Celeste

 PC
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 889 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 744 out of 889
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 889
  3. Negative: 73 out of 889

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  1. DJKrimson
    Dec 12, 2019
    10
    Amazing. Very fun platforming where you start with only a jump, dash and a climb but then discover more techniques/mechanics along the way.

    Good difficulty curve. The main story might be hard- but completely doable for anyone. The postgame offers a lot more challenge. The difficulty is not about pixel perfect jumps, it's rather keeping the pace and finding the optimal solution.
  2. Wafflol
    Feb 19, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is outstanding. The graphics, while 8/16 bit, look great, and the pixel art work is outstanding. All of the mechanics feel alive, and the story helps this notion by elaborating on where we are and how this mountain came to be. The design of the game makes it surprisingly easy to learn, but difficult to master. This amazing blend of ease of access while providing a challenge is what makes this game so special. To reiterate, the whole game somehow looks great with very little, providing beautiful landscapes. The narrative builds up over time and leaves me feeling happy, rather than the emptiness i find while playing other games. The optional collectibles such as strawberries, hearts, and more really add more challenge and insane replay-ability. I've sank 28 hours into this game, and I often feel like I've barely scratched the surface of it. You learn a concept, master it, and build it on to more. [spoiler time] The ending is a nice look-back to all of the mechanics you learned previously, building on even more to them. Once you are nearing the top, it gets very tense and difficult, and the counting down checkpoint numbers add to this feeling. You legitimately feel very accomplished, and that you have mastered the game. Which gets supported by the upbeat ending dialogue where you go back and meet everyone you've met along the way. It's awesome to feel that you have done it. You feel that you yourself climbed the mountain, and got stronger and better at it along the way, rather than you feeling that you helped a sprite do it. What first seems to be a silly game about collecting flying strawberries becomes so much more. However, if you want to test your skills further, you can always try out the B or C sides of every chapter, collecting all of the strawberries, or attempting the 8th chapter. And that's not even mentioning the outstanding soundtrack and sound effects, which make the experience even better. Plus, this game is super speedrun friendly, with an optional speedrun timer and the ability to skip every cutscene in the game. It's a blast to speedrun this, as you feel nostalgic about learning all of the mechanics, and you don't feel chained down by slow openings or boring unskippable cutscenes. It's crazy to think that one of the best games of all time is also insanely fun to speedrun, and all this melds together to make, in my opinion, the best game of 2019. And to think that this masterpiece is an INDIE GAME, and not created by a billion dollar company. Heck, the name of the company is "Matt Makes Games"! While many point to the graphics and think that this game is another lazy game, it is quite the opposite, as it balances an outstanding story with outstanding gameplay with an outstanding soundtrack, and even more. This game is an absolute masterpiece, and I would recommend it to anyone who considers buying it. This game is better than nearly all Triple-A $60 releases, and it's costs less than third of that and is created by a very small team. All in all, Celeste is one of the greatest games ever made, and it excels in nearly every aspect. This game is a must-play, and I can't believe it's an indie title. I urge you to buy this masterpiece of a game. I promise you, you will not regret it.… Expand
  3. Fornax
    Feb 20, 2019
    10
    Celeste is the best game i have personally ever played, the level design was the main thing that i loved in this game, the level design is complex and fun, in this game, level design leads to the high difficulty of the game which is good, compared to games to which difficulty leads to an okay level design. Controlling Madeline is awesome, motion is responsive and easy to learn, also thereCeleste is the best game i have personally ever played, the level design was the main thing that i loved in this game, the level design is complex and fun, in this game, level design leads to the high difficulty of the game which is good, compared to games to which difficulty leads to an okay level design. Controlling Madeline is awesome, motion is responsive and easy to learn, also there are many tricks for speed running (and B/C-Sides) that are very fun to use. And i haven't mention a great story, awesome music and much much more, this game gets a 10/10.… Expand
  4. Soullex
    Nov 30, 2022
    6
    Çok keyifli ama cidden gereksiz bir zorluğu var. Neyse ki hemen başlıyor...
  5. crabbyaidman1
    Sep 26, 2019
    9
    Alright, this is the best platformer I have ever played. The visuals are freaken amazing, controls are so smooth, and great level design. it is super hard but it's so fun to try and beat. Also, the story is top-notch.
  6. realcritic1
    Apr 22, 2019
    10
    I think Celeste one of the best games for someone who complete it. for me Celeste is really different game because have strange world. when you want pass a chapter, maybe a hundred time you die but you continue because meaning of the die is different in the Celeste. Celeste wants to die for knowing how to live. I should explain about music of the Celeste. in a word masterpiece. I thinkI think Celeste one of the best games for someone who complete it. for me Celeste is really different game because have strange world. when you want pass a chapter, maybe a hundred time you die but you continue because meaning of the die is different in the Celeste. Celeste wants to die for knowing how to live. I should explain about music of the Celeste. in a word masterpiece. I think one of the reason for pass chapter is listen music of the new chapter. graphic and drawing is really good. so Celeste is a great game we should respect to the best game of 2018… Expand
  7. mennybolt
    Oct 21, 2022
    10
    Amazing storytelling, well designed world and platform experience. Must play on platform genre.
  8. ArcanaThe4th
    Sep 4, 2019
    9
    Celeste is a beautiful game in every sense of the word. It's a treat for the eyes and ears, and the story is so relatable it had me wrapped up in it. I love stories about self-love and that deal with mental illness because I think that there's so much relatability in these stories.

