Knytt Stories is a 2D platformer in which the players control Juni, a female human, as she traverses levels and gains new abilities that allow access to different areas, such as faster speed, a higher jump, and a double jump.
It was designed without a typical HUD in order to enhance immersion and make it more similar to real life.
[5] John Walker of Rock Paper Shotgun described the game as "beautiful", calling its double jumps "satisfying" and its level design "spot-on".
[6] Hardcore Gamer wrote that the game had "beautiful" landscapes and was "off to an excellent start", remarking positively on its non-violent gameplay.
[8] Knytt Stories was named Edge's "Internet Game of the Month" in December 2007, the publication describing it as "finely tuned" and "reminiscent of the original Metroid games", further noting that the gameplay was accompanied by "beautiful ambient music".