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This pixel-art platformer about climbing a mountain and collecting strawberries contains a surprisingly touching story about dealing with anxiety and depression, wrapped in incredibly satisfying movement and gameplay. Players follow Madeline on her journey to reach the summit of Mount Celeste, as she discovers and comes to terms with herself in the process.
The Ascent
Being a platform game, of course it is vitally important that the gameplay of Celeste is very good. Things from janky hitboxes, odd physics and movement to frame-perfect requirements and frustrating difficulty can all make a platform game unenjoyable. Celeste suffers from none of these setbacks. The gameplay is not just good, it's amazing. The movement, the satisfying feedback and responsiveness to the controls, the evolving mechanics and level design all come together to make a fantastic platformer. There really is not much else to be said- it really is perfect. Jumping onto a wall to bounce off, jump in mid-air, collect a strawberry (the collectibles of this game) to land perfectly on a small platform is never not satisfying.
Celeste’s difficulty increases at a steady pace. Each level is slighter harder than the last and has its own special gimmick/mechanic. From chase sequences to mechanical platforms, every level is distinct and wonderful crafted. However, the game can still be difficult. As you progress, more precision and planning is required in your jumps and navigation of the obstacles. Hitting any obstacles resets you to the last platform you were on immediately- no Black Screen Of Death and no loading screen. Just straight back to where you were. I really like this design choice in Celeste, it encourages trial and error. There is no massive punishment for failure and gameplay is all the more seamless for it.
If Celeste ever feels too difficult, you can activate any number of cheats at any time you like. From an extra jump in mid-air to complete invincibility, these cheats can be accessed on a menu available from the start of the game to provide a handicap for those struggling or simply wanting to experience the story without the worry of the platforming. It is a nice and welcome feature that offers, but never forces, players to tweak their gameplay to their liking- or to relieve frustration at a particular segment. I believe Celeste is difficult but fair and I rarely used the cheats, but having the option to simply plow through an annoying screen will be very welcome to some.
For those wanting an extra challenge, hidden levels known as “B-Sides” and the even more difficult “C-Sides” are hidden throughout for a hardcore platforming gauntlet of pain.
Mind and Body
Celeste’s story surprised me in the best possible way. By that I mean: I did not expect it to have much of a story at all. Yet, as we ascend the mountain, we also learn about the struggles Madeline faces with her anxiety and depression. As an Old Woman tells us in the beginning, while climbing the mountain: “You might see things. Things you ain’t ready to see”. This is shown with the main antagonist of the game- a manifestation of Madeline’s doubts and dark thoughts, who pursues her along her journey. It is difficult to really say much else without going into spoilers, but we watch Madeline, confront, console and come to terms with this manifestation and therefore herself too. One chapter in particular, composed entirely of dialogue between two characters, is a beautifully written dive into the topic of depression and mental health as a whole. I never expected such a touching and provocative narrative (both in this chapter and as a whole) in a game about climbing a mountain, yet there it is and it is brilliant. The story is genuinely intriguing and I found myself entirely invested in it, and I was (and you too will be) rewarded with an amazing payoff and ending to the journey.
Besides Madeline, there are a few other characters along this journey. Theo, a social media obsessed vlogger from Seattle, the aforementioned Old Woman and Mr Oshiro. Despite their limited screen time in a game with limited screen time to begin with, all of them are well fleshed out and feel like complete characters, which is a real achievement that must be applauded. The cast, although small, feel alive and relatable in their own ways.
Finally, each level has its own soundtrack and I must say they are all incredible and masterfully implemented. A backing track gets more layers to it as you clear the clutter of an old hotel, becoming a complete piece when the hotel is restored. Panic attacks have chaotic, disorderly synths and sirens as Madeline struggles to catch her breath. The music is phenomenal and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it again on repeat playthroughs and even in my own time.
Verdict
Looks can be deceiving, and Celeste is deceiving in the best way. What appears to be a simple platformer is actually a very touching and fine-crafted experience. Offering options to be easier for those struggling, and optional extreme levels, Celeste can be played by anyone and everyone- which I truly recommend.
