The world is based on what the two of them feel and gets combined to create this unholy mess. Theo gets watched by the eyes in a cell he can't escape from and can't hide in, while Madeline runs aimlessly throught this level while avoiding the tendrils that represent her anxiety. It's genious.
@@ed_cmntonlyI am incredibly on board with this idea, I’d love to see it go between the original C418 track and a Celeste style Lena track, like a back and forth between the past present and future to really hone that “this is the end” vibe.
To be completely honest, watching this video hyper analyzing the music of the game made we wanna write music of my own mental disorders and I'm really hoping it turns out well.
I always love when games use recognizable leitmotifs in their soundtracks. Thats what sold me on the soundtracks of Undertale, Ori and of course, Celeste.
I loved the music of the "summit" level. It filled me with so mutch energy that i kept play untill the end. It gives you so mutch determination... And the B-side music of "summit", on the other hand, is repetitive, it's like a long ostinato. It's like the music had forgot playing the theme. You don't need a enjoiable music to play It, beats and and ostinato are enought. It makes you concentrated, and no else. It's a good choice.
The summit is actually one where the artist they had planned to remix it ended up being unavailable, so Lena did it herself (Kuraine is her sort of experimental alter ego artist handle).
I've read just about every interview she has given since the launch of the game, and listened to a few podcast interviews as well 😅 I don't remember which one she mentioned this in. It's clear that "Kuraine" is Lena though - that's her twitter handle, and on her bandcamp page some albums are listed under Kuraine as well.
That was fantastic! I really need to play Celeste. I don’t know if you’ve played the first Destiny game, but during a raid there were shifts in the music during intense pivotal moments. It really amped up player anxiety.
@@shirori2004 Celeste is one of those games that kick your ass even after you've put hundreds of hours into golden strawberries and modded maps. I still get tense playing chapter 2.
You went in depth about the buildup in Oshiro's theme without talking about the boss music. That's like ordering a 4 course meal and not eating the dessert. The boss battle is where the payoff for the whole building up is. You also talked about how eustress versus distress is tied into the feeling of control versus the lack of it, and the boss battle is where Oshiro takes control, and you have to avoid him while racing to the exit. And seriously, that boss fight has the best music in the game. There was a little part of me that was glad every time I died to him, because it meant I could listen to the music longer. Aside from that, I loved your video. I definitely didn't know about the backwards whispering in the Mirror Temple music.
Im ashamed how many deaths I had there when first playing the game, and then when I went back to get it, I did the same strategy and got it pretty quick. It's not all that hard imo, I was just terrible at the game
Celeste is one of the best games ive played all year, and definitely one of the best platformers ever. I know some people wrote off the story, but I think the message was really important, and I'm glad to hear the impact the game had on you. Resurrections is definitely my favorite song, I cant stop listening to it! I love these videos man, thanks for making them!
Spoilers ahead: So the part I found most touching is how when you're carrying Theo near the end of the Mirror Temple, the music takes on the same 'sireny' harshness as during the anxiety scene in the cable car, implying that Madeline is in that same emotional state. But she has managed to push through, perhaps by using Theo's technique or perhaps motivated by the mortal danger he faces. Heroism is not fearlessness. Heroism is being terrified but doing it anyway.
This game blew me away on so many levels that I legit haven’t played anything since. Such a raw portrayal of mental illness in such an unconventional way. Perhaps that’s why it’s so effective, as mental illness is anything but convenient. This is one of the best games I’ve experienced, hands down.
I started playing Celeste about a year ago because of this video and it has grown to be one of my favorite games of all time. It's such a well done video that does the game a perfect justice
wish this was on Steam... Edit: OMFG IT'S ON STEAM YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!@
Man I played Celeste like right at the perfect time. I was overwhelmed with school and had only recently been diagnosed with anxiety and this felt like the perfect escape. I was managing my anxiety with something relaxing and challenging, and I fell in love with the game and began to try to 100% it. I 100% agree with you about the music being a crucial part of it. Anyway, near the end of my playthrough, my grandfather (who I was super close to) died and I fell into a deep depression and overworked myself and stressed out wayyy too much. I finally have a free weekend and I decide to try and forget about it and work through the end of the game. And I spent that entire weekend on chapter 9, the farewell. That, more than anything, helped me get through it all. Saying goodbye to Granny in game and Madeline waking up was genuinely the best moment I've ever had in gaming. Thank you, Celeste
Yes! So glad you did a video on Celeste man, I’ve been really hoping you would. After watching this I feel like Celeste’s soundtrack is one of the few that does more than accentuate the game, it gives it life. Each track works perfectly with each level to make you feel what Madeline feels. Brilliant job as always Matt!
I recently noticed that there are "toxic" advertisements in the background of forsaken city, with lines like "are you beach ready" showing the pressure from society on body image and "man up".
I've been lucky enough to never have to deal with anxiety, but that gondola scene always makes me tense or tear up, thanks in no small part to the music. This whole game is so powerful, from start to end, and its soundtrack is no different.
Superb explanation of story and use of music! Really got me interested in playing it myself. Would you ever consider making a video about the first Crash Bandicoot game series? One if my all time favorites. Or maybe the first Rayman game for PS1. Some fantastic music on there!
