Celeste

 Switch
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1137 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 969 out of 1137
  2. Mixed: 81 out of 1137
  3. Negative: 87 out of 1137
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. bulger_paul
    Jan 28, 2018
    10
    I don't like being a reactionist, or overpraising something too soon, but Celeste is one of the best 2D platformers I've ever played. I'll break down my review into individual segments:

    Controls: 10/10 Very tight, extremely simple controls. Move with Left control stick. Jump with B. Dash with Y. Climb walls with RT. End of tutorial. But the sheer amount of mileage these developers get    I don't like being a reactionist, or overpraising something too soon, but Celeste is one of the best 2D platformers I've ever played. I'll break down my review into individual segments:

    Controls: 10/10
    Very tight, extremely simple controls. Move with Left control stick. Jump with B. Dash with Y. Climb walls with RT. End of tutorial. But the sheer amount of mileage these developers get out of such a simple base is staggering

    Gameplay: 10/10
    While the controls are deceptively simple, every single chapter introduces a few new mechanics that you will have to master in order to progress. Whether they be platforms that disintegrate underneath you, platforms that move in sync with your dashing, walls you can dash through that have a unique effect. gemstones that replenish your dash midair, bubbles that shoot you far off into certain directions, and the list goes on and on, each new mechanic requires you to use them with near perfect precision and timing. The challenge can be occasionally frustrating, and you may find yourself dying several hundred times in any given chapter (I'm not exaggerating, you will die a lot), but it's the good kind of frustration that invites you to persist, not the kind that will cause you to rage quit. And none of your deaths feel out of your control. It doesn't require you to memorize every obstacle coming next, because there's never anything popping up that you didn't expect. Every obstacle is laid out in front of you, clear for you to see, which makes the challenge more inviting than frustrating.
    But I don't want to scare off potential players who are not so keen on the sound of timing and precision based gameplay, since that doesn't sound particularly fun by description alone, but this is a joy to play and an innumerable amount of sequences had me smiling and feeling accomplished by their end.

    Difficulty Level: 7/10
    I know 7 seems fairly low considering how much time I've already spent re-emphasizing the demand for precision, and how often you're going to die, and I'm sure you've already seen many other reviews that describe it to be tough as nails, and it is, but (thankfully) the game doesn't punish you for dying over and over and over and over. I had more than 300 deaths in a single chapter once. But this game doesn't kick you in the balls the way Cuphead does every time you die, you always re-spawn in the same frame that you died in, and it takes roughly half a second to re-spawn. The sheer amount of precision the game demands in and of itself would be enough to make it a 10, but the forgiving nature of the game makes the challenge much more manageable, so you can throw yourself at the same obstacle over and over and over and over again until you get it right, which is a godsend, because I would have honestly never bothered finishing the game if I had to deal with a lives system, or if it sent me back to the beginning of each level, or something like that.

    Story: 7/10
    I'm actually not as enamored with the story as many other people seem to be. I think it's great to see more and more video games experiment in dealing with heavy thematic matter such as anxiety, panic, apathy, depression, emotional distance, etc, and I think Celeste does a good job of it, and I can imagine many people out there being touched by it, because it handles delicate topics with sensitivity, earnestness, and a touch of humor. I like the characters a lot (and I love that they actually created an Instagram account for the character who is always taking selfies and writing posts throughout the game), but I don't think it's quite perfect yet. I really hope the developers keep experimenting with this kind of subject matter, because Celeste has made me eager for whatever the dish up next.

    Artwork/Design: 8/10
    I used to refer to this segment as "graphics," because graphical power used to be important when reviewing games, but we've reached an era of gaming when gamers and reviewers are less concerned about graphical horsepower and more interested in artwork, with absolutely beautiful looking games such as Cuphead and Journey, which are both stunning games due to their artwork, even though they're not going to max out the system you run them on by any means. Celeste is in that category, and it is a brilliantly designed game.

    Music: 9/10
    It is impressive in and of itself that these indie developers composed more than two hours of music for a relatively short game (around 10hrs max to complete all of the main bits, 20 if you're a completionist that is going to collect all the strawberries and complete all the "B side" challenges), and it pays off, because the soundtrack is just beautiful.

