i would argue that, as a DLC, this would be better called "epilogue" rather than "chapter 9". i started to play celeste about a month ago and, by then, i didn't know chapter 9 was a DLC. after finishing the A-sides i immediately got into chapter 9, unaware of its crushing difficulty and the advanced movement (taught in the B and C-sides of the game). it made me feel so frustrated i couldn't do it because it left me feeling really incomplete. story wise i also think it would make more sense if this was an epilogue. other than that, i think it's a spectacular (and very long and difficult) chapter of this magnificent game.
Just way too needlessly frustrating and exhausting, further amplified by the constant reliance on one of the most unreliable movement mechanics I've had to use in a game. Which is a real shame as I feel this would've been such an amazing sendoff to this game if my experience with it wasn't so soured by those aspects.
The sheer length it took me to complete this dlc earns its spot as a separate ratings. Easily one of the hardest platforming experiences I have ever played which on multiple occasions made me want to shatter my Switch. This DLC forces you to become a master of all of the game mechanics. This becomes immensely rewarding when you are able to conquer levels you’ve spent 30 min on and taking these new found skills back to the main game. I can’t see myself going through this again anytime soon but I was glad I was able to experience it.
Somehow makes the base game level design look like amateur hour. Extremely OK Games fires at all cylinders to present a level that not only tells the story of a girl learning to move on from grief, but allows the developers to say goodbye to a project that has helped kick off their own journeys of self-discovery. An excellent send- off for an excellent game, one last mountain to climb.