Expedition Log #3 | Celeste - Looks Can Be Deceiving
October 30th, 2025 - This week’s post is a bit shorter, mostly because of I’ve been wrapped up in Legends Z-A. What can I say? The game was far better than I initially thought. Last time, Madeline continued her climb. We leave the Celestial Resort behind and move on to the Golden Ridge.
Immediately, the most striking part of this level is the color. It’s a beautiful sight. Oranges, yellows, and purples blend together and paint a stunning picture. The sun shines as clouds pass by. Petals fall gently in the breeze. Golden Ridge is the most artistically beautiful level so far. It’s a wonderful contrast to the dark, gloomy atmosphere of what came before.
We launch through the air on clouds and on strange, ball things. (I don’t know what they’re called.) We steer platforms while dodging spikes. There is a lot here that interests me. I want to see how all of this will be stacked as we continue up the mountain. Games often introduce mechanics and combine them for interesting levels. But it feels more impactful here. Celeste is about self-discovery, overcoming adversity, and personal growth. We use what we learn on our climb to reach even greater heights.
Of course, this doesn’t mean the level isn’t difficult. Not by a long shot. At first, it’s fine. Sure, I die a few times, especially trying for that B-Side cassette. But overall, it’s an easy ride. That is, until we get wind. Now, we face platforming challenges and worry about being shoved around like a ship in rough seas. I did get knocked around. I died more than I care to admit. But I can’t quit now.
Finally, we reach the end. We step onto the gondola lift and meet Theo. He faceplants after falling off a cliff, which was pretty funny. We get on the lift and continue up the mountain. Suddenly, it stalls out. Theo tries to fix it, but ends up breaking the lever. Now, we’re stuck dangling hundreds of feet in the air.
This is where the panic attack scene hits, and it’s intense. The game captures that immense, overwhelming sense of helplessness. Of hopelessness. The screen closes in on Madeline and the music ramps up. Tentacles wrap around the edge of the screen. You can almost feel her breathing quicken. Every sound and every moment swaying in the air makes the anxiety more real. Theo stays calm. He talks Madeline through her panic and has her visualize a golden feather floating up and down, in sync with her breathing. It’s a simple idea, but the way it’s presented is powerful.
I said last time that the Resort was my favorite level, but this one might take the cake. The Golden Ridge has everything I loved about the Resort, but feels more alive and much more personal while maintaining the fun gameplay. The scenery is breathtaking, the platforming is clever, and the emotional moments hit hard. The panic attack scene especially stands out as a reminder that games can tackle real feelings in meaningful ways without losing sight of what makes the game fun.
Celeste continues to surprise me, not just with its challenging levels but with how much heart it brings to every scene. Golden Ridge serves as a reminder that growth is messy, progress isn’t linear, and support can come from unexpected places. I’m excited to see what comes next as we continue climbing this mountain.
