Celeste looks like a simple pixel-art platformer, but it is one of the most emotionally powerful games of the past decade. It tells the story of Madeline, a young woman determined to climb Celeste Mountain, while struggling with anxiety and self-doubt. Combined with incredibly tight controls and an outstanding soundtrack, it is a game that stays with you.
We played through the main story, the extra chapters and many optional challenges. Here is our review.
The climb
Madeline’s goal is simple: reach the summit of Celeste Mountain. Each chapter is a series of single-screen challenges, where you must reach the exit without touching spikes or falling. When you die, you instantly respawn at the start of the screen, which keeps frustration low and encourages experimentation.
Controls
Madeline can jump, climb walls for a limited time and dash in eight directions once in the air. These three abilities form the core of the game. The controls are precise and responsive, so every failure feels like your mistake, not the game’s. Mastering dashes and wall jumps is extremely satisfying.
Level design
Each chapter introduces new mechanics, such as moving platforms, wind, bubbles, feathers that let you fly or blocks that move when you dash. These ideas are explored creatively and combined in surprising ways. Difficulty increases gradually, and by the later chapters, you will be performing complex sequences of moves.
Strawberries and secrets
Optional strawberries are hidden throughout the levels. Collecting them is often harder than finishing the screen, and the game is clear that they do not unlock anything significant. They are simply a challenge for those who want it. Hidden cassette tapes unlock B-side levels, which are remixes with much higher difficulty and new music. C-sides go even further.
A story about anxiety
What makes Celeste stand out is its story. Madeline meets characters on the mountain, including Theo, a friendly traveller, and a mysterious part of herself who represents her doubts and fears. The game handles anxiety and panic attacks with care and honesty. Many players have shared how much Madeline’s story resonated with their own experiences.
Assist Mode
Celeste includes an Assist Mode that lets players adjust game speed, enable invincibility or gain infinite dashes. The game presents this option kindly, encouraging players to enjoy the story in their own way. This makes Celeste accessible to players who might otherwise find it too difficult.
Music
The soundtrack by Lena Raine is one of the best in gaming. It blends piano, synths and atmospheric sounds to match each chapter’s mood. Many players listen to it outside the game. The B-side remixes add even more variety.
Farewell
A free extra chapter called Farewell was added after launch. It is very difficult and offers a meaningful epilogue to Madeline’s story. It is designed for players who have mastered the game’s mechanics.
Difficulty
Celeste is challenging. Later chapters and B-sides can take hundreds of attempts. However, instant respawns and short screens make the difficulty manageable. The game celebrates your death count at the end of each chapter, framing failure as part of progress.
Tips for players
- Practise dashing in all eight directions
- Take breaks when stuck; fresh eyes help
- Do not worry about strawberries on your first playthrough
- Use Assist Mode if you want to focus on the story
- Listen to the soundtrack with headphones
Who is it for?
Celeste is perfect for platformer fans and anyone who appreciates thoughtful storytelling. Its Assist Mode makes it suitable for players of all skill levels.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Celeste? The main story takes around 8 to 10 hours, with much more for optional content.
Is it too hard? It is challenging, but Assist Mode makes it accessible.
Is there violence? No. It is a non-violent game focused on climbing.
Why it matters
Celeste shows how gameplay and story can support each other. The difficulty of climbing the mountain mirrors Madeline’s emotional struggles, and every success feels like personal growth. This connection between mechanics and meaning is rare and powerful.
Speedrunning
Celeste has a large speedrunning community. Its precise controls and clever level design allow skilled players to find creative routes and techniques. Watching speedruns after finishing the game can show you just how deep its mechanics go.
The joy of improvement
One of the best feelings in Celeste is returning to an early chapter after finishing the game. Screens that once took dozens of attempts now feel easy, and you can see clearly how much you have improved. Few games make progress so visible and rewarding.
Platform recommendations
Celeste plays well everywhere, but a controller is strongly recommended. Many players enjoy it on Switch for portable sessions, while PC offers the sharpest visuals and the option to explore community-made levels. Whatever platform you choose, the controls remain responsive and reliable.
Our experience
Our death counter for the main story ended in the thousands, and we would not change a thing. Each chapter felt like a small mountain of its own, and finishing the final climb with that soundtrack playing was one of our most emotional moments in gaming this year.
Comparing it to other platformers
Many platformers focus on exploration or collecting, while Celeste focuses on precise movement and short, demanding challenges. It shares DNA with classic hard platformers, but its generous respawns and emotional story make it far more welcoming. If you enjoyed Hollow Knight’s platforming sections or other tough indie games, Celeste is a natural next step.
Accessibility for younger players
Because Celeste has no violence and offers Assist Mode, it can work well for older children who enjoy challenges. Parents may want to play alongside them, since the story touches on mental health topics that can lead to meaningful conversations.
Content creators and mods
On PC, a large community has created custom levels and mods that extend Celeste far beyond the original game.
Verdict
Celeste is a masterpiece. Its tight controls, creative levels, beautiful soundtrack and moving story combine into something truly special. It is difficult, but it never feels unfair, and its Assist Mode ensures everyone can experience Madeline’s journey. Do not miss it.
