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88

CRITIK

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Celeste

2018
GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Comedy, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, Casual, Single Player
AvailableJan 25, 2018
PlatformXbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
DeveloperMatt Makes Games Inc.
Overview

Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.

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Score icon

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

93

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

93

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

0%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the story of Celeste for its emotional depth, relatability, and exploration of themes such as anxiety, depression, perseverance, and self-discovery. GameCrate, from the PS4, highlighted how the game offers hope and encouragement to players through its narrative of triumph over personal struggles. Similarly, New Game Network commended the connection between the story and gameplay, focusing on the protagonist's battle against adversity and self-doubt. TheXboxHub found the story to be beautiful, sensitive, and cathartic, particularly for individuals dealing with mental health issues. These positive aspects were echoed by various critics across different platforms, emphasizing the game's ability to engage players on an emotional level and deliver a meaningful narrative experience. While the vast majority of critics praised Celeste's storytelling, a few minor criticisms were raised. Some critics, such as PCWorld and GameCritics, mentioned that the story, while emotionally engaging, may not resonate as strongly with all players due to its focus on personal struggles like depression and anxiety. Additionally, Destructoid suggested that the heavy thematic elements in the narrative may be best experienced individually, potentially indicating that the story's intensity could be overwhelming for some players. These critiques, however, were relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the game's story. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Celeste. The game's ability to tackle complex themes with sensitivity and authenticity, while weaving them seamlessly into the gameplay experience, resonated with reviewers across various platforms. Critics like Press Start Australia appreciated how the narrative's message lingers even after completing the game, highlighting the lasting impact of Celeste's storytelling. The emotional depth, character development, and relatability of the story were consistently praised, making Celeste a standout title in terms of narrative-driven gameplay experiences. The game's ability to address mental health issues in a positive and pragmatic manner, as noted by TrueAchievements, further solidifies its reputation as a game that not only entertains but also enlightens and empathizes with players facing similar challenges.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Celeste's story is lauded by critics for its emotional depth, relatability, and exploration of themes like anxiety and depression. The game offers hope and encouragement through triumph over personal struggles, connecting gameplay with a powerful narrative. While some critics felt the heavy themes might not resonate with everyone and could be overwhelming, the overall reception remains highly positive. Celeste stands out for its sensitivity in addressing mental health issues and providing a meaningful, lasting narrative experience that both entertains and enlightens players.

94

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

94

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

0%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the gameplay of Celeste, highlighting its challenging yet rewarding nature, tight controls, and inventive mechanics. TrueGaming commended the game for its simple yet challenging gameplay with new elements in each chapter, catering to both strategic thinking and quick reflexes. Vooks appreciated the tight and rewarding platforming, seamless levels, and optional collectibles that enhance the overall experience. GameCrate and Xbox Tavern both noted the intuitive controls, creative level design, and fair difficulty curve, making the gameplay accessible and engaging for players of varying skill levels. Additionally, IGN Japan and GameSpot highlighted the refined mechanics and satisfying challenge that make success in Celeste immensely gratifying. While the overwhelming sentiment towards Celeste's gameplay was positive, some critics did mention a few drawbacks. Attack of the Fanboy described the gameplay as challenging and frustrating, which might not appeal to all players, although they acknowledged the empowering and rewarding aspects of overcoming obstacles. Slant Magazine noted that the difficulty could be intense, leading to struggles and frustrations, especially when executing complex combinations of skills. However, they also mentioned the optional assist mode that could alleviate some of these challenges for players seeking a less intense experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Celeste. The game is lauded for its precise controls, intricate level design, and the perfect balance between challenge and reward. Critics such as Game Informer and CGMagazine praised the game for its demanding yet satisfying platforming tasks, while New Game Network and Nintendo Life highlighted the tough yet immensely rewarding gameplay that requires precision timing and quick reactions. Celeste's ability to introduce new mechanics and challenges throughout the game while maintaining a fair difficulty curve resonated well with critics, making it a standout title in the platforming genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Celeste's gameplay received widespread acclaim for its challenging yet rewarding nature, tight controls, and inventive mechanics. Critics praised its strategic gameplay, intuitive controls, creative level design, and fair difficulty curve, making it accessible and engaging for players of all skill levels. While some noted the intense difficulty, overall consensus remains overwhelmingly positive for Celeste's precise controls, intricate level design, and perfect balance between challenge and reward.

