I like games from independent developers, because they can demonstrate how creative types can churn out a good product without massive budgets and without dealing with bigwig corporations like EA. One independent game worth peeping is N+ for Xbox 360 Live Arcade. N+ is a puzzle platformer that carries a whimsical style and plenty of re-playability.

The main star in the game is a stick figure ninja (hey, I said indie developers can be creative) whose goal is to get to the end of the level, flip a switch and reach the exit door. Simple enough.

But there’ll be obstacles along the way, like robots, homing missiles, bottomless pits and a strict time limit. After the first few levels, things tend to go berzerk, and the difficulty ramps up considerably. Each scenario is well-designed, and you’ll get an incredible sense of satisfaction once you triumph over a tough challenge.

Luckily enough, your ninja doesn’t have to do this alone, since there’s a co-op multiplayer mode for up to four players. With a whopping 450 levels and a level editor to design your own challenges, completing the game will take a while. Versus multiplayer for up to four players and leaderboards complete the package.

N+ is worth checking out, if only to support the cause of independent game developers. The game itself is pretty good, too.

Xbox 360 Live Arcade / $10/800 Microsoft Points / Out now

BEST VIDEO GAME TO GET YOUR SPEED ON Wipeout PulseBy: Daniel Alexander Nigro Staff Writer

A few weeks ago, I talked about the latest game in the Twisted Metal franchise. Now, I’m going to talk about Wipeout Pulse for the PSP, the latest game in that other Sony mainstay franchise for the PlayStation consoles.

Wipeout has always been about speed and style, and Pulse is no exception. The game will have you racing at insane speeds along 12 courses in futuristic anti-gravity ships, and the ships are armed with bombs, mines and speed boosts to keep competition close. The style comes through not only the way it looks, but the way it sounds. Complementing the futuristic ships and levels is some futuristic techno music, and if you don’t like techno music, you can upload your own songs into the game.

To ensure that you never get bored with Wipeout Pulse, there will be new courses to download in the future, and multiplayer is supported for up to eight players via wireless or online.

Overall, Wipeout Pulse is a good entry into the series, especially at the $30 price point Sony will be charging. It is on store shelves now.

$30. PSP. Out now

BEST VIDEO GAME TO PLAY FOR NOSTALGIA LOVERSClub Sandwich, No Mayo The Club by Daniel Alexander Nigro Staff Writer

From the developers of such gems as the Project Gotham Racing and Geometry Wars franchises comes The Club, a shoot-em-up that takes a cue or three from the aforementioned titles and places heavy emphasis on scoring.

On the surface, The Club features a gritty, realistic, modern-day environment, so you’d be remiss for thinking it resembles Gears of War or any other third-person shooters on the market today. It’s simply not the case – The Club instead embraces high-scoring and fast paced insanity – some of which is a throwback to the original Quake.

Under a strict time limit, players must accomplish tasks like earning “headshots,” reaching the level’s end and simply staying alive – all while racking up points through style bonuses, multipliers and anything else. Let’s summarize: shoot, pick up health, earn headshots, reload, repeat. This game lives for online leaderboards, and nothing else.

Of course, multiplayer plays a big part in this game, too, so if you’re willing, there’s a deathmatching mode for up to eight players.

Of course, that means The Club is best played with friends, for no better reason than to compare scores. It’s a positively old-school experience, and it’s worth checking out when it hits shelves next week.

$60 / PS3/Xbox 360 / Out Feb. 19