Expedition Log Wrap Up: What Celeste Taught Me About Perseverance
Introduction
So, here's what happened. Originally, I wanted to do a standard review, or Into The Backlog piece, on Celeste. But, looking back on everything, I decided to do something a bit different. Today, I want to put together a sort of "wrap-up." A sort of figurative bow, if you will, to tie up my feelings on the game. And for this game, there is no better topic than that of perseverance. Time and time again, this idea was one that echoed in my mind over the several hours that I put into this title. That is what I'm touching on today. In this wrap-up, I'll discuss what perseverance means in the context of gaming and life, share how Celeste challenged me, and the lasting impact the journey had on me.
What is Perseverance?
So, that's the question, isn't it? What is perseverance? I am sure many of you out there have an idea, but, in essence, it is the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. Simply put, it is the continued persistence in the face of adversity. The ability to soldier on despite what has been and will be thrown in your path. It is a concept that is easily applied to gaming, but can be related more to the difficult games. Dark Souls, Elden Ring, Ninja Gaiden, Ghosts and Goblins, and, in this case, Celeste. Now, this is by no means an all-inclusive list, but these are specific examples of the games that I am talking about. Those that will push you to your limits, make you question your sanity, but ultimately push you to become better players.
My Time With Celeste
But while understanding perseverance is one thing, experiencing it firsthand is another. Celeste, while being similar to the other titles mentioned previously, is different in that while it does have those perseverance and endurance aspects built into its gameplay, it weaves them into its story as well. As I am sure you are all aware, if you’ve read the previous logs or have some familiarity with the game outside of here, Celeste is a 2D platformer where we guide Madeline up the titanic Celeste Mountain, facing external obstacles and internal demons along the way. Deaths are many in this game, with respawns being instant, pushing you to continue in your pursuit of the summit. Each challenge overcome brings a sense of relief, of invigoration, that encourages continued progression. This is especially true in that final Farewell chapter, where each screen feels determined to shut you down and force you to submit.
But as I said, the theme of perseverance is woven into the story as well. What I suppose I loved the most was the evident growth brought about over the course of the game. As Madeline pushes forward, we see her fears and anxiety laid bare. The “Part of Me” that manifests itself and follows Madeline over the course of the game is the embodiment of her own insecurities. She attempts many times to halt Madeline's progress up the mountain, but rather than admitting defeat, Madeline defies and pushes on. Despite her fears and self-doubt, she pushes on.
Many would give up in the face of a major setback, but not Madeline.
This is something many struggle with, including myself. Always afraid of failure. Never willing to take the chance and being held back by how we view ourselves in our own minds. Even writing this, contemplating whether my words will be good enough and convey the message I want them to, it is something that I have tried to work on and overcome. I admire Madeline and strive to be like her.
But she is not perfect. These insecurities, these fears and self-doubt, are quite simply a part of us. They make up who we are just as much as the "positive" aspects. Rather than accept this, she tries to get rid of them; she says that she doesn't need that part of herself. And this is a major error. One she would soon enough realize. But, as we continued on that final ascent toward the summit, we are given the greatest reward of perseverance: perspective and satisfaction. The summit comprises short sections that reflect previous chapters. The Forsaken City, Celestial Resort, all of them represented here and serving as that bit of perspective that we all desperately need. A chance to reflect on all that we had been through before. The challenges. The struggles. Friends, such as Theo, whom she had met along the way, encouraged and comforted her. All of it is a reminder of where she had been. And then, that final moment comes when we reach the summit, the flag waving in the breeze and the sun poking up above the trees. It is a momentous occasion. We have reached the summit.
Personal Takeaways and Lasting Impact
Celeste is a game that struck a chord with me. So much so that I make it a point to recommend the game every chance I get, without saying too much. Can’t go around spoiling the adventure now, can I? I learned many things over my hours with Celeste, more than one would expect from an indie 2D platformer. But it is a game that has inspired and encouraged me to be better. To continue pushing forward even in the face of immense difficulty. But not just that. It’s okay to be afraid. It’s okay to be afraid. It is okay to have doubts. These are all natural feelings when pushing into the unknown. Continuing on past what you feel comfortable with. Do not shut these feelings out. Take them and push forward together.
Conclusion
The End in Sight.
In the end, Celeste taught me that perseverance isn’t just about overcoming obstacles. It is about embracing every part of ourselves, even those that we would rather hide away. That growth comes from pushing forward, not from perfection. As I reflect on my time with the game, I realize that it's okay to be afraid and uncertain; what matters is continuing onward, together with those feelings. If there is one thing I want you to take from this experience, it’s that perseverance is not just a skill for gaming, but a mindset for life. Keep climbing, no matter how steep the mountain may seem, because the view from the top is one you will not want to miss.