86

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

86

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Celeste are varied, showcasing both positive and negative aspects. Many critics praised the game's pixel art style, with GameCrate appreciating its dream-like vibe and creative use of color, while Hardcore Gamer and TrueAchievements found the visuals stunning and visually appealing. Critics like Atomix and Press Start Australia highlighted the vibrant and detailed pixel art visuals that complemented the gameplay effectively. The charming and expressive character animations were also commended by TrueAchievements and Hobby Consolas, enhancing the overall experience. On the other hand, some critics expressed negative opinions about Celeste's visual design. New Game Network mentioned that while the pixel art was functional, it lacked striking visuals or mesmerizing moments, with some platforming elements being obscured by colors in later levels. Metro GameCentral considered the art style an acquired taste, clashing with hand-drawn character portraits and being cliché for the genre. InsideGamer.nl noted that the cozy pixel graphics might be perceived as outdated by some players, despite the well-crafted platforming mechanics. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side, with many appreciating Celeste's pixel art style for its charm, expressive animations, and ability to complement the gameplay effectively. Critics like GameSpot and Nintendo Life praised the game for its beautiful and diverse environments that reflect the protagonist's journey. While there were some criticisms regarding the lack of depth in colors or clashes in art styles, the majority of reviewers found the visuals of Celeste to be visually appealing, immersive, and enhancing the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics are divided on Celeste's graphics and visual design, with some praising its charming pixel art style and expressive animations, while others find it lacking in striking visuals and potentially outdated. Overall, most reviewers appreciate the visuals for complementing the gameplay effectively and enhancing the overall experience, despite some criticisms about color depth and clashes in art styles.

91

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

91

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

7%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Celeste, with many highlighting it as a standout feature of the game. Lena Raine's soundtrack was widely acclaimed for its mesmerizing and catchy tunes that left a lasting impression on players. Critics like GameCrate and Hardcore Gamer commended the seamless transitions between different musical styles, from haunting synth tunes to action-packed chiptune blasts, which set the perfect mood for every moment in the game. The electronic melodies mixed with mellow piano tracks were described as gorgeous, versatile, and fantastic by reviewers such as Push Square and Metro GameCentral. The adaptive nature of the soundtrack, as mentioned by COGconnected and USgamer, perfectly accompanied each new challenge, intensifying as players progressed through the levels and creating a sense of accomplishment and encouragement. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, a few critics did mention some minor issues with the sound design and music of Celeste. Push Square noted a strange audio bug during one particular section of the game, which slightly detracted from the overall experience. We Got This Covered highlighted that the meditative and relaxing synth/piano score occasionally felt at odds with the level designs, suggesting a slight disconnect between the gameplay and music in certain instances. However, these criticisms were minor in comparison to the overall praise for the game's audio elements. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Celeste. The majority of reviewers lauded Lena Raine's soundtrack as one of the best in recent years, with its ability to enhance emotional moments, complement gameplay mechanics, and create a captivating atmosphere throughout the game. The blend of electronic tones, chiptune beats, and real instrumentation was widely appreciated for its versatility and ability to immerse players in the experience. Despite a few minor issues raised by some critics, the general sentiment is that the sound design and music of Celeste greatly contributed to the game's success and were key factors in elevating the overall gameplay and storytelling.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about Celeste's stunning sound design and music, praising Lena Raine's mesmerizing soundtrack for its versatility and ability to enhance gameplay. Despite a few minor criticisms, the majority agreed that the music perfectly set the mood for each moment, intensifying as players progressed and creating a sense of accomplishment. Overall, Celeste's audio elements were a standout feature, praised for their ability to immerse players and elevate the game's emotional impact and storytelling.

