art

N-Sub

Nサブ, AKA: N-サブ
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N-Sub

N-Sub is one of the earliest naval video game titles. The object of the game is to maneuver an on-screen submarine, the "N-Sub," with the joystick and sink the enemy fleet with torpedo fire in the Cobalt Blue Sea. Torpedoes can be fired vertically or horizontally by means of two separate 'FIRE' buttons and 3 torpedoes can be fired in rapid succession by keeping the button depressed. The enemy ships attack the N-Sub with missiles, torpedoes and depth charges. One round is over after the attack by the enemy fleet of twelve ships (No. 1 Fleet Black, No. 2 Fleet Blue) and the loop attack by the enemy destroyer. Enemy attack gains in ferocity with each new round. Bonus points are awarded if the fleet of twelve ships and the destroyer are destroyed. One extra N-Sub is added if players attain high score. The game is over when all of a player's N-Subs are sunk.

Year
1980
Developer
Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Publisher
Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Orientation
Fixed screen

SCREENSHOTS

HISTORY

N-Sub (N-サブ) is a 1980 fixed shooter video game developed and published by Sega for Japanese arcades; in North America, it was distributed by Sega/Gremlin. It was later ported by Compile as a launch game for the SG-1000 in 1983.

Gameplay

The object of the game is to maneuver an on-screen submarine, the "N-Sub," with the joystick and sink the enemy fleet with torpedo fire in the Cobalt Blue Sea. The player can fire torpedoes vertically and horizontally from their submarines by pressing two separate "FIRE" buttons. The player can hold the button longer to fire three torpedoes in rapid succession. Enemy ships attack the N-Sub with missiles, torpedoes and depth charges. A round of gameplay ends when the player defeats a wave of twelve enemy ships. Successive rounds increase in difficulty. The player has multiple lives, or chances to continue after being hit by an enemy ship, and can receive more lives by reaching high scores. The game ends when the player exhausts their lives.

1CC RUNS

One-credit clears we point to as the benchmark for this game.

REVIEWS

Published elsewhere, collected here. Every score is the outlet's own, on the outlet's own scale. Follow the link for the full review.

TheXboxHub
5 / 5
N++ Review

“Everything considered, N++ is an absolute gem. Anyone who wants a platformer should buy this game.”

Trysten Schlottmann , 10 Oct 2017
GameGrin
9.5 / 10
N++ Review

“A must-have for any platforming fan. Nearly everything is perfect in this game. If the soundtrack was a bit more memorable and the game didn't stutter when a new song played, I'd give the game a 10 without question. But unfortunately, I can't look past all the deaths this glitch caused me or how bored I was by the new list of songs.”

Tyler Schurwan , 20 Oct 2017
Handsome Phantom
9.5 / 10
N++ Ultimate Edition -Review- (Xbox One)

“N++ just feels right.”

Philip Neyman , 4 Oct 2017
Cubed3
9 / 10
N++ (Nintendo Switch) Review

“A free-running joy at home or on the go, N++'s tricky yet gratifying array of platformer puzzle levels ensures a worthwhile purchase, and the online options only extend its already considerable lifespan. With single- and multiplayer options fitting the Switch's form factor and detachable controller attributes like a glove, N++ is a strong consideration for top indie game on the eShop.”

Shane Jury , 19 Aug 2018
GameSpace
9 / 10
N++

“N++ is an excellent physics-based platformer that demands you develop your skills to overcome its challenges. The art style may not be for everybody but its hundreds of included levels and countless hours of community content make it an excellent investment.”

Christopher Coke , 23 May 2018
AusGamers
9 / 10
N++ Review

“Clever new mechanics and glorious new ways to die are gradually introduced as the game begins to ramp up the difficulty and complexity of each level. Before long your ninja is wall-sliding and dodging lasers like a boss.”

Kosta Andreadis , 9 Oct 2017
CGMagazine
9 / 10
N++ (PC) Review

“N++ has an excellent blend of stylishly simple visuals and taxing puzzles, all put to an excellent soundtrack.”

Jake Yanik , 29 Aug 2016
Gamefa
8.5 / 10
Gamefa review

“N++ successfully delivers one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences in platforming genre. The game has fast paced gameplay mechanics and razor-blade controls, combined with the excellent physics and perfect handling of momentum, which is something that few games can achieve. Also the game has some minor problems like “not so perfect” music and probably a quality control on the levels designed by the community would enhance the game experience. N++ succeeds as one of the most enticing and addicting platforming experiences of all time that absolutely worth your time on any platform and ”

Mehdi Rahimi , 9 Jun 2018
SwitchWatch
85 / 100
N++ ULTIMATE EDITION NINTENDO SWITCH REVIEW

“Learning your momentum in N++ Ultimate Edition is essential. Starting with easier levels, the difficulty goes up in a well-balanced curve. You will die a lot, but that is totally okay. Jumping into the action with practically no loading screen will not reduce the amount of platforming action you get. Had enough jumping and running away from death threats? You can play with friends or build your own levels. I highly recommend that everyone tries out this game. No “if you are a fan of the genre, you will love it and if you don’t, then stay away” here! Buy this game and have fun with it like I di”

5 Jun 2018
GBAtemp
8 / 10
N++: Official GBAtemp Review

“Slick, challenging, and well-developed: N++ is a game with style, grace, and cunning that is worthy of your reactions and brainpower. Give it a shot!”

