In my experience no game feels as good to play as Celeste, period. Pure kinetic jubilation every step of the way, where a simple yet satisfying set of mechanics lead to a hidden depth of movement that is beautiful to both watch and perform. The levels themselves are a testament to just how far a single idea can be used to it's maximum potential. Each new element introduced within a level remains relevant and uniquely implemented throughout the entire game, including the wealth of side content. Celeste is also quite a difficult game the first time around, and its overall message ties into this difficulty so well.

The metaphor here is almost comically overt (both with the mountain and Part of Me), but it's very upfront with it's themes of depression and anxiety in a really refreshing and honest way that works to its advantage. Madeline has set this challenge out for herself, not because she wants to, but because she has to. And no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem (and no matter how may times you die!), just breathe, you can do this.

In conclusion, trans rights!

Take my review of this game as a note on the whole series.
The writing in these games is unbearable to the point where I would always play these games with the sound off while listening to my own music, and this is not something i say lightly as someone who thinks it's important to experience games in all of their facets. I have played these games a lot, but now I'd like to think my brain has healed enough to where the "number go up" form of game design just isn't doing it for me anymore without anything else substantive backing it up and I can finally put this series to rest. So with that being said, fuck Borderlands I am extremely over it.

I generally feel pretty lukewarm about this game, but overall slightly positive. There are some frantic chase sequences and I like how often they force you out of hiding in order to progress, you end up feeling very exposed and uncomfortable even when there isn't an immediate threat. The creature with the fucked up proportions who's skin was like falling off or something in chapter 2 is pretty unsettling, but none of the later ones really stood out to me. Pacing is a little weird, each chapter gets shorter and shorter after the second one so it feels kinda anti-climactic and the story wasn't particularly gripping overall. Also maybe it's just me but vague depth perception combined with imprecise controls made some of the more precarious sections quite frustrating, but it didn't come up too often luckily. Puzzles were occasionally clever, but nothing mind blowing. Basically, it's fine.