New Game Plus

Overview

Chrono Trigger coined the term "new game plus"

New Game+ (pronounced "plus", and known by a variety of other names, such as New Game EX, New Game X, etc) is a mode, traditionally unlocked upon completion of the game, which allows the player to start a new game while carrying over things (e.g. level, items, money) from the previous playthrough. This concept is typically seen in role playing games, but other genres have used the concept as well. New Game+ is usually utilized in games which contain multiple endings, so that players can attempt for another ending.

The option itself dates back decades, but the term "New Game+" wasn't actually used until 1995's Super Nintendo RPG, Chrono Trigger. In Chrono Trigger, a game with multiple endings, using New Game+ made it much easier to access these endings.

Variations

Ordinarily New Game+ allows for the carrying over of items, money, and experience, although there have been a wide range of variations on the concept. Special items or modes can sometimes be found in New Game+, such as Sigma Star Saga, the various Mega Man Battle Network games, and X-Men Legends 2: Rise of the Apocalypse.

Other games, such as Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, allows players to control a different character during New Game+. During this mode, experience, money, and items are typically not carried over. Still other games allow players to unlock new weapons or upgrades, such as Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5.

BioShock's New Game+ was callously only offered in the form of downloadable content.

Some games have unique ways of going through New Game+. BioShock is a negative example of this, as the New Game+ is only available through the downloadable Challenge Mode. The Ratchet and Clank franchise has the unique option of playing through the game in first person mode.

Another variation of New Game+ is called Clear Mode (or "Clear Game"). In this mode, the game continues past the true final boss of the game, allowing players to essentially see the effects of finishing the game. Some early games that offered this option are Dragon Warrior III and EarthBound.