Scale the heights of Celeste, Matt Makes Games’ 2018 indie darling that leapt onto Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC on January 25, 2018, with a Pico-8 nod and later ports to Stadia and beyond. This isn’t just a platformer—it’s a pixel-perfect odyssey where you, Madeline, battle a literal and emotional mountain packed with brutal jumps and heartfelt vibes. Selling over 1 million copies and snagging a 91 on Metacritic, Celeste is a tight, tough, and touching masterpiece!
Dash, climb, and air-jump through 700+ screens of precision-platforming insanity—spikes, wind gusts, and moving blocks that’ll test your thumbs and patience. Each chapter’s a new twist: dodge ghostly foes in a haunted hotel, ride bubbles through a windswept peak, or face your inner demons (hi, Badeline!). Collect strawberries for bragging rights, but the real rush is nailing those pixel-tight moves. Accessibility shines—tweak speed or invincibility if you need it—though purists chase B-sides, C-sides, and the Farewell DLC’s punishing gauntlet.
The vibe? Retro 8-bit charm meets raw emotion—think vibrant cliffs, moody caves, and a Lena Raine soundtrack that’ll hit you in the feels. The story’s a gut-punch—Madeline’s anxiety and growth unfold with quirky pals like Theo, all in crisp pixel art that pops. No multiplayer, just a solo ascent, but speedrunners and modders keep it alive in 2025. Available everywhere (even free via Epic in 2019), Celeste is a climb worth every death—strap in and reach the summit!