All sides + Farewell, Strawberries, Hearts, 8 Goldens, Moon Berry, and 50 hours later, I think I'm comfortable saying I can put Celeste down. You really do become addicted to the struggle. The narrative is deceptively simple and transparent thematically, but works by owning that while complimenting the gameplay.
I never particularly connected with Madeline or the others despite having similar mental strife, but the actual act of struggling through these kaizo-tier rooms alongside mountain imagery and slowly improving until you reach the sky brings about a bond that the narrative can't achieve alone. Despite the game re-iterating that you don't need to prove your own worth, it's hard not to push yourself further out of personal pride. Mechanically, Celeste is smooth and even the advanced movement techniques always feel good to use. Farewell is a perfect end cap that took 4 hours to finish, but I did it.
I never particularly connected with Madeline or the others despite having similar mental strife, but the actual act of struggling through these kaizo-tier rooms alongside mountain imagery and slowly improving until you reach the sky brings about a bond that the narrative can't achieve alone. Despite the game re-iterating that you don't need to prove your own worth, it's hard not to push yourself further out of personal pride. Mechanically, Celeste is smooth and even the advanced movement techniques always feel good to use. Farewell is a perfect end cap that took 4 hours to finish, but I did it.