    Overall: 10/10
    While I think the story is good, even though I wasn't as deeply impressed with it as many other reviewers were, the controls, gameplay, and design are every bit as good as you've heard and Celeste is a game that deserves to be experienced by anybody who can spare twenty bucks to try it out.    … Expand
  2. ScreenScraggy22
    Feb 19, 2018
    10
    Wow is the game just so good in almost every aspect possible. Fantastic and challenging gameplay really shines through in this beautiful game. Its fun enough to want to keep on playing no matter how hard it gets. The dashing mechanic in the game is not gimmicky and is a lot of fun. The soundtrack is very nice, and graphics are simple but good. Also a ton of replayability here with all ofWow is the game just so good in almost every aspect possible. Fantastic and challenging gameplay really shines through in this beautiful game. Its fun enough to want to keep on playing no matter how hard it gets. The dashing mechanic in the game is not gimmicky and is a lot of fun. The soundtrack is very nice, and graphics are simple but good. Also a ton of replayability here with all of the chapters having a harder mode to them, also with tons of collectables you can play this game for hours. Some of the best platforming gameplay I’ve ever experienced.… Expand
  3. Tanky86
    Apr 19, 2022
    7
    its a great platformer, but way too hard for me. this game ain’t for me and i can understand that
  4. pikby
    Feb 12, 2018
    9
    Celeste is a beutifully crafted game that not only provides a sloo of surprises for platforming veterans,with unique and intresting mechanics everwhere you look , but also provides one of the best narratives ive seen in a video game in quite some time, with the best depiction of mental illness ive seen in a video game ever as an added bonus, this game is simply a masterpeice, and ifCeleste is a beutifully crafted game that not only provides a sloo of surprises for platforming veterans,with unique and intresting mechanics everwhere you look , but also provides one of the best narratives ive seen in a video game in quite some time, with the best depiction of mental illness ive seen in a video game ever as an added bonus, this game is simply a masterpeice, and if history forgets this game, then **** history.

    97%    … Expand
  5. alexbudke
    Jul 22, 2019
    8
    While Celeste story was a complete bore to me, the gameplay including the fast reset kept me attempting to beat each level just one more time. The soundtrack was one of my favorite of the year, and this made for an overall enjoyable game.
  6. bingbon
    Nov 9, 2022
    0
    amazing game this game has truly made me appreiciate the beauty of indie games
  7. DistantKingDumb
    May 3, 2021
    10
    One of the greatest exponents of the platform today, the intentions of this game are pure and its design overflows with love for detail.
    Madeline's moral conflict is the best I've seen in the indie industry.
  8. bennyslen
    Feb 16, 2018
    10
    This game is amazing. It touched my soul.

    Pro
    -The gameplay is fluid and the puzzle are good.
    -The soundtrack is WONDERFUL
    -The "story" is lovely
    -The characters are nice

    Cons
    -When the game ended, and i realized all happened too fast
  9. thryce3
    May 19, 2020
    6
    The gameplay is fun and challenging. The story is deeply affecting and the metaphor of climbing the mountain is at times brilliant. I would be a 9 out of 10 but...... After a long dialogue section the difficulty and frustration spikes through the roof! It is a hard game filled with trial by death, but you respawn quickly on the same screen so it actually works. Honestly, I didn't mindThe gameplay is fun and challenging. The story is deeply affecting and the metaphor of climbing the mountain is at times brilliant. I would be a 9 out of 10 but...... After a long dialogue section the difficulty and frustration spikes through the roof! It is a hard game filled with trial by death, but you respawn quickly on the same screen so it actually works. Honestly, I didn't mind the first 995 times i died (actual number- not an exaggeration). Then the climax begins and each screen has multiple sections that need to be done perfectly or you die and do them all again. It goes from a challenge to chore very quickly. I died an additional 1400+ times on the final 2 sections. It's a real shame because the story is strongest at that point. I get why they made it so hard, but it totally breaks the engagement and nearly spoiled the entire game.
    I still recommend it to anyone who wants a challenging game. I'm sure all these perfect 10's were from players who died way less than i did. Just know what you're getting into.    … Expand
  10. reyt_nice
    Jan 25, 2018
    10
    Solid controls. Solid visuals. Solid music. All bundled together with mind-blowing level design and heartwarming characters. As a big fan of Towerfall I had high hopes that were massively exceeded– Switch feels like the perfect home for it.
  11. Theskullshammer
    Feb 6, 2018
    9
    This game far surpassed my expectations. The controls are tight, the soundtrack is great, and the story is surprisingly good for a 2D platformer. There are some who'll find it to be a bit challenging so don't go in expecting it to be a cake walk, but I'd recommend it to anyone who's looking for a challenge.
  12. Noktai
    Jan 25, 2018
    10
    An absolute masterpiece of a platformer. The game has no groundbreaking mechanics, just jumping, climbing and dashing. The level design is what makes this title stand out. Try not to get scared by the difficulty, there is a smart assist mode to help you tune the difficulty to your liking but slowing down time or granting additional dashes.
  13. mynameisjonas
    Jan 25, 2018
    10
    Wanna get this in before the peak minor indie hype explodes for this game. This game has:

