A closer look at the indie game, Celeste

Lexie Heidtmann '24

Celeste is an exceptional indie game developed and published by Maddie Makes Games that has won the hearts of many gamers worldwide. The game revolves around Madeline, a young transgender girl who undertakes the challenging task of climbing a Mountain called Celeste. The game is designed with various levels of difficulty, and each level presents unique challenges that the player must overcome while also being given lore to the storyline along the way.

“Just wow. This game is stunning. I loved every second of it. I cannot recommend this game enough”, says an avid Celeste player in their review. The part that sold this player was the deep journey of the plot, which touched many.

Through her journey, Madeline confronts her inner demons, manifesting as a dark form that follows her around the mountain, living off her failures and insecurities. With each level passed, Madeline finds another part of herself, and her self-esteem slowly returns. The mountain represents her anxiety and sadness over her identity, and its immense height clearly projects Madeline's fears and issues in life. By climbing to the top, Madeline attempts to beat these feelings.

The game is beautifully crafted with a rich storyline that is not immediately apparent, but is revealed to the player as they progress. The narrative is intertwined with Madeline's struggles; each level is a metaphor for her internal battles. The game is also perfect for gamers who want to speedrun as there are over 700 stages to beat, filled with ancient ruins and haunted, devious sites. The game provides an opportunity to test one's skills as one explores a world of mystery and adventure.

Madeline's journey would be impossible without the help of her friend, Theo, who provides her with the reassurance she needs to keep climbing. “Without Theo, the game would not be the same!”, another reviewer writes. His presence showcases the importance of friendship and having supporters during difficult times, which is quite relatable for the audience.

The game's soundtrack is also a work of art composed by Lena Raine, who expertly weaves the music into the narrative, creating an immersive experience for the player. The soundtrack is available to purchase with the game, so you can listen to it as much asyou’d like!

Celeste is a game that you won't forget once you hit download, and it is a gorgeous game filled with ups and downs the player must navigate. It is a relatable, humorous, and sentimental game that won’t soon be  forgotten.