I just realized something after watching this video. Madeline starts the game wearing a rather large backpack to climb the mountain with. During chapters 1-5, she's constantly wearing that backpack even while the negative part of her is harassing her. But when she reconciles with her negative side in chapter 6, she leaves the backpack behind to reclimb the mountain. She's let go of her baggage! Both emotionally and physically! SYMBOLISM
Honestly, the simple little pixel animation of her dropping her bag had a nice feeling of weight to it. The way she stands straighter after dropping it does a good job of conveying just how heavy that baggage was, even though we'd been carrying it for so long that we never noticed until it finally dropped.
It is good that he made a video because there are some minor things which you maybe can't recognize, for example Theo and the eyes looking at him which are his viewers on social media. Of course, I got the mayor things but now I know nearly everything from this game so the video did its job well
Actually I think he mentioned some vital points that I personally didn’t really get until now. For example, he mentioned that badeline is still madline, even if she has become separate from madeline.
The only way to miss this is if you don't finish the game. Or maybe skip all the cutscenes. For a true secret you need to explain who/what "birdfriend" actually is
That is what I came to this video hoping to find out about I can’t find anything about birdfriend and what is symbolises like there is a lot of obvious choices like the spirit of someone that meant a lot to her or the spirit of the mountain as someone else said but I want something more concrete
"Celeste is about a *young girl* named Madeline" So, I don't think Madelineis supposed to be a kid. She certainly *looks* and *sounds* like it, but throughout the game there are references to her having a car and a job, and at one point she even admits she drinks a lot to cope with her depression. I think she's supposed to be a young adult.
This is the real message of the game that you missed: Sometimes, I... ... don't really know... ... what's going on anymore. I... I... don't... ... know who I am. I just... look in the mirror, and... don't know who I'm looking at, or... who's looking at me. I... ... think a lot... about... where... my train of thought is going. and it's not always a good place... and that's scares me. I don't... like... scaring myself. I... don't...
In the fight between Madeline and the part of herself I found it really hard to avoid her projectiles until I just stopped trying to avoid them and just focused on getting to her. Don’t know if that was intentional or not
Solid for anyone who missed the point of the story. I found it pretty obvious and not very subtle at all when it comes to the message that was being relayed. Still hits hard though, Madeline reminds me a lot of my wife. She suffers with anxiety, depression and some hopelessness due to not enjoying her current job. I cry for her sake :(.
What I love about the story and how it handles darker emotions, is that Madeline is wrong when she tries to completely get rid of that part of her. The game shows she can only truely succeed and grow when she accepts it and becomes a full person
Now, I'm just going to say, you're kinda wrong about Theo. What his part of the temple represents is correct, but he tells us at the end of Chapter 5 that he has an older sister who was really successful, and now his family's eyes are upon him, trying to make him do something with his life.
I thought it was a younger sister? And I don't feel like that's what he was saying at all. He felt like he needed to find something to do with his life, but that pressure didn't come from his family. He says everyone is very patient with him.
It's for-sure both. He feels EVERYONE is judging him, that he NEEDS that "Good Job, Theo!" from literally everyone in his life. At the end of the temple, you need to throw Theo at a giant eyeball that keeps pushing you back. You can't progress in life if you let everyone's judgement's hold you back.
You can also see on the @TheoUnderstars Instagram (instapix) that he does feel as if he isnt good enough so really both are true. instagram.com/p/BeHCCMeF-Dz/
cool summary/analysis, but did anybody older than, say, 12 actually miss any of these messages? the feelings are relatable to anybody with an emotional compass, and the game really hits you over the head with its thematic elements (in a good way, imho).
I've said this a few times, but the difference between the WAY WAY WAY more common "accept your darkness" narrative and the more deeply mental health based message is a small detail, but it's a huge difference in the tone of the story. A LOT of people tend to miss the more personal message here if they haven't coped with an extreme form of what this game is portraying. It just doesn't occur to you what depression and anxiety are like. If you don't believe me, compare this game's narrative to Kingdom Hearts (which has the first narrative, but not the second). There's a similar basis about the balance of light and dark, but the narrative changes drastically with a few tweaks.
fair enough, but i've never once run across someone stating there's a "accept your darkness" narrative. the discussion has generally always centered around mental health.
Even people 12 or below can't miss it. I'm 12, and it was so obvious, because it was the games main narrative. Their goal was to hit you over the head.