This game is the only media that attempts to represent anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses that makes me feel better about the characters and how their imperfections just make them into what they truly are instead of just making me overall angry. Don't you all enjoy TV show #133 about Autistic guy who flails his hands around and depressed person who wants to kill himself and then actually does? Yeah... Me neither... Anxiety, depression and all these are just a part of life you learn to cope with, like Celeste represents. It can make you feel even better at times. When I look back at times when I coped with anxiety I don't feel bad about having it, I feel good that I am going through it despite all this. Celeste is a game that I hold very dearly for it simply catches the essence of what most people with anxiety or depression would like to talk about themselves as but... Just can't express it with words. You can't explain these feelings with words, well technically you can but not properly. You need an interactive experience with it for that. This comment is mostly me rambling about the game but enough of that, I love the game in short. But holy hell your videos are amazing. Everything you do makes me happy. You are one of my favorite channels on this platform, and I'd say that I myself didn't even care much for music before I started watching you. Your content sparked my interest in it and I started composing (or rather trying to...) my own tracks several weeks ago, after watching your video about Breath of The Wild. So uh, been ramblin for long enough, but just wanted to say: Keep up the good work, and I hope to see much more :D
I have really similar feelings about mental health in media and about how this game handles it really well-- it's something beautiful, and an incredibly cathartic experience for me. Being produced by such a small team you really get to feel the heart and the experience of the people who made it. I didn't even need to see interviews with Lena to know that she was composing from her life, the music just encapsulates the feelings and experiences so well and connected with me so perfectly that I could just... tell. This game is really special and I'm so happy that it's gotten the love and attention it deserves.
If you'd like a game that handles mental illness with a great deal of care and maturity I recommend looking at Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. The developers worked hand in hand with a mental health institute in London and made maybe the first great game about psychotic disorders.
Brilliant video! The part with the gondola really got to me. I suffer a lot from distress as well and it's very interesting to see a game tackle anxiety in so many different ways… I've seen and heard a lot about Celeste but now I think that I absolutely need to play it :')
Don't know if you still read the comments but... Celeste has changed my life, in many ways. I went on to become a Twitch streamer because of the Celeste community. I started playing this game because of this video. So thank you!
One thing I’m glad about is the new remixes in the b and c sides. Instead of hitting you with the same old music, which can unconsciously bore you as you drill through these difficult stages, it hits you with some fun, upbeat remixes. They connect you back to the game without being the exact same, and none of the remixes are stressful. They range from upbeat, (First Steps B Side) to jazz-like (Quiet and Falling B Side), But they never aim to upset you like in the original game. In fact, the only time the original story uses stressful songs are for story effect. Usually they are only used for cutscenes or for short parts in stages after you’ve already figured out the gimmicks. Even In The Mirror doesn’t stay loud and crashing for long, before it just changes to a slow, still slightly unsettling, backwards version of Quiet and Falling. All in all, the game’s ost encourages you every step of the way, hyping you up when you need it, calming you down when you don’t. Especially during the b sides.
Celeste is probably a game I won't ever get around to playing, but I have really appreciated your and some other youtuber's analysis of this game and what it does well. Let's me live vicariously through other people when I don't have time to sit down and play! haha. Anyways, I appreciate the look at anxiety through the music, especially since it was such a deliberate choice in this game. Also, just excited to see another video from you! Keep up the awesome work. :)
Finally someone who understands me. I kept typing in the comments on trailers and reviews that her feelings are literally converted into noise. While people look at graphical quality, i look at the sound. I absolutely love it when games have impacty effects. You can understand more when you relate to it. I also have social problems and i'm aware of it but can't get over it. Simply one of a kind game that you can personally sink into. I wish i could experience it once more as if it was the first time.
This game helped me overcome the negative thoughts about how my anxiety was out of control. It helped me appreciate that I can work with my anxiety to lower the actual stress I feel and sometimes use it to actually help me. WIthout this game I may not have done a lot of the self discovery I did. I have to thank the creators and everyone else involved with the project for the game.
I came here for the music and started to cry as you explained about the panic attack on the interview with the composer,... thanks for your videos and sincerity. I'll continue to follow you more closely now! Hugs from Brazil *;
Here's hoping you get around to the Metroid Prime Trilogy at some point. Samus's theme explores the soundtrack the same way the player explores the ruins.
Man, I never noticed a lot of this playing through Celeste for the first time, but now everything I was feeling makes sense. Great video for a great game!!!
What I found interesting about the mirror temple's piano is that the piano represents madeline, as it always has, but since the song is nearly only piano, it represents the feeling of being on your own and being lonely. In addition, the synth that accompanies the piano represents an unknown force, one that is strengthened once madeline reaches the mirror and the monsters begin to attack her.
I feel like the fact that the purple eyes were in a circle around Theo is showing how when the eye creatures aren't attacking when they are purple. This is Theo. He's keeping them from constantly aggressing by believing in Madeline. However Madeline's problems are much stronger, and that's why there are more red eyes, and why they still attack on sight.
Here's something I noticed while playing the C-side of the summit that I haven't really seen anyone mention. I was stuck on one part for quite some time, and I sort of subconsciously noted that the music had kind of died down. Some of the instruments were missing, and it was mostly just the backbeat. Then, I got a really good attempt in, and the music picked up immediately. When I realized that, I started to pay a lot more attention to how the music reacted to things and here's what I found. 1: The music picks up when you make progress (duh.) 2: The music will stay that way for a long time. 3: The music will go back when you pause the game, and you will have to earn it again. I find this fascinating. When you make some progress on a level you were struggling with, the game applauds you and urges you to keep going, and as long as you keep trying as hard as you can (not pausing represents that,) then it will keep encouraging you to just try to get one jump further. Because the game knows that you know you can at least get that far, and it knows that you can get farther if you keep trying.