    The final level has been one of my all time favorite final levels, and it made me feel like I could do    Celeste is a beautiful game in every sense of the word. It's a treat for the eyes and ears, and the story is so relatable it had me wrapped up in it. I love stories about self-love and that deal with mental illness because I think that there's so much relatability in these stories.

    The final level has been one of my all time favorite final levels, and it made me feel like I could do anything with how it dealt with accepting your darker side.    … Expand
  9. Dermi
    Jun 23, 2019
    10
    Excellent game that has interesting story. If you like games such as Super Meat Boy or VVVVVV, Celeste is surely worth buying.
  10. TaijitheBard
    Aug 1, 2019
    10
    I'm not much of a platformer player, but this game is hands down, the best platformer game I've ever played. You don't see very often that an indie game competed with the games such as Read Dead Redemption 2, God of War, AC: Odyssey and Spider-Man in the Game Awards. I can easily say that Celeste was by far the best game among all the nominees, and trust me, I've played every one of them.I'm not much of a platformer player, but this game is hands down, the best platformer game I've ever played. You don't see very often that an indie game competed with the games such as Read Dead Redemption 2, God of War, AC: Odyssey and Spider-Man in the Game Awards. I can easily say that Celeste was by far the best game among all the nominees, and trust me, I've played every one of them.

    Story looks very simple at the beginning. A girl named Madeline tries to climb a mountain. It's a simple story that you'd expect from a platformer game, right?

    Wrong.

    As you try to pass all the tough levels and chapters, you're beginning to realize that this is not a story about climbing a mountain. It's a story about overcoming your depression, your anxiety and your fear. As you progress through the game, Madeline constantly ignores her inner self, which resembles her fear, anxiety and depression. She just rans away from it, like all of us do in our lives.

    I want to shout-out to level design here, because the longer Madeline ignores her feelings, the harder the chapters get. It gets so hard that you want to quit the game, but you remember the very first line the game told you. "You can do this." And you try harder and harder.

    Once you overcome your desperation, depression and anxiety, the levels feel easier. It's not becoming easier by any means, on the contrary, it becomes much HARDER. Harder than nearly all the platformer games out there. However, the game gives you the feeling of improving so well that you feel confident and feel like you'll pass all the challenges the game throws at you. And you do too. Even someone like me, who hates hard games like Soulsborne, keeps trying to overcome every challenge.

    I'm 114 hours into the game as I write this review, but I still couldn't beat all the challenges. Sure, I beat the 100% of the game, but like a masochist, I try to get 114%, which seems nearly impossible. Way harder than 112% of Hollow Knight. But I feel like I'll betray the game if I don't pass every challenge the game offers.

    As for gameplay, it's like the story of the game. Simple at the beginning, advanced at the end. Mechanics are comprised of three basic elements. Jump, grab, and dash. Of course there's more to that, but the game won't tell you advanced techniques until you've finished the game. Sure, you can discover this mechanics in your normal playthrough, (and you'll definitely discover some of them by your own) but levels don't require for you to use those advanced techniques. It requires for only 100% and 114%.

