N2O (video game)

Gremlin Interactive

Industry	Video game development and publishing
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Video games, including N2O

N2O, known as Nitrous Oxide in the North American market, is a 1998 tube shooter video game developed and published by Gremlin Interactive for the PlayStation console. Its North American distribution was managed by Fox Interactive. A notable aspect of the game’s promotion was its soundtrack, created by the American electronic duo The Crystal Method. This music is stored in Red Book format, enabling the game disc to double as an audio CD.

Plot

Set in a future where the Galaxy is embroiled in conflict, the storyline centers on the planet Neptune. Here, malevolent forces within a tubular track known as "The Torus" engineer massive mutated insects with the goal of invading Earth. The substance Nitrous Oxide serves a dual purpose: it is both a by-product of these insect incubations and a potent fuel source for the player’s Tunnel Runner spacecraft, which must destroy the insect menace before they threaten Earth.

Gameplay

In N2O, players engage in a tube shooter experience by targeting and eliminating insect enemies while gathering "E" coins, mushroom-shaped shields, and psychedelic-style weapon enhancements. The pace of gameplay accelerates as more insects are defeated. Players can increase their score by strategically aiming at foes and shooting coins that appear upon enemy destruction to boost their value. Accumulated coins can then be exchanged for shields, firewall upgrades, or additional points after completing each level. Beyond single-player mode, N2O supports cooperative multiplayer with options for either shared or split-screen play.

Development

Producer Peter Dalton explained their goal: "We aimed to develop a game that was straightforward at first glance but deeply engaging and addictive at its core."

The inclusion of the soundtrack occurred late in development when publisher Fox Interactive sought to feature a prominent techno group to enhance the game’s musical appeal.

Reception

According to review aggregator GameRankings, N2O received mixed to average critiques. Next Generation highlighted that fans of shooters focused on high scores would find this fast-paced title enjoyable. The New York Times commended the game’s visual style and rapid gameplay, likening it to a live Crystal Method concert and emphasizing the advantage of console audio over typical PC sound systems. GamePro described it as "definitely worth the price of admission," praising its sound design and controls while recommending it as a valuable addition to any shooter collection.

Worldwide shipments exceeded 100,000 copies.

Ports and re-releases

In October 2003, Zoo Digital Publishing obtained rights to this title along with other Gremlin Interactive games from Atari. They reissued N2O in PAL territories under their budget "Zoo Classics" label by the end of that year. Subsequently, the game was released on the PlayStation Network in PAL regions on 10 January 2008, followed by North America on 1 June 2010, and Latin America on 13 August 2013.

Under license from Urbanscan, Console Classics brought N2O to Microsoft Windows via Steam on 29 June 2015, running through PCSXR emulation. The game was later re-released on this platform by Pixel Games UK on 6 December 2022.