I love Celeste. The game itself and the music is amazing and it really hit home for me when I played it. Never felt so emotional over a game as I have with Celeste. Amazing
What a great video, i just finished playing celeste and didnt activly notice what the music did to me, but looking back all of your statements are true and it really is a piece of art.
I haven't watched one of your videos before this, and I have to say, I am really impressed by your editing! And you explain things in a clear simple manner. Very impressed, sub dropped! :D
Wow, I found your channel recently and I can say that your analysis of the music of video games is incredible, definitely a very important aspect and that very few consider, since it has a fundamental role within the unconsciousness of the player, continues with the good work , I'm glad that there is someone who deals with an element so ignored, but that can define a good game PS: you should analyze the music of bloodborne, each theme of that game is a true work of art that stays in your memory forever c:
There is one thing you missed. So the eyes watching Theo at the Mirror Temple represents the social media. The Eyes watches Theo just likes the people on social media which constantly watches and judges you for everything you do or have. Sorry for my broken English btw
I've been suffering for anxiety for a while, and each time I feel bad or sad, i come back to this video and this is my safe place, thank you for your work, Celeste is my favorite game and you made me really happy each time I'm down, thank you.
I watched your video on BotW's soundtrack a couple months back, and now this, and I 100% agree with your opinions on both of them. Level 2 was really what sold me on the game, and while 50% of that was the amazing platforming and interesting story of the level, the other 50% was just how perfect the music was throughout the whole level. I love that you brought up Resurrections, the panic attack, and even the backwards audio in the Mirror Temple. Subscribed.
This was a great analysis of the soundtrack and it's links to anxiety! I've suffered from it myself too and that gondola scene was extremely powerful when I first played through it!
I'm not sure I would have ever given this game a second look - doesn't really seem like my type. But, I'm encouraged by how rich and meaningful the music, story, and character development are. There is certainly more to this than your average retro-styled platformer. Games have the potential to be a uniquely immersive art form, and it's great to see developers tapping into that.
Amazing video! I have 36 hours in Celeste but in all my playtime and even through some horrible deaths (like dying at the very very end of the last room in farewell) I was able to laugh them off and continue. As somebody who is prone to raging at videogames, this is quite the achievement. I really appreciate how you’ve broken down the different elements that Celeste employs to decrease negative stress. I absolutely adore this game and it’s soundtrack :)
Came across this video before I finished the game. Now that I have beaten it I have to say this exceeded my expectations. I can completely relate to the gondola moment as I have a stronger irrational fear of heights and flying compared to most. Your explanation of chapter 3 was enlightening. I really loved how the music pieced together for that chapter in particular. Overall, fabulous analysis.
Ah yes, the Mirror Temple. The level with easily the most stressful music I have ever listened to in a game. God I love this game and its soundtrack so much.
@@cheese0827 On the one side, you have some of the most stressful music ever composed, and on the other, you have some calm, smooth jazz. One hell of a dichotomy right there. Also the FUCK do you mean it's been *5 years?*
Kinda late but..... Anyone else else cried when Madeline reached the summit and “got over it?” It was kinda embarrassing, as it was lunch time during school hours, but I had long realized at that point what the game was trying to convey about depression and anxiety, and when she “got over it” I legit cried. From experience, anxiety and depression is NOT easy to get over. Each level of the game represents each stage of “getting over it” and the feelings and thoughts that come with it. Now all I have to do, is to follow her example, and LISTEN TO THE SOUNDTRACK ON REPEAT CAUSE HOLY ITS BEAUTIFUL
I absolutely can't believe you have less than 100 mil subs, the content you produces deserve so much more attention! Keep up the good work and you earned yourself a sub!
Okay, while this video might have spoiled some of the game's key moments for me, I think this basically solidified my desire to buy this game. I also have anxeity myself, and have had a...difficult relationship with platforming games, so it feels like this would be really relevent for me to play. Especially since Assist Mode can help me out if I need it too.
ahhh I'm sorry for spoiling it for you. 🙁 I don't think I ruined too much of the experience of the game though. I do think you'll still very much enjoy it.
It's okay, the only thing I could suggest is a spoiler warning at the beggining if you think a vid does go into specific moments like this one did. And also it got me to buy the game so it was a worthwhile watch regardless. :3
Don't worry about difficult plarform here. Like the developer said Celeste is meant to be challenging, but accessibile. Is one of it's point of strength
I think the music in the chapter where Madeline is trying to get through to her manifested anxiety is the perfect balance that put me in that flow mode you talked about, but me on edge and with a clear and defined mission I felt like I need to do but without feeling to overly frustrated or forced to do so.
Celeste is beside Cuphead one of the greatest games in the last ten years. So intricate. So careful level design. So challenging. So encouraging. Sometimes so frustrating but never unfair. Just none of these can beat wipEout... but that is a personal thing. THUMBS UP.
Hi GameScore, I stumbled upon your video only for it acknowledge something I felt myself. Playing a bit of Celeste gave me energy and courage to do tasks I kept putting of or rather not think about. That sense is fleeting a bit on the B-side, but still.