    And the mechanics are so freaking smooth! Unlike many other platformer, you really feel like you have the full control over your character. Ever died in a game and said "I hate this game! I pressed ctrl but my character crouched so late!" Yeah, you won't say that in this game. Controls are so timely and consistent. Also everything is pixel-perfect. So, if you died, that's on you.

    And lastly, the soundtrack. Shout-out to Lena Raine for her masterpiece music. There couldn't be more suitable tracks for the atmosphere of the game. Music changes in every chapter and all the tracks reflect their chapters theme and story so well. You'll listen it over and over, even if you spent hours to the game and heard the all of the soundtrack thousands of times.

    Overall, 11/10. 2018's Game of the Year.    … Expand
  11. ThatOneNekoGuy
    Aug 22, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the best games I've ever played. The movement is fluid. Jumps, dashes and climbs react the frame you press the input, going exactly where you want them to. Celeste doesn't suffer from the floatiness of other platformers, without sacrificing maneuverability. The moveset alone would make this game fun if it were placed in an empty box, but it's not.

    The level design is brilliant as well, teaching the player without telling them what to do (there is a brief tutorial, but that's just to teach the player which buttons do what). Each room has a number of solutions, giving the player a sense of pride upon figuring each of them out.

    None of the rooms feel unfair to the player - the game doesn't laugh at the player for each mistake, but explains that each death brings you closer to the solution. It's not an easy game, but the difficulty curve scales steadily with the player, through the optional collectibles, B sides, C sides, and core, which are just as well designed as the required sections.

    The visuals are fantastic, though some people show distaste for pixel art in general. The animations are fluid, and lively. Incredible attention is put into every little detail in the game, from a lamp that swings when you brush by it, to the small clouds of dust that appear when landing from a jump. It's the subtle things that make good visuals great.

    The story and music are worth mentioning as well, but I tend to play my games on mute, and while Madeline's character arc is important to the game as a whole, I don't tend to care about story when it comes to platformers, so my opinion isn't really valid when it comes to those 2 things, as I didn't pay much attention to either in game. That said, if you do prefer to have sound on, you definitely should for this game, as the soundtrack is amazing, especially in the B sides and C sides, but I mostly only know this particular aspect from watching lets plays, not in my own experience with the game.

    While I do personally love the game, I also know that it's not for everyone. A lot of the optional parts of the game can become insanely difficult towards the end, so don't expect to 100% it unless you're /really/ good at platformers, or willing to sink a lot of time into it. Some of this difficulty can be eased via the built in assist mode, but I would strongly advise attempting the game on normal before trying assist mode, as it does take just a bit of the sweetness away from each victory.

    (Copy paste from my review for this game on the switch. They're the same game, except the controls are a bit more precise on the keyboard compared to the joycons, so misinputs are far less common in this version. I would recommend getting the PC version over switch, xbox, or ps4, as you have the option of switching between a keyboard or a controller if you so desire)    … Expand
  12. Geralt123
    Jan 26, 2023
    5
    What an overrated, annoying piece of sh*t game.

    Imagine you have to do pixel-precise platforming with awkward, unprecise and clunky controls. Well, you're in for a lot of fun. Welcome to Celeste. Most annoying and overrated game ever. Basically, on every screen you have to break your fingers in order to perform impossible jump sequences using horrible controls. Keyboard or    What an overrated, annoying piece of sh*t game.

    Imagine you have to do pixel-precise platforming with awkward, unprecise and clunky controls. Well, you're in for a lot of fun. Welcome to Celeste.

    Most annoying and overrated game ever. Basically, on every screen you have to break your fingers in order to perform impossible jump sequences using horrible controls. Keyboard or Controller doesn't matter, both suck and it is pure luck when you finally finish a screen. On to the next...which is even more horrible. And if that wasn't already enough, they add time pressure and enemies that follow you crazily fast.

    There are big "screens" which are actually several screens you scroll through. And guess what, when you fail in such a big screen, you always start at the beginning. Needless to say that the jumps required are crazy hard and when I say pixel-perfect, I really mean pixel-perfect.

    I thought this would be a nice platformer, but it actually is a "Try each screen 100 times until you make it" simulator. That's all what the devs are capable of.

    You have to try each screen so many times that it is just annoying.

    Dialogues are very simple, actually not very creative. Could be written by a 15 year old high school student.