NA

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

77

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

77

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

88%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Celeste received positive feedback from several critics. New Game Network and Push Square both played the game on PS4 and noted that the performance was generally solid, with only minor issues such as music tracks skipping, framerate drops in specific sections, and a strange audio bug. God is a Geek praised the flawless performance on the Nintendo Switch, highlighting quick loading times and perfect responsiveness. Additionally, Xbox Tavern mentioned that while they experienced framerate issues on Xbox One in one section, they were unable to reproduce the problem, indicating that it might have been an isolated incident. On the other hand, some critics highlighted negative aspects of Celeste's technical performance on certain platforms. Areajugones mentioned that while the game performed flawlessly on the Nintendo Switch, they felt that the controls could be improved. Hobby Consolas reported issues with the Joy-Con L stick affecting movement registration, leading to frustrating moments for players. Press Start Australia noted that the game didn't handle well in handheld mode on the Switch, suggesting that using the Pro controller provided a better experience. USgamer experienced a game crash on the Nintendo Switch towards the end of a chapter, resulting in progress loss, despite overall stability being deemed acceptable. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Celeste generally delivers a solid technical performance across multiple platforms. While there were occasional issues such as framerate drops, audio bugs, and control problems on specific platforms, the game's auto-save feature and overall stability helped mitigate these issues. Critics like God is a Geek praised the game for its flawless performance, quick loading times, and responsiveness, contributing to a positive overall experience for players. However, it is important to note that some platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch, had more varied experiences with technical issues, suggesting potential room for improvement in terms of optimization and control responsiveness.

TL;DR

technical performance

Celeste generally received positive feedback for its technical performance on various gaming platforms, with some minor issues like music tracks skipping and framerate drops reported by critics. While some platforms experienced control problems, overall stability and auto-save feature helped mitigate issues. Critics praised the game for flawless performance on certain platforms, but there were occasional technical hiccups like game crashes. Room for improvement in optimization and control responsiveness was suggested, particularly for the Nintendo Switch version.

87

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

87

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of the critics praised the replay value of Celeste, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its high level of replayability. GameCrate mentions the hidden remixed versions of existing stages that provide a greater challenge, catering to players seeking additional difficulty. New Game Network appreciates the game's assist mode, making it accessible to a wider audience while encouraging players to improve and replay levels. Push Square and Hardcore Gamer both emphasize the presence of hidden collectibles, cassette tapes, and extra challenging chapters that enhance the replay value of Celeste. These features provide players with incentives to explore, persevere, and test their skills, ensuring a rewarding gameplay experience for completionists and those seeking additional challenges. On the flip side, some critics expressed minor drawbacks related to the replay value of Celeste. Game Informer mentions that collecting strawberries may feel futile, potentially diminishing the motivation for some players. IGN Italia hints at the difficulty being challenging and intriguing, which could potentially deter casual players from fully engaging with the replayable aspects of the game. TrueGaming notes that unlocking certain levels can be frustratingly difficult, suggesting that the game's progression system may not cater to all players' preferences when it comes to replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Celeste. The game's abundance of hidden secrets, challenging levels, collectibles, and optional content consistently received praise for providing players with a compelling reason to revisit the game. IGN Japan commends the game for seamlessly integrating its story with additional challenges and collectibles, offering a high level of replay value. Nintendo Life appreciates the challenging gameplay experience that rewards perseverance and mastery, further enhancing the game's replayability. The diverse range of challenges, customization options, and post-game content ensures that Celeste remains engaging and enjoyable for players of all skill levels, making it a standout title in terms of replay value according to the majority of critics.