I personally feel like game music can be a driving force to keep me going. A hard game with a great soundtrack is my metaphorical cup of tea. It's why I like games like Super Meat Boy, Mega Man, Celeste, and many others so much. Though I will admit, I'm not too much of a fan of most of the Celeste B-Sides. Just not my kind of music usually, I prefer their respective A-Sides more.
I got so many gosebumbs, more than 10 from the whole video. I don't know It's just something really moving and breathtaking from the combination of Celeste's music and visual storytelling.
I never noticed that the eyes watch Theo (who’s obsessed with his social media presence) and not Madeline.
Very cool detail.
The world is based on what the two of them feel and gets combined to create this unholy mess.
Theo gets watched by the eyes in a cell he can't escape from and can't hide in, while Madeline runs aimlessly throught this level while avoiding the tendrils that represent her anxiety. It's genious.
@@Luchux177 very impressive level design
ps. love the propic
He is also trapped in this crystal, which is like a showcase where he is exposed by every other people eye
@@Luchux177 i see a fellow kh gamer out here
I believe Theo at one point says that they're watching him
Lena Raine composing the Celeste OST: *symbolism for anxiety.*
Lena Raine composing Pigstep for Minecraft: *Cha Cha real smooth*
Time to get *funky*
Lena should definitely redo the ancient city, cave, and end ambience in the style of Celeste; it would be insanely horrifying and I would love it
@@ed_cmntonlyI am incredibly on board with this idea, I’d love to see it go between the original C418 track and a Celeste style Lena track, like a back and forth between the past present and future to really hone that “this is the end” vibe.
> there’s never any confusion on how to beat a stage
*laughs in b-sides*
Catman 360 laughs in c sides
@@____-ck1vp Laughs in Chapter 9
@@DualXZ Laughs in d-sides
Afonso Mota laughs in upcoming chapter 9 d side golden strawberry
C*
To be completely honest, watching this video hyper analyzing the music of the game made we wanna write music of my own mental disorders and I'm really hoping it turns out well.
Wow, I hope so to! Channelling your emotions into art can be a very good thing, not only for your art but your mental health too.
sounds like a great idea! good luck, creative outlets and playing video games are great ways to deal with things in my opinion.
Good luck! I hope things are turning out well for you
I felt this way too but then I remembered that I can’t write or play music
@Ezra Mann-Thompson I checked his channel out, he began recreating music 3 months ago. Godspeed for him.
I always love when games use recognizable leitmotifs in their soundtracks. Thats what sold me on the soundtracks of Undertale, Ori and of course, Celeste.
If it weren't for leitmotif this channel would be dead.
You should give Xenoblade Chronicles 2 a try then. :)
McRüssel Cool. If you happen to have a copy of Skyrim for the PC( not special edition), you should try out Enderal.
There is this meme channel that does this, SiivaGunner.
But some videos are a little too loud
Your icon...as Jontron said, "If you can't beat em, join em"
Queue Jon squatting alongside a bipedal nightmare.
For all of its praise, I feel like Celeste is still severely underrated.
Joel Rosario I'd say more under appreciated, as in not enough people have heard of/played it, but those who do always are impressed by it.
Cruxin you’re right I think that’s a more accurate word for it.
Joel Rosario but I 100% agree, i only saw this game from a few small youtubers. It deserves a lot more attention.
Cruxin it does! It’s a beautiful game. Not very many games that have made me emotional and legitimately changed me the way this one has.
^
This is why Celeste should have won in the music/score category at the game awards
Yeah, I mean the score in Red Dead Redemption 2 is great, but it's not even in the same ballpark as Celeste.
Us Octopath fans are upset too
I think that if the game came out in the later part of the year, it could have won. Recency bias is more powerful than you think.
Speaking of the game awards, remember how cool it was for Celeste to win indie of the year but Ninja of all fucking people revealed it?
@@Antasma1 HEY OUTERWILDS FANS ARE UPSET TOO
If you're watching this video and haven't played this game yet:
Play Celeste.
Preach.
I reached 1:13 and I fell in love with that track. I stopped watching the video. I'm gonna play this game
No
Already beat it
meh
I loved the music of the "summit" level. It filled me with so mutch energy that i kept play untill the end. It gives you so mutch determination...
And the B-side music of "summit", on the other hand, is repetitive, it's like a long ostinato. It's like the music had forgot playing the theme. You don't need a enjoiable music to play It, beats and and ostinato are enought. It makes you concentrated, and no else. It's a good choice.
This is great!
don't know the exact feeling, but i remember time went fast ,like really fast !
The summit is actually one where the artist they had planned to remix it ended up being unavailable, so Lena did it herself (Kuraine is her sort of experimental alter ego artist handle).
Andrew Herron
Wow, Cool, how did you know that?
I've read just about every interview she has given since the launch of the game, and listened to a few podcast interviews as well 😅
I don't remember which one she mentioned this in. It's clear that "Kuraine" is Lena though - that's her twitter handle, and on her bandcamp page some albums are listed under Kuraine as well.
That was fantastic! I really need to play Celeste. I don’t know if you’ve played the first Destiny game, but during a raid there were shifts in the music during intense pivotal moments. It really amped up player anxiety.
ooo no. I should really cover a shooter on this channel one day!
Hey you guys are a couple of my favorite youtube channels about music! I just wanted to say, keep up the awesome content; you guys rock!
Middle 8 is the beeeeeest.
Have you covered Metroid Prime 1? The music of that game is frikkin amazing
Middle 8 i have! and wich raid we talking about? Siva? Vex? Crota? Oryx?
