Y'know what? This one lives up to the hype. Celeste is fantastic, seamlessly mixing punishing platforming with sharp storytelling for an excellent indie package.
From the gameplay perspective, it is fantastic. The control set is simple to learn, nearly impossible to master, and the game never ceases to push you as it introduces ever-more-creative ways to utilize your new skillset. Nearly all of my 1338(!) deaths in my first campaign run were due to my lack of execution. I'll blame the last few on the d pad, which I forced myself to switch to for the first time ever to capitalize on Madeline's razor-sharp directional abilities. I quickly learned why the Switch Pro Controller's tape mod exists, and it seemed to help. Anyways, Madeline feels amazing to control on the d pad, aside from a few situational mechanics which the analog stick is definitely better for.
The level design complements these controls with excellent world-building. The pixel art is stunning, each level has a unique atmosphere, and complements it with at least one unique platforming component in each. I felt I had barely scratched the surface of each stage as I pushed on in my quest for the summit, and found myself yearning for my favorite mechanics from earlier stages as I approached the end. Frankly, I might've gone back before the story's conclusion if the later levels weren't among the best in the game, but I'll settle for looking forward to replaying because (1) I was garbage the first time through, (2) I only did the occasional (outstanding) strawberry challenge on the first run to keep the story going, and (3) I didn't even unlock the array of additional rooms/content/etc. from the other unlockables hidden in the levels. I am so excited to return to them someday, but my hands currently hurt from smacking the dash button so I need a break lol.
Celeste becomes, to reuse the phrase, outright punishing by the end. The levels demand excellence from the player, and a few places left my controller in danger of anger-induced destruction. Luckily for it, playing Celeste is so damn fun, even in frustrating sections, because you know that (1) you're in total control of everything you do, even if that control is leading to hundreds of deaths at the moment, and (2) your control has gotten you through every challenge up to that point and is helping you unravel the challenge ahead every time you fail. Beating difficult sections in Celeste feels great, and is often rewarded by story development. Before touching on that story, I think my favorite gameplay element of Celeste is this: the game proves to you that you're capable of doing things you never thought you could. This is certainly the hardest platformer I've played or even attempted, and I was intimidated as I approached the end levels in particular. Some rooms looked outright impossible, yet I prevailed and improved from each of them. It feels amazing.
All of these elements would add up to a great gaming experience on their own, but Celeste goes a step further with that story. It is so integrated into the experience, so tastefully implemented and written, and truly helps the player succeed in the game while provoking thoughts about it long after the credits roll. The added story element is what makes this game a must-play to me. Yes, it's a bit heavy-handed at times, but I also died 1300 times so I wasn't exactly going for a masterclass in subtlety as a player myself, either. You learn the game is about climbing a mountain in the first like 2 seconds, so don't expect it to ease off after that. Do expect it, however, to be uncharacteristically timely, challenging, and wholesome for a platformer.
This game is a beautiful package, and one every gamer should complete. Don't let the difficulty deter you. The game convinced me I could do it. And that I need a therapist.
From the gameplay perspective, it is fantastic. The control set is simple to learn, nearly impossible to master, and the game never ceases to push you as it introduces ever-more-creative ways to utilize your new skillset. Nearly all of my 1338(!) deaths in my first campaign run were due to my lack of execution. I'll blame the last few on the d pad, which I forced myself to switch to for the first time ever to capitalize on Madeline's razor-sharp directional abilities. I quickly learned why the Switch Pro Controller's tape mod exists, and it seemed to help. Anyways, Madeline feels amazing to control on the d pad, aside from a few situational mechanics which the analog stick is definitely better for.
The level design complements these controls with excellent world-building. The pixel art is stunning, each level has a unique atmosphere, and complements it with at least one unique platforming component in each. I felt I had barely scratched the surface of each stage as I pushed on in my quest for the summit, and found myself yearning for my favorite mechanics from earlier stages as I approached the end. Frankly, I might've gone back before the story's conclusion if the later levels weren't among the best in the game, but I'll settle for looking forward to replaying because (1) I was garbage the first time through, (2) I only did the occasional (outstanding) strawberry challenge on the first run to keep the story going, and (3) I didn't even unlock the array of additional rooms/content/etc. from the other unlockables hidden in the levels. I am so excited to return to them someday, but my hands currently hurt from smacking the dash button so I need a break lol.
Celeste becomes, to reuse the phrase, outright punishing by the end. The levels demand excellence from the player, and a few places left my controller in danger of anger-induced destruction. Luckily for it, playing Celeste is so damn fun, even in frustrating sections, because you know that (1) you're in total control of everything you do, even if that control is leading to hundreds of deaths at the moment, and (2) your control has gotten you through every challenge up to that point and is helping you unravel the challenge ahead every time you fail. Beating difficult sections in Celeste feels great, and is often rewarded by story development. Before touching on that story, I think my favorite gameplay element of Celeste is this: the game proves to you that you're capable of doing things you never thought you could. This is certainly the hardest platformer I've played or even attempted, and I was intimidated as I approached the end levels in particular. Some rooms looked outright impossible, yet I prevailed and improved from each of them. It feels amazing.
All of these elements would add up to a great gaming experience on their own, but Celeste goes a step further with that story. It is so integrated into the experience, so tastefully implemented and written, and truly helps the player succeed in the game while provoking thoughts about it long after the credits roll. The added story element is what makes this game a must-play to me. Yes, it's a bit heavy-handed at times, but I also died 1300 times so I wasn't exactly going for a masterclass in subtlety as a player myself, either. You learn the game is about climbing a mountain in the first like 2 seconds, so don't expect it to ease off after that. Do expect it, however, to be uncharacteristically timely, challenging, and wholesome for a platformer.
This game is a beautiful package, and one every gamer should complete. Don't let the difficulty deter you. The game convinced me I could do it. And that I need a therapist.