    I don't know but this game seems extremely overrated. It is ok, but that's it. I will suffer through it because I never quit a game.

    Graphics and sound are good though. But the basic concept of platforming and trying 100 times just sucks.    … Expand
  13. Iron_Ninja5
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    I had already played the original PICO-8 game and when it went for free on the epic game store i got it and its an amazing game and including the PICO-8 game inside the full game was amazing 10/10 would recommend.
  14. HorSH4ne_
    Sep 1, 2019
    9
    Пока что это один из самых тяжёлых платформеров в который мне довелось поиграть. В игре есть и плюсы, и минусы. Плюсы: 1.Саундтрек, 2. Сюжет, 3. Геймплей, 4. Головоломки, 5. Графика.
    Минусы: 1. Кривое портирование на ПК, 2. Местами графика слишком яркая.    Пока что это один из самых тяжёлых платформеров в который мне довелось поиграть. В игре есть и плюсы, и минусы. Плюсы: 1.Саундтрек, 2. Сюжет, 3. Геймплей, 4. Головоломки, 5. Графика.
    Минусы: 1. Кривое портирование на ПК, 2. Местами графика слишком яркая.
  15. byAEG7
    May 25, 2021
    9
    Indie 2D game that innovates in few different ways and implements some new mechanics. Overall the game has some solid game play and an absolutely great story that shows how to go through depression and anxiety
  16. Alekand
    Sep 12, 2019
    8
    Very good game. Plat former with a moderate difficulty. So funny. I recommend it.
  17. inoffensive
    Dec 15, 2019
    10
    even after hours and hours of playing the game, it keeps being fun. Even after beating the game 2 times, I wanted to start over and play again.
  18. edxtan
    Oct 5, 2022
    9
    Celeste's smooth mechanics, organic puzzle design, and clear visual language make every challenge feel fair, no matter how difficult.
  19. Anthyx
    Oct 14, 2019
    9
    Despues de mucho tiempo he logrado jugar a este juego y wow... increible. El juego es precioso y la jugabilidad es muy buena, el juego no te trata como un niño que no sabe hacer nada cada movimiento que hagas es tu decision, lo cual quiere decir que si mueres una y otra vez no es culpa del jugo si no tu que tienes que ir aprendiento de tus errores. La historia me parece un poco floja peroDespues de mucho tiempo he logrado jugar a este juego y wow... increible. El juego es precioso y la jugabilidad es muy buena, el juego no te trata como un niño que no sabe hacer nada cada movimiento que hagas es tu decision, lo cual quiere decir que si mueres una y otra vez no es culpa del jugo si no tu que tienes que ir aprendiento de tus errores. La historia me parece un poco floja pero con ese arte y jugabilidad se perdona.… Expand
  20. Emanuel44
    Oct 16, 2019
    9
    One of the best plat formers ever created. The mechanics are varied and do not bore, music and pixel art are also outstanding
    An adventure that will make you feel good about yourself once you finish it.
  21. neoarkron
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Celeste is one of the best platforms games ever giving a good story for the characters with the reasons to go to climb Celeste mountain. This game is so touching with the problems of Madeline and how she can overcome her problems with anxiety and depression. By the way, most of the people giving a low score is because they were bad players and didn't know the real commands to play theCeleste is one of the best platforms games ever giving a good story for the characters with the reasons to go to climb Celeste mountain. This game is so touching with the problems of Madeline and how she can overcome her problems with anxiety and depression. By the way, most of the people giving a low score is because they were bad players and didn't know the real commands to play the game. I know this is a retro game, giving more difficulty than many actual games. People nowadays are used to play easy games and I am a little upset with that.I am disappointed with the casual players who tried the game and did not learn to play it. Same with those who do not appreciate pixel art. It seems they never knew the true difficulty of the games that were years ago. I think that's a reason for giving a low score. Celeste is unique with the mechanics and I like the mechanics are different in other chapters. That makes the game less repetitive. On the other hand, Music is hilarious and majestic, love every song of the game.… Expand
  22. LightBob31
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is so fantastic every chavter has a new and good ideas but not in final chapter because heis a collection of the previous ideas but still a good game… Expand
  23. Jckovacks
    Nov 18, 2019
    8
    Un muy buen juego independiente, el cual, trata sobre la superación, la duda y el remordimiento de forma mucho más directa que otras obras similares. Todo ello, sin renunciar a la parte jugable, el cual demanda una precisión milimétrica en su "plataformeo" y en sus enfrentamientos contra jefes.
    Personalmente, me pareció muy difícil (sin meterme en Cara B, C ni esas locuras) pero    Un muy buen juego independiente, el cual, trata sobre la superación, la duda y el remordimiento de forma mucho más directa que otras obras similares. Todo ello, sin renunciar a la parte jugable, el cual demanda una precisión milimétrica en su "plataformeo" y en sus enfrentamientos contra jefes.
    Personalmente, me pareció muy difícil (sin meterme en Cara B, C ni esas locuras) pero superable.
    Lo disfruté? Si, mucho. Lo recomiendo? Si, pero preparar vuestra paciencia.