C-SIDE?!?!?!?! OMG I was so proud of myself for finishing B-Side 4 today.
Haha welp. C sides and level 9 kicked my ass.
@@shirori2004 Celeste is one of those games that kick your ass even after you've put hundreds of hours into golden strawberries and modded maps. I still get tense playing chapter 2.
Oh don’t worry, c-sides are only 3 rooms each :)
You went in depth about the buildup in Oshiro's theme without talking about the boss music. That's like ordering a 4 course meal and not eating the dessert. The boss battle is where the payoff for the whole building up is. You also talked about how eustress versus distress is tied into the feeling of control versus the lack of it, and the boss battle is where Oshiro takes control, and you have to avoid him while racing to the exit.
And seriously, that boss fight has the best music in the game. There was a little part of me that was glad every time I died to him, because it meant I could listen to the music longer.
Aside from that, I loved your video. I definitely didn't know about the backwards whispering in the Mirror Temple music.
5:29 This means there’s almost never any confusion....” Shows the most confusing and strategical strawberry in the game (in Celestial Resort)
God I'm getting flashbacks
Almost never any confusion on how to beat the stage, i. e. reach the end of the room. Strawberries are a whole different beast.
Yeah didnt even try getting that one
The worst one
Im ashamed how many deaths I had there when first playing the game, and then when I went back to get it, I did the same strategy and got it pretty quick.
It's not all that hard imo, I was just terrible at the game
The scene with the feather always makes me cry. It's a strategy I've started using in my life and I absolutely love it.
Celeste is one of the best games ive played all year, and definitely one of the best platformers ever. I know some people wrote off the story, but I think the message was really important, and I'm glad to hear the impact the game had on you. Resurrections is definitely my favorite song, I cant stop listening to it! I love these videos man, thanks for making them!
Wait, who wrote off the story?
Yea man, Resurrections all the way. Also I think the dream is the best level by design (along with mirror temple first half).
Demasiado god resurrections
Spoilers ahead:
So the part I found most touching is how when you're carrying Theo near the end of the Mirror Temple, the music takes on the same 'sireny' harshness as during the anxiety scene in the cable car, implying that Madeline is in that same emotional state. But she has managed to push through, perhaps by using Theo's technique or perhaps motivated by the mortal danger he faces. Heroism is not fearlessness. Heroism is being terrified but doing it anyway.
Well said.
This game blew me away on so many levels that I legit haven’t played anything since. Such a raw portrayal of mental illness in such an unconventional way. Perhaps that’s why it’s so effective, as mental illness is anything but convenient.
This is one of the best games I’ve experienced, hands down.
I started playing Celeste about a year ago because of this video and it has grown to be one of my favorite games of all time. It's such a well done video that does the game a perfect justice
This video here is officially the straw that broke the camel's back - I just _have_ to play Celeste now.
Ayy, it's Proto! Nice icon ;)
Exact same for me!
wish this was on Steam...
Edit: OMFG IT'S ON STEAM
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!@
Pedro Scoponi
how’d it go
@@Something_Disgusting It's waaaay better on PC. For the simple fact that you wont dash the wrong way.
Man I played Celeste like right at the perfect time. I was overwhelmed with school and had only recently been diagnosed with anxiety and this felt like the perfect escape. I was managing my anxiety with something relaxing and challenging, and I fell in love with the game and began to try to 100% it. I 100% agree with you about the music being a crucial part of it. Anyway, near the end of my playthrough, my grandfather (who I was super close to) died and I fell into a deep depression and overworked myself and stressed out wayyy too much. I finally have a free weekend and I decide to try and forget about it and work through the end of the game. And I spent that entire weekend on chapter 9, the farewell. That, more than anything, helped me get through it all. Saying goodbye to Granny in game and Madeline waking up was genuinely the best moment I've ever had in gaming. Thank you, Celeste
Yes! So glad you did a video on Celeste man, I’ve been really hoping you would. After watching this I feel like Celeste’s soundtrack is one of the few that does more than accentuate the game, it gives it life. Each track works perfectly with each level to make you feel what Madeline feels. Brilliant job as always Matt!
Thank you! I feel like you really get what I was going for. :) I also enjoyed your Celeste video too!
This was the video that lead me to buy Celeste I must say, _thank_ _you_ it was a unforgettable experience that I will never forget.
I recently noticed that there are "toxic" advertisements in the background of forsaken city, with lines like "are you beach ready" showing the pressure from society on body image and "man up".
@Margaret Beaver There is another one with a watch saying roughly "It isn't just a watch, it's a statement"
I've been lucky enough to never have to deal with anxiety, but that gondola scene always makes me tense or tear up, thanks in no small part to the music. This whole game is so powerful, from start to end, and its soundtrack is no different.
Superb explanation of story and use of music! Really got me interested in playing it myself. Would you ever consider making a video about the first Crash Bandicoot game series? One if my all time favorites. Or maybe the first Rayman game for PS1. Some fantastic music on there!
Crash has some total bops. It was the first game I ever owned, so many hours were put into it. Maybe a video when I inevitably replay the game!
This game is the only media that attempts to represent anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses that makes me feel better about the characters and how their imperfections just make them into what they truly are instead of just making me overall angry. Don't you all enjoy TV show #133 about Autistic guy who flails his hands around and depressed person who wants to kill himself and then actually does?
Yeah... Me neither...
