One of the most well-designed platformers in recent memory. The way mechanics are introduced, taught to the player, and integrated with other mechanics is masterful. Not every mechanic is a winner, but the overall difficulty curve is executed very well while still keeping a satisfying amount of a sort of puzzle-solving in the platforming. It seems like I'm in the minority in disliking the B- and C-sides because they stray away from the pseudo-puzzle elements of the main levels and instead focus more on muscle memory and getting your run to be absolutely perfect, which I call the Super Meat Boy zone. Evidently, these levels are optional so I can't consider them a negative.

Celeste's theming is something that feels almost complete. It's a game that's about intrinsic reward. There's no reason to climb a mountain other than to prove to yourself that you can do it. There's no reason to collect strawberries other than to prove to yourself that you can do it. The third parallel that should be here is in regards to the story. It seems like every indie game that attempts to have some sort of message these days makes it about mental illness, and Celeste is one example. Although it's overdone, it can still be done well, but I don't feel as though this game does. Celeste's symbolism is frustratingly hamfisted- the story never misses an opportunity to belligerently inform the player of a character's inner anguish or their work to overcome it. The worst of this happens during a cutscene on a gondola, where it's basically outright said what Madeline's evil counterpart represents, something that isn't difficult to pick up on in the first place. It's a game that's purposefully simplistic, in gameplay and in your character's goals, and I wish the story reflected this. I feel as though the game's message would be a lot more effective had a good portion of the dialogue been cut.