Thanks to this channel i am learning a lot of things, lets say always upgrading myself as a person, figuring more and more about my character. 24yrs old, yet still find interesting things in this. Games are art. A lot of people would disagree, but i just don't care. One way of learning to live and finding happiness is exactly through them. Thanks again, from all of you on this channel for making my day every time you post a video. Take care everyone!
This story is why I played Celeste. I do not enjoy precision platforming, as I think of it as the equivalent of tunneling through a brick wall with only your head, but my god the story of growth is astounding
I’m really disappointed that people are having so many negative comments. This guy opens up and is honest with his audience and most of the comments I see are bashing him.
People are having negative comments because Treesicle tends to clickbait the shit out of everybody. Instead of offering us something of substance, he read the plot summary. Instead of admitting to it, he just hid behind this very gnostic idea that he has special knowledge about the game's message when, in reality, he is just spouting some pre-psych 101 babble that you would figure out yourself by playing the game.
I had a pretty good understanding of Celeste's message, but hearing your interpretation really clarified it for me. This had given me a lot to think about... as soon as I'm done finding the last strawberry in this level.
I've recently finished my first playthrough. I am nearly 4 years from an accident that partially paralyzed 3 limbs, my legs and right arm. It caused me physical pain to play some levels. I literally played until uncontrollable tears welled up from the pain. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. I know the main game isn't the hardest part of Celeste but it was definitely an awesome journey... And it means a lot to me now.
Another amazing thing about this game is how it's message is portrayed through the gameplay. If you're playing Celeste, your probably going to fail a lot. But you always try and retry and retry over and over. And so you learn more and more about the level and the mechanics until you've mastered them and you move on and keep moving on and learning more things in the same way that Madeline, as she climbed Mount Celeste, began to understand herself better and better. This is why I find Madeline to be an easier character to empathize with the further you get in the game. The player and Madeline got though a simular process and thus this allows the player to truly feel connected to the game they're playing.
I have the uncontrollable urge to cry thinking of Celeste in the opposite light.....she is her deppression, fears ext....but meets her lost hope, will, ext as she climbs the mountain
The other message you missed was if you rewind the music from the mirror temple when your at the part where you use Theo to get out it actually starts talking the more your there
Ok so for the people who didn't get it, I think the point was this: rather than doing something while you are afraid and confused, take a moment and understand urself, if u did so successfuly then u'll be able to climb your mountain and achieve ur goals, am I right?
I think what I took away from it was that. If we feel scared, or worried, or anxious we should gravitate away from blaming our darker selves. If I don't want to wake up in the morning, it's not because I'm depressed. That's the same as just blaming my darker self, but I shouldn't abandon my darker self, I clearly want to sleep. So your better side and darker side are best served by compromising. Maybe eat less for meals, but eat more meals. Maybe talk to one person, but not for very long. Maybe put you foot out, but pull it back quickly. Tiny steps, but eventually you'll climb the mountain. And if Celeste is any analogy for overcoming life, you get waaaaaay better at life if you just grind away at b-sides, life becomes a joke.
Hey thanks for the positive mindsets in the replies. I think it's probably too late @ this point but i had a video about celeste (channel name: Moezz exp) not asking for views or opinions here but if you think that maybe there's something missing and you can't put your hand on it maybe give my video a try: celeste half pleasure half torture. Thank you^-^
This is a great video, I commend you for making it and appreciating the game, but this "message," is central to the narrative, and anyone who "missed," it really wasn't paying attention. Much of what you described is fairly evident from merely a casual reading of the game's story. If you're interested in a message EVERY player missed on their play through, try playing the music of the reflections level backwards ;)
Oh my... This Video made me cry tbh just like the game did. I have depressions and it sucks but this helped i guess??... i hope I hope it helped others too :>
You forgot an interesting part. At the end of the second chapter before the phone monster eats her, she gets a call on the payphone. The guy (possibly Madilines ex) is something that is relatively not talked about, but could be a representative of an emotionally/mentally abusive person.
It's classic Jungian psychology but it's executed in a really elegant way. The game's theme also work on multiple levels. On one hand, it's a pretty hard core precision platformer and the levels can be pretty brutal(well not so much the original seven, but the unlockable ones are), so the effort you need to put in to overcome them fits well with the theme of climbing a mountain. On the other hand, the theme of climbing a mountain also fits with the underlying message of overcoming self doubt. So , while the basic idea isn't anything new, I'd say the way they presented it all it pretty masterful. And considering that it's actually a small title, the fact they managed to implement such a meaningful message into it in such a fitting way is pretty impressive.