Anxiety, depression and all these are just a part of life you learn to cope with, like Celeste represents. It can make you feel even better at times. When I look back at times when I coped with anxiety I don't feel bad about having it, I feel good that I am going through it despite all this. Celeste is a game that I hold very dearly for it simply catches the essence of what most people with anxiety or depression would like to talk about themselves as but... Just can't express it with words. You can't explain these feelings with words, well technically you can but not properly. You need an interactive experience with it for that.
This comment is mostly me rambling about the game but enough of that, I love the game in short.
But holy hell your videos are amazing. Everything you do makes me happy. You are one of my favorite channels on this platform, and I'd say that I myself didn't even care much for music before I started watching you. Your content sparked my interest in it and I started composing (or rather trying to...) my own tracks several weeks ago, after watching your video about Breath of The Wild.
So uh, been ramblin for long enough, but just wanted to say: Keep up the good work, and I hope to see much more :D
I have really similar feelings about mental health in media and about how this game handles it really well-- it's something beautiful, and an incredibly cathartic experience for me. Being produced by such a small team you really get to feel the heart and the experience of the people who made it. I didn't even need to see interviews with Lena to know that she was composing from her life, the music just encapsulates the feelings and experiences so well and connected with me so perfectly that I could just... tell. This game is really special and I'm so happy that it's gotten the love and attention it deserves.
If you'd like a game that handles mental illness with a great deal of care and maturity I recommend looking at Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. The developers worked hand in hand with a mental health institute in London and made maybe the first great game about psychotic disorders.
Seriously i have adhd and autism this feels like respect
Now I have to play this game :)
Yes, you do. :D
You won't be disappointed!
That’s what I thought when I started listening to the music! Was not disappointed
Me too :)
Me too :)
THIS IS SO INTERESTING??? YOU OPENED TO ME A WHOLE NEW VISION OF MUSIC. IT'S IMPACT ON THE PSYCHOLOGY ETC. THIS IS A GOLDMINE???
I found Celeste's OST first in my Spotify reccomendations and fell in love with it
Quiet and Falling is 100% my favorite song in this soundtrack. That piano is so beautiful.
*starts hearing the more intense variation of Professor Layton puzzle music*
STRESS LEVELS: 100%
This video is incredibly well done. I am blown away!
Brilliant video! The part with the gondola really got to me. I suffer a lot from distress as well and it's very interesting to see a game tackle anxiety in so many different ways… I've seen and heard a lot about Celeste but now I think that I absolutely need to play it :')
Thank you. 😊 It's definitely worthwhile playing, I love it!
Don't know if you still read the comments but...
Celeste has changed my life, in many ways. I went on to become a Twitch streamer because of the Celeste community.
I started playing this game because of this video. So thank you!
You know despite chapter nine being a torture experiment, the music is surprisingly calming to me
3:29 this was the moment that i first remember loving celeste
Quiet and Falling is my favorite piece besides Ressurections. I love playing Q&F on piano so much, it's so beautiful
One thing I’m glad about is the new remixes in the b and c sides. Instead of hitting you with the same old music, which can unconsciously bore you as you drill through these difficult stages, it hits you with some fun, upbeat remixes. They connect you back to the game without being the exact same, and none of the remixes are stressful. They range from upbeat, (First Steps B Side) to jazz-like (Quiet and Falling B Side), But they never aim to upset you like in the original game. In fact, the only time the original story uses stressful songs are for story effect. Usually they are only used for cutscenes or for short parts in stages after you’ve already figured out the gimmicks. Even In The Mirror doesn’t stay loud and crashing for long, before it just changes to a slow, still slightly unsettling, backwards version of Quiet and Falling. All in all, the game’s ost encourages you every step of the way, hyping you up when you need it, calming you down when you don’t. Especially during the b sides.
I have to say this video is well crafted. The narration, visuals, music, transitions and analyzing are all on point. Truly enjoyable to watch!
Celeste is probably a game I won't ever get around to playing, but I have really appreciated your and some other youtuber's analysis of this game and what it does well. Let's me live vicariously through other people when I don't have time to sit down and play! haha. Anyways, I appreciate the look at anxiety through the music, especially since it was such a deliberate choice in this game. Also, just excited to see another video from you! Keep up the awesome work. :)
Please don't let it languish in your queue forever. It's too beautiful and worthwhile to forget about.
Finally someone who understands me. I kept typing in the comments on trailers and reviews that her feelings are literally converted into noise. While people look at graphical quality, i look at the sound. I absolutely love it when games have impacty effects. You can understand more when you relate to it. I also have social problems and i'm aware of it but can't get over it. Simply one of a kind game that you can personally sink into. I wish i could experience it once more as if it was the first time.
This is my favorite game of 2018 so far.
I just googled her. Wow, not only she's a mind-blowing composer, she's beautiful, she could be a model!
It's okay to find someone attractive but don't tell the whole world about it
@@MariaNicolae It's okay to express your opinion but don't stomp on others
5:19
Speedrunners: am I a joke to you?
@@theroboman727Tasbot: *ZOOM*
Infinite climbing
This game helped me overcome the negative thoughts about how my anxiety was out of control. It helped me appreciate that I can work with my anxiety to lower the actual stress I feel and sometimes use it to actually help me. WIthout this game I may not have done a lot of the self discovery I did. I have to thank the creators and everyone else involved with the project for the game.
