Celeste (One Standing)

So there's a bit of a fuss about a 2D platformer that's just come out on the eShop called Celeste. You control Madeline, who's trying to climb a mountain called Celeste (title drop!). She can jump, do a mid-air dash, and collect strawberries for an ill-defined purpose. It's tough but in the best way, and has a surprising amount of heart, character and beauty in its bones.

Is anyone else playing/enjoying?

Been seeing and hearing non-stop wonderful things about this game, but I've got so much stuff to play . . .
On the other hand, this is apparently pretty short.

DON'T TEMPT ME LIKE THIS ZERO!

Anyway, here's BitSocket's review so I'm actually contributing.

I've just had a thought, Drunka. Celeste isn't on the Japanese Switch eShop yet, I understand. Is your Switch still tied to the European eShop, despite its current location?

It's just related to the country you pick for your account, that's how we all got the Japanese version of MHXX.

I really do want this (been following it for a while) but like drunka I've got plenty to play on Switch and other formats, the price is a tad steep too so as soon as I see it on sale I'll snap it up.

I think it might be your sort of thing, Jas, from what little I've played (I've only done two proper levels). It really does feel special, from the moment the music kicks in and blows you away.

I've got some other games to sample for now, but I'm definitely coming back to this one. I can tell it's going to be good.

Aye I do like me a 2d platformer, so I may even crack before a sale happens.

I came very close to buying this, then realised there isn't room on my Switch! My position now is that it'll get bought as soon as I finish something else.

Oh, gutted! I blame L.A. Noire and its sizeable mandatory download. I've played a bit more and have made it through the devious fourth chapter... when the console announced that an error had occurred and the game needed to be shut down. Fortunately my progress had been saved.

I have just got the title. Ooooooft.

I've had my eyes on this from a very early stage, at least since its initial reveal. I'm glad to hear that it's captured a fair bit of attention here as well as in the gaming world at large. Like Jas, I'm somewhat tempted to wait for it to drop in price, but on the other hand I'm tempted to buy this out of all the other games on my radar. Decisions...

Right, back to this. First port of call: find that Side B tape in level one. I have no desire to do my heart in by playing the Side B levels, I just want to stand there enjoying the remixes.

My current thinking is that I'll pick this up in March. By then, we'll have the Switch option with our My Nintendo points, and I'll hopefully have some space on my machine.

I've got the first three B-side cassettes but haven't seen any more since... and I'm on Chapter 7. By the way, it's a great little game.

I have found EVERY SINGLE OTHER BLOODY THING in the first level.  The first level is my mewling snivelling servant... apart from the B-Side!

Looked at walkthrough:

I'm going to get on this just as everyone's finished it, I know it. I'm like that bloody Slowpoke meme.

It's well worth picking up, Jimbob, if my three levels of pain are any guide. Found the B-Side on my own in level 3 though! And at the final set-piece - reminds me of a bit in Donkey Kong Country Returns actually. You'll know it when you see it.

Badeline is a git.

Also (vague gameplay spoiler I suppose) you know the grass in level 3?:

Echoing the sentiments of Balla - a great game that’s worth picking up... though it’s possibly a bit expensive at the moment. I understand it’s cheaper on Steam?

I caved, and . . .
Oh.

This is a bit special, isn't it?

Yes. Yes, it is.

I’m going to sound like a father who’s always expressing pride about his daughter whenever this game comes up. Get used to it, y’all.

Shower of bastards! I've just got too much else on the go to be getting this the now. It sounds like I'm missing the unmissable.

I'm a bit worried about hyping this game up too much now, so other people act like I did with Gorogoa and go in expecting The Perfect 2D Platformer... but...

ZeroJones wrote:

I’m going to sound like a father who’s always expressing pride about his daughter whenever this game comes up. Get used to it, y’all.

I WILL FIGHT YOU FOR CUSTODY OF HER ZERO, YOU JUST SAID SHE WAS TOO EXPENSIVE

This genuinely is a brilliant game, I'll say that.

I was getting a bit too obsessed with 100%ing every level, I've decided to just enjoy completion for now then I'll be able to come back for strawberries when I fancy playing a bit more. I haven't found any where the platforming is too hard yet, but I have some I just can't find! On the first world, I got every strawb and even solved the pointless machine, but can't for the life of me find the B-Side. The second, I got the B-Side easy peasy on my first go but a couple of strawberries continue to allude me.

Anyway, I'm now concentrating on actually playing through the game, which feels like it'll be brilliant. Expect some more coherent thoughts in the not-too-distant future!

The B-Side in level one's a bastard, see my thoughts above.

Strong wind is not a game mechanic I like.  Next level's mechanic seems better already, although I've barely started it.

The wind is desperately annoying, I agree. There are better mechanics to come.