Knytt Classic, a modern re-release of the 2006 freeware platformer Knytt, has launched to celebrate the original game's 20th anniversary. Developed by Bit Kid, known for their work on Chasm and Wolfhound, this updated version aims to be pixel-perfect and compatible with contemporary hardware. It is available at no cost.
James Petruzzi, founder and lead developer at Bit Kid, stated that Knytt was a significant influence on his own game development journey. He expressed satisfaction in using tools he developed for his games to create this modern iteration. Petruzzi described the project as a joyful and meditative experience, noting that he hopes the game will offer a similar sense of relaxation to players.
The original Knytt places players in the role of a small creature abducted by aliens. After crash-landing on an unfamiliar planet, the player must guide the creature through diverse environments to collect the necessary parts to build a new ship and return home. The gameplay involves platforming challenges, including leaping and climbing, across various biomes while interacting with the planet's inhabitants. The game is characterized by its slow, methodical pace, often described as a "zen-like atmospheric platformer."
Knytt Classic introduces several enhancements over the original. It now features an achievement list and full gamepad support. Players can also select from various display effects, such as CRT and handheld LCD styles. Bit Kid has also added two new difficulty modes: "UltraTough" and "Brutally Unfair Knytt," the latter of which features a remixed game world. Hempuli, the creator of the indie puzzle game Baba Is You, contributed to the development by designing the "Knytt XH" (Extra Hard) mode.
Knytt Classic is now playable on Linux, macOS, and Windows PC.