I really love that Celeste and Lena's music in particular are popping up on all my favorite gaming TH-cam channels
I'm so grateful to be introduced to her music through Celeste! Been listening to her new EP Singularity and I love it.
I came here for the music and started to cry as you explained about the panic attack on the interview with the composer,... thanks for your videos and sincerity. I'll continue to follow you more closely now! Hugs from Brazil *;
First of all you're amazing
Secondly, so are you.
Game Score Fanfare Thirdly, you're amazing-er
Resurrections is amazing. I love that song. I keep listening to it over and over.
Here's hoping you get around to the Metroid Prime Trilogy at some point. Samus's theme explores the soundtrack the same way the player explores the ruins.
oof, that's a good way of putting it. I'd love to do Metroid Prime (and Metroid in general), one of my favourite series. I'll get to it soon!
Man, I never noticed a lot of this playing through Celeste for the first time, but now everything I was feeling makes sense. Great video for a great game!!!
Now I know why I mash my keyboard and hit the keys really hard when playing Crypt of the NecroDancer.
What I found interesting about the mirror temple's piano is that the piano represents madeline, as it always has, but since the song is nearly only piano, it represents the feeling of being on your
own and being lonely. In addition, the synth that accompanies the piano represents an unknown force, one that is strengthened once madeline reaches the mirror and the monsters begin to attack her.
I think the reason the doppelganger is purple is because medilines hair goes from red to blue so together purple
12:37 Absolutely mindblown, I never noticed that!
I died more in the Celestial Resort than I did on the summit. Those meatballs are evil...
The Shipper especially on the b-sides
I feel like the fact that the purple eyes were in a circle around Theo is showing how when the eye creatures aren't attacking when they are purple. This is Theo. He's keeping them from constantly aggressing by believing in Madeline. However Madeline's problems are much stronger, and that's why there are more red eyes, and why they still attack on sight.
Here's something I noticed while playing the C-side of the summit that I haven't really seen anyone mention. I was stuck on one part for quite some time, and I sort of subconsciously noted that the music had kind of died down. Some of the instruments were missing, and it was mostly just the backbeat. Then, I got a really good attempt in, and the music picked up immediately. When I realized that, I started to pay a lot more attention to how the music reacted to things and here's what I found. 1: The music picks up when you make progress (duh.) 2: The music will stay that way for a long time. 3: The music will go back when you pause the game, and you will have to earn it again. I find this fascinating. When you make some progress on a level you were struggling with, the game applauds you and urges you to keep going, and as long as you keep trying as hard as you can (not pausing represents that,) then it will keep encouraging you to just try to get one jump further. Because the game knows that you know you can at least get that far, and it knows that you can get farther if you keep trying.
I love Celeste. The game itself and the music is amazing and it really hit home for me when I played it. Never felt so emotional over a game as I have with Celeste. Amazing
Sooner or later this channel is going to run into “Kirby Music”
And that day will bring joy :)
What a great video, i just finished playing celeste and didnt activly notice what the music did to me, but looking back all of your statements are true and it really is a piece of art.
I haven't watched one of your videos before this, and I have to say, I am really impressed by your editing! And you explain things in a clear simple manner. Very impressed, sub dropped! :D
Thank you! Glad to have you around. 😊
Wow, I found your channel recently and I can say that your analysis of the music of video games is incredible, definitely a very important aspect and that very few consider, since it has a fundamental role within the unconsciousness of the player, continues with the good work , I'm glad that there is someone who deals with an element so ignored, but that can define a good game
PS: you should analyze the music of bloodborne, each theme of that game is a true work of art that stays in your memory forever c:
I did recently get Bloodborne through PS Plus... turns out it is very hard.
Who remembers Left 4 Dead 2's scores?
My favorite song by Celeste is Ressurections, Lena Raine put a lot of love in this song, even more if you give the song a meaning
I don't think I've ever been so in love with a game's soundtrack... Lena did a seriously good job!
There is one thing you missed. So the eyes watching Theo at the Mirror Temple represents the social media. The Eyes watches Theo just likes the people on social media which constantly watches and judges you for everything you do or have.
Sorry for my broken English btw
I've been suffering for anxiety for a while, and each time I feel bad or sad, i come back to this video and this is my safe place, thank you for your work, Celeste is my favorite game and you made me really happy each time I'm down, thank you.
Thank you again for being there, you helped me again...
I watched your video on BotW's soundtrack a couple months back, and now this, and I 100% agree with your opinions on both of them.
Level 2 was really what sold me on the game, and while 50% of that was the amazing platforming and interesting story of the level, the other 50% was just how perfect the music was throughout the whole level. I love that you brought up Resurrections, the panic attack, and even the backwards audio in the Mirror Temple. Subscribed.
I think this was one of the first Celeste videos I've ever watched, which made me buy the game before finishing the video. How far it has come!
Holy shit this game is even more genius than I thought it was
This was a great analysis of the soundtrack and it's links to anxiety! I've suffered from it myself too and that gondola scene was extremely powerful when I first played through it!
They really nailed that scene.
I freaking love video game music and this channel
I freaking love you.
aww
0:58 True. It even got SO edgy that there was a reverse message in the mirror temple.
I'm not sure I would have ever given this game a second look - doesn't really seem like my type. But, I'm encouraged by how rich and meaningful the music, story, and character development are. There is certainly more to this than your average retro-styled platformer. Games have the potential to be a uniquely immersive art form, and it's great to see developers tapping into that.