TL;DR

replay value

Celeste earns high praise for its replay value from critics, who laud its challenging levels, hidden secrets, and collectibles that incentivize players to explore and improve their skills. While some critics mention minor drawbacks like collecting strawberries feeling futile, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Celeste's seamless integration of story, challenges, and customization options make it a standout title with high replayability for players of all skill levels.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

88

CRITIK

Star Icon

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

88

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

0%

Negative (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Celeste has garnered widespread acclaim from the majority of critics, who unanimously hail it as a masterpiece in the realm of precision platformers. Push Square lauds Celeste for its "steep challenge and heartfelt narrative," while Twinfinite praises it for being a "warm and welcoming hardcore platformer with a meaningful story." The game's charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and emotional storytelling are highlighted by New Game Network, IGN, and GameCrate, emphasizing its excellence in delivering a rewarding and immersive experience. Celeste's ability to challenge players while offering support and conveying the beauty of imperfections is underscored by Vooks, making it a standout title that resonates with fans of challenging platformers like 'Super Meat Boy' and 'The End is Nigh.' Despite the overwhelming praise for Celeste, some critics do point out minor drawbacks. Metro GameCentral mentions the lack of genuinely new platforming ideas and an acquired taste art style as potential downsides. IGN Italia also notes that the game may require patience and loses some surprise factor. However, these criticisms are overshadowed by the game's overall impact and quality, as highlighted by TheXboxHub, who deems Celeste a "modern masterpiece" that seamlessly blends emotional storytelling with challenging gameplay, leaving a lasting impression on players. The game's difficulty level, while acknowledged as a potential barrier by XBLA Fans, is ultimately seen as a defining feature that adds to the overall satisfaction and sense of accomplishment for those willing to persevere. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Celeste being lauded as a must-play title that sets a new standard for modern classics. Critics like Destructoid and NintendoWorldReport consider it a pinnacle of the genre, praising its engaging narrative, demanding gameplay, and exceptional presentation. The game's ability to communicate passion, meticulous care, and important themes like mental health is widely appreciated, as noted by IGN Spain and IBTimes UK. Celeste's status as a masterpiece in the world of precision platformers is solidified by the collective acclaim it has received, making it a standout and essential gaming experience for both fans of the genre and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

Celeste is hailed as a precision platforming masterpiece by critics, praised for its challenging gameplay, heartfelt narrative, and beautiful visuals. While some cite minor drawbacks like lack of new ideas and patience required, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Critics commend Celeste as a modern classic that excels in storytelling and gameplay, setting a new standard in the genre. Its ability to convey important themes like mental health and offer a rewarding experience makes it a standout title for both genre fans and newcomers.

88

CRITIK

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Reviews

101 reviews found

100

DarkZero

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer considers Celeste a rewarding experience and issues a perfect score.

Read full review

Full review

100

Hardcore Gamer

Xbox One

Feb 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Celeste is described as a tour de force and one of the year's best platformers or games in general. The game is praised for its level design, gameplay mechanics, engaging story, and overall experience that should not be missed.


100

Destructoid

PC

Jan 25, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Celeste is described as the complete package, setting a new standard for modern classics. The reviewer has nothing to complain about and considers it an essential gaming experience.

Read full review

Full review

100

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Aug 29, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Celeste is described as a modern masterpiece that masterfully weaves its emotional story with its challenging gameplay. It is praised for its accessibility and its impact on players. No specific score is mentioned, but the review states that Celeste is a 5/5 game.

Read full review

Full review

100

God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A sensational platformer with an important story at its heart

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Full review

100

IGN

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Masterfully crafted platformer that blends charm, challenge, and emotional storytelling, setting it apart as a standout title in its genre, important game that addresses mental health issues in a meaningful way within the gaming industry.

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Full review

100

TrueAchievements

Xbox One

Feb 8, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Celeste is a wonderfully crafted experience that deserves attention, offering a meaningful story, challenging gameplay, charming visuals, and a delightful soundtrack, making it a must-play for fans of platformers.

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Full review

100

Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Celeste is praised for its varied gameplay, engaging narrative, and positive philosophy towards difficulty and player progression. It offers a deep and challenging experience with exceptional level design, making it a standout indie game on Nintendo Switch.

Read full review

Full review

100

Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Celeste is an exemplary action platformer that excites genre purists and the speedrunning community, with a special emphasis on narrative and art direction that sets it apart from similar games.

Read full review

Full review

100

SomosXbox

Xbox One

Feb 9, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An unforgettable experience that showcases excellence and innovation, setting a high standard for future projects from the developers.

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