Ben Sellwood , 23 May 2019
Nintendo Insider
8 / 10
N++ Review

“You can’t really go wrong with N++. The floaty controls will put some off to start with, but given time, you get used to them and they don’t really become much of a problem.”

Jamie Ward , 19 Jul 2018
CDavis_Games
4 / 5
CDavis_Games review

“The Ultimate Edition subtitle is fitting because it’s hard to see where the N formula goes from here. With over 4,000 levels in N++, not including community created ones and those you create yourself in the level editor, there’s not much need for another sequel or special edition. That makes N++ an easy recommendation, especially on the Switch where it is perfect for short pick up and play sessions. Yes, as much as it pains me to say it, N++ is “perfect for the Switch.””

Chris Davis , 28 Jun 2018
NintendoWorldReport
8 / 10
N++ (Switch) Review

“If you have a buddy around, the multiplayer options are great for jumping and racing through the episodes. So if you're a fan of simple platformers and you want to be a ninja, then the N is a great game to teach you the spiritual, cognitive and physical training needed. Plus plus.”

Perry Burkum , 25 May 2018
Nintendo Life
8 / 10
Review: N++ (Switch eShop)

“Bags of levels and increasing difficulty will keep N++ refreshing for hours and days on end. The mechanics are simple and yet incredibly deep, which opens up a wonderful game brimming with customisation options and new modes to try out. Floaty controls sometimes hamper progress, but the deaths are always spectacular.”

Daniel Lipscombe , 23 May 2018
Life is Xbox
8 / 10
N++ Review

“With all this simplicity, N++ is a masterpiece in its genre: I can’t remember any another platformer that’s so challenging without being unfair to you. It has that ‘just one more level’ feeling that shall keep you busy for months or, at least, visiting it at least once a day. If you’ve never tried this game before, now you’ll have the chance to enjoy one of the most challenging and engaging platformer ever made. Now grab your copy of the game and follow your way to become the ultimate ninja master.”

Rafael Faria , 8 Oct 2017
Readers Gambit
7.5 / 10
N++ (Xbox One Review)

“All in all, its N++ it's not bad. I’d recommend it to anyone but had high hopes it would have developed a bit more over time.”

Rhys Thom , 10 Oct 2017
Cubed3
7 / 10
N++ (Xbox One) Review

“There is not a lot that can be said about N++. It has no actual story and has Spartan inoffensive vector graphics by design. All there is to do is to get as much gold as possible and beat the stage. It is great fun in short bursts, but after a hundred or two, it gets pretty old. The original freeware game is still widely available for those who are curious to get a taste of what to expect, which has all of its stages included in N++.”

Albert Lichi , 9 Oct 2017
Pixelophobia
7 / 10
Recenzja N++ Ultimate Edition (NPLUSPLUS)

“N++ is a sadistic game. It doesn't forgive mistakes and requires precise moves. It's a great game for overachievers and people who love to be at the top of the leaderboard.”

Łukasz Ankudo , 4 Oct 2017
Cubed3
7 / 10
N++ (PC) Review

“N++ wants you to let your guard down, but that's not always the most fun. While the level design is the closest to perfection many could ask for, the game frequently feels cheap or downright apathetic. Because it comes from a different era of gaming, it doesn't always feel like it cares if you succeed. Fortunately, a friend can be brought along, but it is still watching, waiting for the slightest failure.”

Thom Compton , 5 Sept 2016
Videospielkombinat
No score
Spiel mir das Spiel vom Tod

“N++ comes packed with an insane amount of official content. In addition to that, many thousand user created levels, a simple to understand editor and well designed menus make an already really good jump ‘n’ run even better. If you enjoyed the classic N and can’t get enough of the thrilling gameplay, N++ is the right choice.”

Wyzzlex , 21 May 2017

Reviews are the work of the outlets named. Titles, scores and quoted excerpts are reproduced for identification and criticism; each links to the original.

RELEASES 1 system

System
Platform
Year
Notes
ARC
Arcade
1980
Original release

PHYSICAL RELEASES 1 box

N-Sub box art, SG-1000
SG1K SG-1000

GAME DATA

Orientation
Fixed screen
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