    *Puntuación con respecto al panorama independiente.    … Expand
  24. LuanV
    Jul 23, 2021
    8
    Celeste é um jogo muito bom de plataforma 2D. Em suas mecânicas, o jogo não inova em nada; a novidade está na forma em como a obra conta sua história e os assuntos que ela trata. Dificilmente, você vê isso no mercado, ainda mais com essa qualidade técnica.
  25. Loubaxo
    Jan 31, 2020
    10
    Celeste is the greatest example that indie games can have as much quality or even more than triple-A games. Starting with the technical part, the soundtrack is PERFECT, the sprites and animations are not left behind either. The story is very good, full of metaphors ranging from skills, even to the PREMISE OF THE GAME, also portraying many interesting themes and with a beautiful lesson. InCeleste is the greatest example that indie games can have as much quality or even more than triple-A games. Starting with the technical part, the soundtrack is PERFECT, the sprites and animations are not left behind either. The story is very good, full of metaphors ranging from skills, even to the PREMISE OF THE GAME, also portraying many interesting themes and with a beautiful lesson. In addition, the level design is impeccable, being difficult but always fair, not to mention that the gameplay is so well done that it becomes satisfactory and the sound effects and music help in this and in the immersion of the game. Finally, the dialogues, which are mostly well written and all thanks to the super charismatic characters, I love the beginning of chapter 6, for me it could be just that conversation, but I think that in some moments they should deepen these interactions better . In conclusion, Celeste is an incredible game, being my new Top1, surpassing Smash and so it is very special for me… Expand
  26. PanMrkvicka
    Mar 12, 2020
    10
    Amazing platformer game that is chalenging and adds more new and fun and interesting mechanics as you play.
  27. IsshinAshina
    Feb 2, 2020
    10
    Very, very tight platformer, which dares to combine multiple concepts in a single level.
    Endearing art style and story, with a surprisingly deep message. Beautiful soundtrack.
    One of the top games of its genre!
  28. VncAGM14
    Apr 24, 2020
    10
    The game is just amazing, it has so much emotion and the design and style of graphics is really captivating. The soundtrack is one of the highest points of the game. Each level has a song that gives a immersion and a vibe so unique and great. Celeste also has such a good message to pass to the player and gives a vision of someone who wants to do something at all cost.
  29. Isoshi
    Feb 17, 2020
    10
    This game is outstanding as a game. But what is more important (at least in my opinion) it can help people with depression. Celeste teach how to deal with own problems in our heads.
  30. last_of_us
    Mar 15, 2022
    10
    w.o. w
    this game is god
    never thought it be this much beauty game
    its hard game some but i love it
    music is amazing
    it kinda attract u & give u positive enegry
    ty for this excellent game
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PC Game of 2018
13
#13 Most Discussed PC Game of 2018
67
#67 Most Shared PC Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. GameGrin
    Mar 29, 2022
    100
    A charming precision platformer with a pleasant story about mental health. Gorgeous graphics, beautiful music, and fantastic platforming had me coming back for more despite my thousand deaths.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    May 16, 2018
    90
    Celeste has a lot going for it: virtuoso level design, top notch pixel art, fantastic chiptune soundtrack, an overall smart design, huge speedrunning potential and some deeper meaning (climbing the mountain as a metaphor of overcoming depression). Be aware though that it requires flawless precision and you will count your deaths in thousands. [04/2018, p.53]
  3. PC Games
    Mar 21, 2018
    90
    Along with its charming 2D retro look and awesome soundtrack the game cast a spell on me with its authentic characters.
    Read full review
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