    1. Fluid mechanics and amazing level design that caters to it, they really pushed this game to its limits with what you can do with jumping, dashing and climbing. 2. Interesting story and characters 3. Amazing music 4. Very challenging and rewarding. Best platformer I've played since    Wanna get this in before the peak minor indie hype explodes for this game. This game has:

    1. Fluid mechanics and amazing level design that caters to it, they really pushed this game to its limits with what you can do with jumping, dashing and climbing.

    2. Interesting story and characters

    3. Amazing music

    4. Very challenging and rewarding.

    Best platformer I've played since Tropical Freeze.    … Expand
  14. Dannyxv8
    Feb 3, 2018
    10
    I made an account just to say that the level design in this game is mind-blowing. Celeste has the best level design I've ever seen in a video game. Charming characters, amazing music, simple controls, challenging difficulty, this game is for anyone who loves every detail being perfect.
  15. Aynez
    Feb 25, 2018
    10
    For me, this game is platforming perfection. It starts out quite easy. And as you go, you find the game more and more challenging, while on the other hand getting better and better at the game's simple, yet perfect mechanics. The core mechanics consist of jump, climb and dash. That's it. However, all the chapters utilize these mechanics in new and innovative ways.
    It took me about 45    For me, this game is platforming perfection. It starts out quite easy. And as you go, you find the game more and more challenging, while on the other hand getting better and better at the game's simple, yet perfect mechanics. The core mechanics consist of jump, climb and dash. That's it. However, all the chapters utilize these mechanics in new and innovative ways.
    It took me about 45 hours to clear all levels, B-sides and C-sides. After that, there's golden strawberries to collect by going from start to finish on each chapter (including B and C-sides), which are just madness! :)

    In my opinion, this really is one of the best games ever made!    … Expand
  16. NJMC_
    Mar 3, 2018
    10
    I usually don't seek out or purchase many platformer games. Taking a change on Celeste, turned out to be one of the best decision I could've made. The graphics are simple, yet refined. Musical score accompanies the environmental in the best possible way. Collecting strawberries heightens the challenge of the game, but feels rewarding once you achieve the leap. Anyone who enjoysI usually don't seek out or purchase many platformer games. Taking a change on Celeste, turned out to be one of the best decision I could've made. The graphics are simple, yet refined. Musical score accompanies the environmental in the best possible way. Collecting strawberries heightens the challenge of the game, but feels rewarding once you achieve the leap. Anyone who enjoys platformers should definitely pick this one up.… Expand
  17. hazsch
    Mar 22, 2020
    10
    Celeste is the best 2D platformer I've ever played, and it's one of my favourite games of all time. The spritework is stunning, the music is unbelievably good, and the level design and controls are so tight. I became really invested in the story of Madeline and the other characters in the game, especially since I relate so closely to the struggles of anxiety and depression that is one ofCeleste is the best 2D platformer I've ever played, and it's one of my favourite games of all time. The spritework is stunning, the music is unbelievably good, and the level design and controls are so tight. I became really invested in the story of Madeline and the other characters in the game, especially since I relate so closely to the struggles of anxiety and depression that is one of the main themes of the game. That sense of anxiety is replicated in some of the tracks in the game, as is the feeling of overcoming that anxiety when Madeline reaches the top of the mountain.

