15 BRUTALLY Hard Video Games (That Are Actually Fun)

Celeste is hard. Obviously. The 2D sidescrolling platformer is all about reaction time, reflexes and planning. Scraping through the level is one thing, but trying to collect all floating strawberries and passing all the hidden B-side levels will require perfection of Celeste's simple mechanics.

What sets Celeste apart, and makes Celeste an absolute must-play, is the overall package the game presents.

Just from a level perspective, Celeste's tight controls and inventive design allows for incredibly dynamic problem-solving. With the in-air dash being the key mechanic exploited throughout, levels are designed to test the ways you can use the dash to find hidden rooms or manipulate the environment around you.

The game is also gorgeous. The beautiful pixel worlds are full of colour and detail, with a soundtrack that sits beautifully and ominously underneath it. Even the story, an often overlooked aspect of platformers, is insightful, meaningful and heartfelt. All the characters you meet throughout Madeline's journey have interesting stories to tell and are engaging throughout.

Celeste is a masterpiece. Its breathless level design engages your mind and reflexes in a way that doesn't frustrate you. The story is glorious and it is beautiful to look at. Celeste offers a brutal challenge, but in a way that keeps you smiling throughout.