Knytt Stories by Nifflas



In Knytt Stories, each level is its own little adventure. One level is included with the game, where you have to stop a machine that draws the life out of the planet. An official expansion pack is also featured at the website with four original levels.



Graphics

This game doesn't have the best graphics out there, in fact, you could say they're quite simple and minimalistic, but they're not ugly.

The design varies from level to level, while some may be more traditional urban and tech-style, others can be very original (see screenshot below) and this makes every level practically an independent game (except for the fact that the items, controls and main character are the same).

The enemy designs are nice, some are really weird and some are your traditional needle shooting bees.

I wouldn't know what to rate this game in this aspect since it's really not that important in the game, so I will let you decided by looking at the screenshots. That's pretty much it.



Gameplay

This is what the game is all about. The controls are simple and the speed is fast-ish-esque, this is good because some of the levels are huge. You can obtain some classic powerups like double jump or wall crawling and some that are nice and not as often seen like the hologram and umbrella.

The game comes with a level editor that lets you make your own knytt adventure, it can be a puzzle oriented game, challenge, maze, etc. This means that each level is a completely different experience.

Most of the levels have secrets and multiple endings, this is a nice thing for those of you who like getting everything. The clever use of invisible walls and properly timed jumps can lead you to new places.

The replay value is really really high. I got hooked on this game and finished every level I downloaded. The larger levels can be a bit more hard to play all over again for some, but even the small levels can be played multiple times and you'll find something new.

I give it a nice 10/10.



Music (and maybe sound)

The music for this game is exquisite and made by nifflas himself. It's all ambient and relaxed. It gives the game an aura of mystery and discovery and makes you strangely absorbed into the game.

Of course, this is also a matter of personal taste and some people may not like it as much. Still, it's not the kind of music that would annoy you.

About sounds, nothing special, everything proper.

I give it a:
9/10



Here's a youtube to see it in action (and hear the game)

Overview

It's a simple minimalist game that's not hard to get into with nice relaxing music and varied gameplay. It's very fun to play and replay and it has a lot of secrets built into it, specially the large levels.

The included level editor lets you make your own adventures and you can even work upon already installed levels.

In general, I'd say this game gets a 9/10 and it's a must-play for those who like platform games.

Get it over here.

And grab some extra levels at the nifflas forums.

Have fun.