    The game is hard, but it feels like it wants you to complete it. Everything is do-able, and I say that with confidence, because I've done everything. There are optional collectables, however, that increase the difficulty exponentially, and in turn they unlock even harder 'B-sides' and then once you beat those you get 'C-sides' and DAMN these things are hard. Not to mention the golden strawberries.

    Look, this game is great. Pick it up.    … Expand
  18. Graymann
    Aug 19, 2020
    7
    I liked this game until chapter 9. I hate chapter 9. I almost sh** my pants when those weird monsters came up. this is a horror game. I cried from how scary it is, and that is not an exaggeration.
  19. PabloDesigns
    Jan 25, 2018
    10
    The art style is beautiful, the mastery of pixel art. Pretty cool and extravagant music, simple but cool platformer mechanics and challenging difficulty with gorgeous level design, The story begins a little bit confusing, but once you get hooked you'll play easily 30 levels in a row.
    One of the best 2D platformers we'll see this year. Somehow reminded me to Super Meat Boy.
  20. Cool968585
    Feb 18, 2018
    10
    Celeste is a love letter to people who love 2D platformers I hope it gets a game of the year award 2018
  21. Dukemang
    Feb 18, 2018
    9
    Celeste is a great game that far exceeded my expectations when I first saw it. To start, the art style mixed with the primarily pixel graphics suits the gameplay and story so perfectly; which adds a somewhat charming aspect to it. Now charming isn't what I would consider the story, but I will say that it is much more heartfelt than I thought it would be and really hits the mark whenCeleste is a great game that far exceeded my expectations when I first saw it. To start, the art style mixed with the primarily pixel graphics suits the gameplay and story so perfectly; which adds a somewhat charming aspect to it. Now charming isn't what I would consider the story, but I will say that it is much more heartfelt than I thought it would be and really hits the mark when talking about heavier topics that deal with anxiety or depression. The game definitely has some harder difficulty spikes, but due to the tutorials and the great level design that helps build up to some parts of the game, you'll be ready for just about anything the game throws at you and enjoy yourself at the same time.… Expand
  22. NeedleNose1
    Jan 27, 2018
    10
    There are few games that I would consider perfect, even most of my favorite games of all time.
    That being said, Celeste is perfect.
    It sets out to be a beautifully pixel-animated platformer with tight controls, a killer soundtrack, and a touching story. It meets and exceeds all of these expectations. Celeste has some of the best gamefeel I've ever experienced. It doesn't take long for    There are few games that I would consider perfect, even most of my favorite games of all time.
    That being said, Celeste is perfect.

    It sets out to be a beautifully pixel-animated platformer with tight controls, a killer soundtrack, and a touching story. It meets and exceeds all of these expectations. Celeste has some of the best gamefeel I've ever experienced. It doesn't take long for the controls to become such second nature that you can hardly remember that you're holding a controller. I can't think of anything negative to say about it. It's just damn good. Charming, fun, exceptionally creative and packed with content.

    If you like platformers at all this game will not disappoint. If you don't like platformers, even the best one ever made probably won't satisfy you. Celeste is absolutely one of the best platformers ever made.    … Expand
  23. mfguevar123
    Jan 26, 2018
    10
    Desde que Nintendo presento el juego en el nintendo direct mini vi que era un juego INDIE de calidad, pero al jugarlo experimente algo que ningun juego AAA me habia dado.
  24. Powermario0
    Jan 26, 2018
    9
    Great game! Fast, fun and gorgeous. Just buy and play it... you will not regret it! 9/10
  25. NintendoGamer1
    Feb 4, 2018
    10
    This game is absolutely amazing and fluid to play. Anybody who doesn't buy this game will be doing a disservice to themselves. 10/10
  26. delux247
    Jan 29, 2018
    10
    Blew away my expectations in almost every regard: I was imagining a Super Meat Boy experience and while the platforming was on par with, if not better, than SMB, the music, story and level design are some of the best in the 2-D platforming genre. It's a steal at $20 with TONS of replay value.
  27. memus
    Apr 20, 2018
    9
    Celeste is a wonderful game:
    +It tackles a topic of human psychology and fears in a really smart way
    +That's the first rogue-like game that I finished and actually enjoyed. The learning curve is done well and in the end I felt that my skill at playing this game was amazing. +Finally, I'm happy to own Switch. This game fits portable format just perfectly. +Additional kudos to Matt    Celeste is a wonderful game:
    +It tackles a topic of human psychology and fears in a really smart way
    +That's the first rogue-like game that I finished and actually enjoyed. The learning curve is done well and in the end I felt that my skill at playing this game was amazing.
    +Finally, I'm happy to own Switch. This game fits portable format just perfectly.
    +Additional kudos to Matt (developer) for making the second awesome game in a row (after Towerfall)

