Celeste is the highly acclaimed title from developer Maddy Makes Games, the same team behind TowerFall, with assistance from Noel Berry and Brazilian studio MiniBoss. It was the only indie game nominated for Game of the Year at the prestigious gaming awards ceremony, The Game Awards 2018. Despite its cute visuals, Celeste tackles serious subjects and offers a highly challenging gameplay experience. It is simply one of the most unforgettable experiences a player can have, and today we’ll explore why. The game was released on January 25, 2018, for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Celeste is a 2D platformer where players assume the role of Madeline, a young woman on a mission to climb a mountain. Right from the start, you are warned that the journey will be incredibly difficult and that you may not survive. Surprisingly, the more I played, the more I felt drawn into the game.
There is no immediate explanation of what the protagonist expects to find on this adventure. Prepare to reminisce about personal episodes and learn a great deal. Revealing the details would spoil the fun. I can say that the storyline is masterfully delivered with a strong poetic touch. Interestingly, even without a fixed narrative, it manages to be incredible. You get to know the characters through simple and brief dialogues that speak volumes. The attention to their individuality is so well-executed that one of the most iconic characters, Theo, even has an Instagram account. Ultimately, you have to experience it yourself to fully comprehend everything. You will be moved and inspired to reflect on relevant aspects of the modern world.
Celeste features extremely challenging gameplay but does welcome beginners, as long as they have patience. In theory, it should be easy since you only have to jump and perform a dash, and cheats are available in the options menu (such as making the protagonist invincible and so on). However, it is not as simple as it sounds. Fortunately, the game strikes a balance and becomes addictive; it excels in all its simplicity. The secret is to train your precision. I played with the Nintendo Switch joy-cons and didn’t encounter significant difficulties.
With each level, the scenery undergoes significant changes, and the beauty of it all is enchanting. The difficulty progressively increases in a well-balanced and intuitive manner. For those seeking something even more “painful,” if I may say so, there is the B-Side mode, which makes the maps even more complex. For me, that’s already masochism, but it’s an option for those hungry for a challenge. Speaking of other game modes, there is a “classic” mode, presented in 8-bit graphics and much simpler. Surprisingly, it was developed in just four days and is called PICO-8. It predates the main campaign but is available as an Easter egg on a computer within the game. Once found, it remains in the menu and can be played whenever you want. If you want to try it for free, just click here.
The replay value is excellent. The campaign can be completed in 6 to 8 hours, yet the desire to play more remains strong. The challenge keeps you glued to the screen. Adding to the difficulty are the strawberries, collectibles scattered throughout the maps. In my opinion, they provide the most demanding aspect of the game.
The sound design is delightful. The soundtrack is diverse and perfectly matches the game’s atmosphere. Even with plot twists, it remains aligned and evokes the right emotions. Moreover, the use of synthesizers enhances the vintage vibe. The sound effects are also well-crafted and blend seamlessly with the visuals. The art direction is my all-time favorite. I have never seen such detailed 2D artwork. It is incredibly satisfying in all aspects, whether it’s the character design or the maps themselves. The particle systems are particularly outstanding and appear in the sky, on the ground, and across all surfaces in a surprising manner.
Celeste is a masterpiece. It is so polished that I spent weeks searching for flaws and couldn’t find a single one. It starts unassuming and quickly transforms into an adventure that will make anyone cry or ponder on profound matters. It is truly unforgettable. In my mind, it would have been impossible for a game to be simultaneously difficult and welcoming to inexperienced players; impossible to have such innocent visuals while addressing important themes; impossible to have such simple gameplay and be so innovative. It is an indescribable experience.
10/10 — Masterpiece
How do our review scores work?
Originally reviewed on December 30, 2018, by Gabriel Carli.
Games in Orbit 
Leave a comment