A classic platformer makes a surprise comeback two decades later.

Swedish developer Nifflas first introduced the original Knytt as a free game for Windows PC in 2006. This delightful platformer led to a series that includes two sequels, Knytt Stories and Knytt Underground. To mark its 20th anniversary, the game that started it all has been revitalized as Knytt Classic.

Released on Monday and developed by Bit Kid, known for Chasm and Wolfhound, Knytt Classic has been meticulously rebuilt to ensure pixel-perfect graphics and compatibility with modern hardware. Like its predecessor, Knytt Classic is available for free. James Petruzzi, founder and lead developer of Bit Kid, expressed his excitement, stating, “Knytt was hugely influential on my path as a game developer, so it’s been incredibly rewarding to take tools I made for my games and use them on a modern version. Nifflas is a super cool guy, too, so this project has been a very joyful and almost meditative experience for me — it sounds weird, but making this has helped me relax, and I hope it’ll have the same effect on players.”

In Knytt, players embody the small titular creature who has been kidnapped by aliens. After crashing on a distant planet, players must navigate the environment to find scattered parts needed to build a ship and return home. The platforming experience involves jumping and climbing through various biomes, allowing the Knytt to interact with the planet’s local inhabitants. The game is often described as a “zen-like atmospheric platformer” due to its slow, methodical gameplay that can be quite meditative.

Knytt Classic also introduces new features to enhance the original experience. It includes an achievement list and full gamepad support, along with various display effects like CRT and handheld LCD styles. Bit Kid has added two challenging modes: “UltraTough” and “Brutally Unfair Knytt,” the latter remixing the game world for an extra challenge. Hempuli, the creator of the acclaimed indie puzzler Baba Is You, contributed to Knytt Classic by designing the Knytt XH (Extra Hard) mode.

Knytt Classic is now available for Linux, macOS, and Windows PC.