    Not a ten because:
    -In the end story gets too cheesy and repetitive
    -The secrets feel underdeveloped (I don't collect them anyway)
    -Sometimes the game was too tough for me (especially clouds and feathers sections)    … Expand
  28. Buzzz
    Feb 5, 2018
    9
    A fantastic platformer, with solid controls, and a surprisingly good storyline.
  29. GoldenKing95
    Feb 2, 2018
    9
    Celeste is a great 2D plat-former whom can be quite challenging at times, but will always feel fair! The game only uses four main mechanics: Move, Jump, Dash and wall-climbing, and tweaks those as you continue the great story line by adding some power-ups or objects of interest throughout the level.

    The more you play, the more the cutesy protagonist gets to you, or so is my experience    Celeste is a great 2D plat-former whom can be quite challenging at times, but will always feel fair! The game only uses four main mechanics: Move, Jump, Dash and wall-climbing, and tweaks those as you continue the great story line by adding some power-ups or objects of interest throughout the level.

    The more you play, the more the cutesy protagonist gets to you, or so is my experience with the game. The music also provides a great atmosphere for the game, and fits with the action and story-elements really well!

    I would suggest buying this game if you are a Switch user, even if you don't necessary like plat-former's!    … Expand
  30. Gwz
    Feb 11, 2018
    9
    Celeste is near perfect. The retro 2d graphics does its work and is not overly gimmicky. The controls are SUPER TIGHT, one of the best I've touched on a modern game. The story is relevant and easy to follow. Sure, there's a lot between the lines and the symbols are a bit on the nose, BUT they are not pretentious and feels genuine and drawn from experience. It's about depression but not inCeleste is near perfect. The retro 2d graphics does its work and is not overly gimmicky. The controls are SUPER TIGHT, one of the best I've touched on a modern game. The story is relevant and easy to follow. Sure, there's a lot between the lines and the symbols are a bit on the nose, BUT they are not pretentious and feels genuine and drawn from experience. It's about depression but not in a way that validates trigger warnings though it doesn't pull any punches, which takes us to the difficulty level! Celsete is HARD, like oldschool-learn-by-doing-and-failing hard. It fits with the theme of getting over your real or imagined limits. After a frustrating but rewarding first level the game just keeps ramping up. You level up by learning to play. The design is a marvel of pedagogic teaching in game mechanics. Coming back to the first level you will be struck by how easy it suddenly is.
    Bottom line about the difficulty: I've never, ever played a game that was still fun to play even after dying so many times. I cursed like a sailor in mud but I felt that it was fair and if it was to frustrating it was a sign for me to quit and try again later.
    I give Celeste a solid 9 but that is only because I leave the 10 for my 3 top games of all time.    … Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Switch Game of 2018
6
#6 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018
9
#9 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. COGconnected
    Oct 10, 2018
    93
    It tells a surprisingly deep and emotional story featuring a relatable main character and it all blends uniquely together to make one of the finest gaming experience of the year. Celeste might not look it but, just like the mountain Madeline is so determined to conquer, it towers above the rest quite easily.
    Read full review
  2. Video Chums
    Aug 25, 2018
    80
    As most indie-keen gamers already know, Celeste is a phenomenal 2D platformer. Almost everything about it comes together to make a satisfying and challenging game that'll thoroughly put your skills to the test.
    Read full review
  3. DarkZero
    Jun 12, 2018
    100
    My hands actually hurt from gripping the Switch but I couldn’t stop, and when I finally landed on the other side of one of the many gauntlets that Celeste wears like a medal, I felt both relief and curiosity as to what it would throw at me next. It’s a rewarding experience and a game that I’m honoured to issue a perfect score.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »