2018 is still young, but one of the standout games so far is Celeste. The platformer calls to mind a game like Super Meat Boy, but it trades in the violence of that game and instead offers up a surprising story about mental health issues. Although its narrative is a real highlight, it's also incredibly fun to play--and really tough.
While the entire game poses a challenge, where it's most difficult is in its B-Side levels. These alternate versions present twists on the standard levels that make reaching the end a real accomplishment. But in order to play them, you first have to unlock them by tracking down and securing hidden tapes. Whether you're simply curious to see what these B-Sides are like or want to see an expert run through them, you can check out the video above. Our own Joey Yee starts out by going through some standard levels before jumping into the B-Sides.
Celeste was developed by Matt Makes Games, the same group responsible for TowerFall. It debuted just recently on a variety of platforms, including PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One. The aforementioned narrative, which centers around protagonist Madeline's attempt to climb a mountain, help to elevate it beyond simply being an excellent platformer.
"It's a testament to convincing writing and ingenious design that after playing Celeste I felt like I'd been on the same journey as Madeline," GameSpot's Oscar Dayus writes in our Celeste review. "Her struggle is one made easy to empathize with, her low points painful to watch, and her high notes exhilarating to experience. Her tale is delicately told and beautifully illustrated, confidently coalescing with the satisfying, empowering game it lies within. Not bad for a game about climbing a mountain."
