The view is worth the climb with Celeste
Every now and then an indie game arrives that seems to exceed expectations presented through its minimalist design. Mark of the Ninja comes to mind as does Super Time Force. These are simple games that are remarkable to play. Celeste easily sits near the top of that list as a game that despite its retro design, is an outstanding game in almost every respect.
Do yourself a favor. First, go listen to parts of the Celeste soundtrack. Hell, even leave it on the background for the day. It’s fantastic study music.
You’d think hair like that would be a liability in a mountain climbing scenario
Made by two developers originally as part of a four day game jam, the full release of the game launched earlier this year for just about every console – you have no excuse not to try this.
The plot centers on a young woman named Madeline climbing Celeste Mountain notorious for making adventurers face their inner demons as they reach the summit. Along the way you’ll run into a handful of NPCs (not all living) and most notably encounter your other self, Madeline’s depression manifested as an antagonist that makes it her goal to deter and discourage you. It seems bizarre but I can’t think of any games that take on topics of depression in such a way and considering how many make you face yourself, this is a no brainer.
Gameplay is pixel perfect platforming with some basic Mario-like combat against the occasional mountain creature, but the focus remains primarily on your ability to climb some of the most challenging rooms this side of Super Meat Boy. You will die, a ton, but it’s not meant to discourage you. Checkpoints are rampant and load times are non-existent so it’s really up to you to persevere. It’s easy to identify with Madeline as you both struggle to keep going against seemingly impossible challenges.
Yes, it will get challenging.
But you will make it, eventually, to the end of the game. You’ll face your inner demons. You’ll pull of some miraculous platforming along the way and you’ll listen to some remarkably good music as you do. We wanted to dispute the insanely high scores Celeste is getting, but we can’t, it really is THAT good.
What works
The production values are remarkably rich despite the limited resolution. Music, UI, load times, all of it are top notch. The story, though basic, is well told and very compelling. We are surprised it’s taken this long so long to tell this story.
What doesn’t work
Our one complaint is that the game presents optional challenges in these hidden or hard to reach strawberries you can find throughtout but prompts you early to say these are optional and have no bearing on the story. But the truth is, they do. They lead to more content and story and, when you finish, you’ll be driven mad trying to find these to learn what else happens to Madeline.
Overall: Buy it
It’s top notch throughout and well worth your money. You won’t regret it.
Even pixel-art games can be breath-taking
