12 Best Video Game Moments Of 2018 (So Far)
5. Reaching The Top Of The Mountain - Celeste
- Spoilers for Celeste -
One of this year's first games to get 5 stars and 10/10s across the board, I heartily recommend playing through Celeste yourself, but as a single moment in its story of girl Madeline struggling with anxiety, self-doubt and general confidence, climbing the mountain is outstanding in multiple unique ways.
First, you've got the fact that Madeline's worries and doubts are manifested as her "shadow self" - a literal evil being that taunts and belittles you. Over the course of the game you get very good at avoiding her and escaping, but the crux of the story comes when Madeline realises that to "beat" her worst aspects, she must embrace them.
Suddenly, rather than have another boss fight, you have a conversation. And following this, after ardently pursuing the shadow being to the point where she too, realises there has to be calm, the pair of you work together to conquer the final set of levels.
This means bigger jumps, faster movement - all round, a more vibrant-feeling character. It's the perfect way to make rehabilitation or working through a personal issue playable, and for that alone, Celeste is easily one of the best games ever made.