Absolutely, it's so much more than a phoned-in platformer.
I agree. But even without the music and character development Celeste would be a great game for its gameplay alone.
All games and OSTs in the description? What a god-tier channel
I discovered this game today by trying to look up "celesta" (the instrument) and misspelling it as "celeste"
Good job, now play this wonderful game.
I wanna grab the devs and the art drawer along with the audio maker and tell them how much of a masterpeace they made and how much i enjoyed it..
Nothing in this game causes more anxiety than trying to get
*SPOILER*
The golden strawberries. Especially on the B sides
Amazing video! I have 36 hours in Celeste but in all my playtime and even through some horrible deaths (like dying at the very very end of the last room in farewell) I was able to laugh them off and continue. As somebody who is prone to raging at videogames, this is quite the achievement. I really appreciate how you’ve broken down the different elements that Celeste employs to decrease negative stress. I absolutely adore this game and it’s soundtrack :)
a video game giving me therapy?
dang
Came across this video before I finished the game. Now that I have beaten it I have to say this exceeded my expectations. I can completely relate to the gondola moment as I have a stronger irrational fear of heights and flying compared to most. Your explanation of chapter 3 was enlightening. I really loved how the music pieced together for that chapter in particular. Overall, fabulous analysis.
Ah yes, the Mirror Temple. The level with easily the most stressful music I have ever listened to in a game.
God I love this game and its soundtrack so much.
Then the b side has smooth jazz
@@cheese0827 On the one side, you have some of the most stressful music ever composed, and on the other, you have some calm, smooth jazz. One hell of a dichotomy right there.
Also the FUCK do you mean it's been *5 years?*
I love Celeste and I love your voice
Jeez, this music made me wanna cry and I don’t even have anxiety
Great video, now I appreciate Celeste's soundtrack even more!
“These glowing space boxes that allow you to dash through them”
I call it Mountain Jizz.
Kinda late but.....
Anyone else else cried when Madeline reached the summit and “got over it?”
It was kinda embarrassing, as it was lunch time during school hours, but I had long realized at that point what the game was trying to convey about depression and anxiety, and when she “got over it” I legit cried. From experience, anxiety and depression is NOT easy to get over. Each level of the game represents each stage of “getting over it” and the feelings and thoughts that come with it.
Now all I have to do, is to follow her example, and LISTEN TO THE SOUNDTRACK ON REPEAT CAUSE HOLY ITS BEAUTIFUL
I’m honestly so sad that I played most of this game with the volume all the way down. I mostly played it in public so I never wanted to bug anyone.
I absolutely can't believe you have less than 100 mil subs, the content you produces deserve so much more attention! Keep up the good work and you earned yourself a sub!
It's truly a tragedy, but I thank you for helping me reach that 100 million goal.
Game Score Fanfare just realised i meant 100k oh well XD way to go friend!
Okay, while this video might have spoiled some of the game's key moments for me, I think this basically solidified my desire to buy this game. I also have anxeity myself, and have had a...difficult relationship with platforming games, so it feels like this would be really relevent for me to play. Especially since Assist Mode can help me out if I need it too.
ahhh I'm sorry for spoiling it for you. 🙁 I don't think I ruined too much of the experience of the game though. I do think you'll still very much enjoy it.
It's okay, the only thing I could suggest is a spoiler warning at the beggining if you think a vid does go into specific moments like this one did. And also it got me to buy the game so it was a worthwhile watch regardless. :3
There were some superb and essential story moments that were not spoiled by this video. I encourage you to still play it!
Don't worry about difficult plarform here. Like the developer said Celeste is meant to be challenging, but accessibile. Is one of it's point of strength
Exactly yeah. :D
As I've been exploring how to create music, your channel is exactly what I'm looking for. Have my subscription.
Never heard of this game or played it, but I've heard it shows about mental health and anxiety (I have autism and anxiety).
I think the music in the chapter where Madeline is trying to get through to her manifested anxiety is the perfect balance that put me in that flow mode you talked about, but me on edge and with a clear and defined mission I felt like I need to do but without feeling to overly frustrated or forced to do so.
Celeste is beside Cuphead one of the greatest games in the last ten years. So intricate. So careful level design. So challenging. So encouraging. Sometimes so frustrating but never unfair. Just none of these can beat wipEout... but that is a personal thing. THUMBS UP.
Saw this in my feed and freaked out. Favorite game this year and SOOO happy to see you cover it.
You're welcome! It definitely deserves all its praise.
oh wowie the main character's name is madeline, sounds like someone i know's name cough cough
We need more main characters named Tessa ehehehe >:)
Dear Fanfare, you did an excelent job here. Thanks a lot!
Video for hollow knight ost?
Hi GameScore, I stumbled upon your video only for it acknowledge something I felt myself. Playing a bit of Celeste gave me energy and courage to do tasks I kept putting of or rather not think about. That sense is fleeting a bit on the B-side, but still.
I personally feel like game music can be a driving force to keep me going. A hard game with a great soundtrack is my metaphorical cup of tea. It's why I like games like Super Meat Boy, Mega Man, Celeste, and many others so much. Though I will admit, I'm not too much of a fan of most of the Celeste B-Sides. Just not my kind of music usually, I prefer their respective A-Sides more.
I got so many gosebumbs, more than 10 from the whole video.
I don't know It's just something really moving and breathtaking from the combination of Celeste's music and visual storytelling.