Celeste is an 8-bit indie platformer that was made in 2018 that gained a lot of popularity for how unique it was to other platformers. Players control a character named Madeline as she ascends the mountain, Celeste. While you are climbing up the mountain, you are also learning more about Madeline’s personal struggles.  It deals with themes of self-discovery, mental health, and overcoming these struggles. The storytelling is done through interactions with other characters and beautifully animated cutscenes.

I believe that Celeste is one of the most difficult platformers that has come out in the modern day because of the tight controls and very simple movement mechanics. Throughout the entire game, the only mechanics you have are wall climbing which is limited by stamina and an air dash that replenishes after landing on a platform. These mechanics limit your freedom in a way where you are still allowed to move smoothly but it doesn’t allow you to have many options to complete a level. The obstacles in the game add even more of a challenge combined with the controls of the game.

Celeste’s level building is amazing and something I don’t see in many modern platformers. Each level, there is a new mechanic that is only ever seen in that level and adds a lot to the simple mechanics that you have throughout the game. These new mechanics keep the gameplay of Celeste fresh and engaging and even add a new challenge that keeps the game difficult throughout.

One redeeming aspect of Celeste is the soundtrack that was made by Lena Raine. The music dynamically changes based on the player’s progress, creating an immersive experience. The music is created to be similar to how Madeline is feeling combined with the progress that she has made while climbing Celeste.

Overall, Celeste is a great indie game that mixes difficult platforming with an emotional story and outstanding audiovisual components. Its capacity to provide a profoundly moving experience is just as important to its success as its gaming mechanics. You can buy

 on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox One for only $20.