Maddy Makes Games. (2018). Celeste [Video game]. Maddy Makes Games.

Celeste is a 2018 platform game developed and published by indie studio Maddy Makes Games. The player controls Madeline, a young woman aiming to climb Celeste Mountain, confronting challenges that metaphorically represent her struggles with anxiety and depression. Throughout her journey, Madeline encounters various characters, including "Badeline," a manifestation of her self-doubt, who attempts to impede her progress.

The gameplay of Celeste is characterized by precise platforming mechanics. Players can make Madeline run, jump, climb walls for a limited duration, and execute a mid-air dash in one of eight directions. The game introduces various elements that enhance these mechanics, such as green gems that replenish the dash ability without requiring the player to land, "dream blocks" that transport Madeline across obstacles when dashed into, and moving platforms that interact dynamically with her movements. The game is divided into multiple chapters, each presenting unique themes and mechanics, with optional collectible strawberries that offer additional challenges for completionists.

To accommodate players of varying skill levels, Celeste includes an "Assist Mode," providing options to adjust game speed, grant invincibility, and enable infinite stamina and air dashes. This feature ensures accessibility without compromising the game's intended difficulty for those seeking a challenge.

The narrative intertwines with the gameplay, exploring themes of self-discovery and mental health. Madeline's interactions with other characters, such as Theo, a fellow traveler, and Mr. Oshiro, a ghostly hotel proprietor, delve into personal struggles and the importance of self-acceptance. The game's pixel art style and evocative soundtrack, composed by Lena Raine, complement the emotional depth of the story.

Upon its release, Celeste received critical acclaim for its tight controls, level design, and thoughtful integration of narrative and gameplay. It has garnered a dedicated fanbase and inspired an active speedrunning and modding community. In September 2019, a free downloadable content expansion titled "Farewell" was released, adding a new chapter with additional challenges. The developers have stated that they do not plan to create a direct sequel to the main game; however, they have released sequels to the original PICO-8 version, including Celeste 2: Lani's Trek and Celeste 64: Fragments of the Mountain.