12
32-
They say nobody and nothing is perfect. Even your favorite game that you could play over and over again has something that rubs you the wrong way, be it an especially irritating level or that one hard to reach collectible that just seems unfair. But every once in a while there comes a game that is by no means perfect, but it does come pretty darn close, and today that game is Celeste.
You might dismiss Celeste at first glance at the screenshot as yet another pixel platformer, and while it is true there have been many of those lately (and the majority of them being good), pixels are just one visual choice Celeste has. The speech section is presented with detailed and gorgeous looking drawings and Stage Select screen in a simple yet eye-catching 3D render of a mountain, which you are meant to climb.
The mountain is a metaphor for obstacles to overcome and challenges to tackle so we could prove our worth, which is exactly what both you and a character you control, Madeline, are aiming for. You, as a player, is here to prove you can beat the game, and beating Celeste is no small feat. Madeline, she is there to deal with bigger demons, and by demons, I don't mean it literally, and since we are talking about a video game it wouldn't be surprising if there were actual demons. But, no, there are no enemies here, at least not in a traditional sense.
Madeline is fighting depression and anxiety.
This is not your happy go lucky head jumping plumber adventure. That is not to say Celeste is depressing, but the way it deals with themes of depression is absolutely outstanding and it fits like a puzzle piece next to the gameplay.
As said before, Celeste is not an easy game and some controllers breaking can happen, but it never lets you revel in your failure, rather it puts you straight back at the beginning of the screen and lets you try again, telling you that it might seem hard at first but over time and practice it will get better until finally, you beat it.
Now if that doesn't tie into themes of depression, I don't know what does.
A handful of characters are to be met on your adventure and you will probably find a person in your life that will fit the role of one of those characters, and same goes for situations and dialogues.
Yes, Celeste can hit a bit close to home but that is exactly what makes it such a unique experience
A great story is not the only thing why Celeste deserves so much praise - the level design is very well thought out, controls are spot on and pixel sprites are given so much life, bounciness, and movement that you will "feel" every jump and every landing on the surface, or on the walls.
Since you are climbing a mountain, in many instances you will be required to stick to walls and climb up, but your stamina is limited so quick thinking is required as well.
Speaking of stamina, the amount of it is cleverly presented with the color of main characters hair - it changes as stamina depletes
The ability to dash through the air is the main means of movement, and you'd be surprised how much the developers implemented dash ability into the stage design. As with climbing, dash requires stamina which makes every dash count.
Each screen of the stage requires more thinking than going right for it, and everything else is dependant on your persistence and will.
Celeste is truly a whole package that will both give you an awesome gaming experience but it will also help you cope with hard times.
Climb that "mountain" and make yourself proud. Deep inside, just like Madeline, you know you can do it.
(Trust me, getting to the end of the game, reaching that peak, it feels extraordinary.)
Get in the Game ! 
