Celeste

About This Game

Celeste is a precision platformer with a soul. Madeline, a young woman struggling with anxiety and self-doubt, sets out to climb the treacherous Celeste Mountain. What follows is a masterfully designed gauntlet of screens that teach, challenge, and reward in equal measure. Wall jumps, air dashes, and later abilities combine to create movement mechanics that feel sublime once mastered.

Beyond the razor-sharp gameplay lies a sincere, moving story about mental health. Madeline's journey up the mountain mirrors her internal battle with a dark reflection of herself, and the narrative handles themes of depression and self-acceptance with remarkable grace. An assist mode ensures the story is accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level — a design philosophy that more games should embrace.

The base game's seven chapters are complemented by deviously hard B-side and C-side remixes, a sprawling Chapter 9 DLC, and speedrun-friendly features that have built a passionate community. With its Lena Raine soundtrack, pixel-perfect controls, and emotional resonance, Celeste is proof that small teams can make enormous art.