This was amazing. This is the first time I have ever left a comment on any youtube video. We all have issues with ourselves. It's when we process and accept the darkness that's it a part of ourselves (pun intended), is when one is able to move forward. The darkness, it may be fear, anxiety, depression, or doubt it's by embracing that aspect that you find a power that no one can take from you. That power may be to climb mountains who knows. When you truly understand yourself is when you can truly self actualize and meet your full potental.
I think that everything and everyone is metaphorical aswell. The old lady is the things she hates and the the things that make her fell like she is being laughed at. Mr. Oshirio is her mind trying to convince herself that everything is fine ( he believes that his hotel is still fine). 'Dark' Madeline is her fears and doubts that she is trying to run away from. The bird is a friend who though may not know it they are giving them loads of support and keeping madeline going. Theo is your one sence of hope that helps you out of the dark time that you're in. The mountain is her life and her problems that she needs to conquer.
Such a great one, I really loved the message behind this game and your video. I will say that the scariest moment for me is not climbing the mountain itself, but rather getting to the top of said mountain and realizing that it is only your first of thousands. Just remember you can do this.
i enjoyed this video, but mostly because i enjoyed celeste so much. still have to go beat the core b side and eventually the c sides. it will be hard but i found that banging my head against the wall in this game was pretty enjoyable. you mentioned that sometimes you feel insecure about being a youtuber, and i definitely understand that. i've seen it in many other people on this site as well. one of my favorite youtubers has talked about it at length but im not going to name him because its highlighting a difficulty in his life and i dont wanna do that. that said, celeste's themes are pretty much obvious to even the inexperienced gamer. i think a lot of the comments that are jabbing at you stem from the title of the video. its kinda clickbaity i guess. you didn't talk at all about how people might not pick up on the themes of the story, but you did elaborate on them in a meaningful way, and i mean that wholeheartedly. that said, i think the "part of you" that features in celeste can be related to in pretty much any context. like you said, it can be fear, self doubt, depression, and i'll add anger, insecurity and potentially even mental illness. it's about accepting reality and using that acceptance to help yourself self actualize. become the best you that you can be, or at least try to come to terms with what your llife really is. bottom line is that this is a great game and im happy to see so many people embracing it, and i liked your video, but i was expecting something a bit more surprising based on the video title. If you get the time, check out the music that plays after you go through the mirror in the mirror temple. if you play it backwards there is a somewhat disturbing message said in english by a woman about looking in a mirror. she looks in the mirror and isn't sure who that person is. she hears that person talk and isn't sure what she's saying. she gets scared by it and doesn't like scaring herself. i think there might actually be a deeper meaning to all of celeste's story but we haven't figured it out yet. one thing i found interesting is that you can rearrange the crystal hearts in the journal, potentially to make some sort of poem. maybe its a red herring, but maybe not. thats the kind of thing the title of this video would fit. anyway mostly im just a bit buzzed and a superfan of this game, so take everything with a grain of salt and dont stress. i think a lot of comments on youtube are written to elicit a response from whoever made the video. i was just adding my 2 cents because i can. i've never watched your videos before but i wouldn't want what i say to make you any less happy or stress you out or whatever. cheers man
I love how you admit to things like fear, anxiety, and doubt as well as explaining how they're represented. You're so real Grant, thanks for being that way. I of course want to see more content like this!
This got me , its hard to understand that part of you , it will hold you back and it will be hard to get out of the hole we put ourselves in. Holding the emotion in may hurt us but sometimes we hold them back to suit others around us.
Like, I understand the need for clickbait there. Still, yeah, glad you shared Celeste's lesson around, even for the people who haven't played it. It's delivered in a hard-hitting way and your analysis of it only reinforces its potency. Thanks for making this.
That's actually not the same thing, per se. Persona's general message is a more typical Eastern religious thought about balance while this is very specifically a focus on mental health. The protagonists of Persona, once they admit who they are to themselves don't have to continually cope with and nurture their own inner demons. It's a mountain you conquer once instead of an apparition that constantly floats over your shoulder. The minutiae is very important in this case, though. Persona doesn't tell you that you don't need to doubt yourself so much. It just tells you you have demons.
I draw more of a parallel to Persona 5. The Mountain is a Palace and shapes itself depending on who is climbing it with the most baggage. It even has a Heart Treasure at the end of it all. And when I think of Madeline's struggle both with her goal and with her other self, I think of Futaba and her internal struggles.
