20 Video Game Clones Better Than The Original
15. Celeste (Super Meat Boy)
It didn't take long before Maddy Makes Games' Celeste to draw comparisons to Super Meat Boy, due to its tower-climbing structure, retro graphics, and masochistic difficulty.
Yes, the similarities are unmistakable, but Celeste takes things to the next level. The indie platformer comes with an Assist Mode, enabling players to adjust speed and stamina, making it easy to pick up without compromising the challenge. Rather than throwing a batch of traps and pits at you, the level structures emphasise flow, rhythm, and control. Each section feels purposeful and fair, teaching new mechanics through exploration rather than frustration.
But what makes Celeste stay with players is how it interweaves internal conflicts within the gameplay. The story isn't just told through cutscenes but mechanics, since every arduous climb feels like an emotional struggle. Climbing a mountain isn't just a physical obstacle, but a symbol of the heroine's journey of perseverance. This idea is compounded by Lena Raine's gorgeous soundtrack, which becomes more profound and thought-provoking as players progress.
Super Meat Boy is a technical masterclass in platforming, but Celeste elevates the formula into an art form.