Summary
- Release Year: 2006
- Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: Xbox 360
- Developers: Phantagram, Q Entertainment
- Publishers: Microsoft Game Studios
N3: Ninety-Nine Nights (2006): A Hack-and-Slash Extravaganza
Introduction
N3: Ninety-Nine Nights is a fantasy hack-and-slash video game developed by Q Entertainment and Phantagram for the Xbox 360. The game was released in 2006 and was produced by renowned video game designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi. N3 is set in a medieval fantasy world and follows the story of a young knight named Acht, who must battle hordes of mythical creatures and demonic soldiers to save his kingdom.
Gameplay
N3 is a fast-paced hack-and-slash game that emphasizes large-scale battles and over-the-top combat. Players control Acht and can summon up to 99 AI-controlled units to fight alongside them. These units come in a variety of types, including melee fighters, archers, and mages. Players can issue commands to their units to attack specific targets, defend positions, or use special abilities.
The game features a wide variety of enemies, from giant spiders and orcs to towering demons and dragons. Each enemy type has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and players must adapt their strategies accordingly. N3 also features a number of large-scale boss battles that require players to use all of their skills and resources to defeat.
Story
The story of N3 is set in the medieval fantasy world of Vestra. The kingdom of Vestra is under attack by an army of demons led by the evil sorcerer Golbez. Acht, a young knight, is chosen to lead the forces of Vestra against Golbez and his army.
Acht is joined on his quest by a group of companions, including the elf princess Liana, the dwarven warrior Garm, and the human mage Zera. Together, they must travel across Vestra, gathering allies and fighting their way through hordes of demons to reach Golbez’s castle and defeat him.
Graphics and Sound
N3 is a visually stunning game, with detailed graphics and vibrant colors. The game’s art style is a mix of medieval fantasy and anime, and the character designs are both stylish and distinctive. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with sweeping orchestral pieces that perfectly complement the action on-screen.
Reception
N3 received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the game’s fast-paced combat, large-scale battles, and stunning visuals. However, some critics found the game’s story to be unoriginal and the AI of the friendly units to be lacking.
Despite these criticisms, N3 was a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the Game of the Year award at the 2006 Golden Joystick Awards.
Legacy
N3 is considered to be one of the best hack-and-slash games of its generation. The game’s fast-paced combat, large-scale battles, and stunning visuals have set a new standard for the genre. N3 has also been cited as an influence on several other hack-and-slash games, including Dynasty Warriors and God of War.
Conclusion
N3: Ninety-Nine Nights is a classic hack-and-slash game that offers fast-paced combat, large-scale battles, and stunning visuals. The game’s story is unoriginal and the AI of the friendly units is lacking, but these flaws are outweighed by the game’s many strengths. N3 is a must-play for fans of hack-and-slash games and is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
Additional Information
- Developer: Q Entertainment and Phantagram
- Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
- Platform: Xbox 360
- Release Date: August 22, 2006
- Genre: Hack-and-slash
- ESRB Rating: Teen
- Metacritic Score: 75/100
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