I needed this, I have been looking at Celeste and thinking it looks like a gem, but not knowing that the message it provides is something I needed to come to terms with as well. Especially recently as I work as a game designer and have been doubting myself a lot lately because my team doesn't seem to respect any of my ideas. But every now and then the owner of the company chimes in (whom was been a designer for over 40 years) and tells the team how things should work, and it turns out to be exactly how I designed them. ^^'
How this video was made: "Here you can see Madeline walking, and honestly, sometimes I also walk, it's a very realistic reflection in our own real world"
You've gotta know your own self worth for yourself. Dealing with the anxiety of failing to meet some expectations that randos on the interweb set isn't an easy thing, but first it begins with shifting your perspective. Notice yourself and your hard work, notice how you learn from mistakes, never let you be your own worst enemy.
This is the single best relate-able interpretation of the game I have heard! *tears up* It truly can be seen you mean and understand what you are talking about. Thanks, man! KEEP IT UP.
You'd honestly be surprised how often you have to spell metaphors out for someone. Also, if you've never coped with severe depression or anxiety, the fact that this is supposed to relate to such things might not be as obvious to you. You might just take this as a typical eastern philosophy message of accepting your darker side as a part of the whole instead of specifically being about coming to terms with ones own fears and self-doubt. They're similar messages, but they're not the same thing. Pardon the phrasing, but the devil is in the details.
It's been a half a year or so since you've made this video and I've just finished this game and I loved it (hardly ever say that and completed it 100% no golden strawberries or c-sides yet). And this video had everything I expected to be said. This game has such great gameplay and even better story telling. Celeste really did become my new favorite game.
This story told by you hit me with all of the possible directions that I am missing in this game. Now I truly see how masterful in story-telling this game is, and how powerful a message is delivered through Celeste. I suddenly look back at myself, and shockingly realize the true nature of life. I totally agree with you. This is a very, very meaningful video about Celeste, with powerful conclusions on life matters from your own experience and perspective. So much respect I should put into your work here!
can't remember the last time I liked a video so much that I actually clapped audibly once it was over that is how good this is it is videos like this that made me fall in love with this channel can't wait to play this game for myself now this is how you make a game about climbing
ive never heard of this game til now but that part when you talked about being angry with yourself really hit home for me. ive always been a perfectionist and been angry and impatient but i never realized how much i was mad at myself and man, it's just rough. but thanks for this video, it's a real good one.
A real gem of a game; a great way to get a message across with such deep storytelling. Character designs and how it all plays out is just gorgeous. Thanks for the video, Treesicle team. God bless yours and you! :)
:o Thanks a lot for this analysis, I got wrong the part of Madeline and dark-Madeline working together, I thought the message was supposed to be "accept yourself"(a very over used message that already tired me) instead of "understand yourself"(much better)
I skipped this video (because I hadn't beaten celeste yet), and only just remembered/found it again while looking up where all those god damn gems on the summit are (actually completing the game. Or trying). Great video guys!
What an amazing video. I just beat Celeste a few minutes ago and i went searching for more Celeste and the meaning of the game or the message from the Devs, i can totally agree with you and im glad I stumbled around UA-cam and find you and this great video. Subscribed and like. ❤️ thanks
Even though I never have seen or played this game, I still have an Undyne need to support your videos. I've been thinking about supporting your patreon for a while now and this is one of those reasons. To support your channel and not necessarily have to have a need to watch every single video you guys make. Not to say this was a bad video, just that there isn't enough time in the day to familiarize myself with all these games. Thank you for making videos.
Celeste definitely hit straight to home with me. Recently I have been struggling with myself and its been very hard and painful.. I already knew all these things but I didn't realize hating "that part of me" wouldn't be any better for me. Because I as well hate that part of myself because it causes me pain. I've realized I need to take care of myself and take care of that part of myself in order to get better. Im now just "climbing" my way out to get to a point where I am okay. Its hard.. Celeste has taught me a lot though... Its become one of my favorite games if not my favorite. Its music is beautiful and I already loved that type of music.. I listen to the genre all the time to help me calm down. Its very special to me and I'm just really glad I got this game for myself when I did. Especially at a time in my life where things do suck. If you guys haven't played Celeste everyone should seriously play this game, its worth it money.
Thanks for putting this out there for those of us who aren't gamers, but want to be aware of what games like this are about. I'm a therapist and I had to look this up when someone mentioned it in session. Sounds great!
Celeste is one of the best indie games I’ve played in years and I loved everything about it. I like how encouraging the game is, I love the story and its message.
Madeline DOES know why she is climbing Celeste, she does it to overcome her anxiety and self-doubt so she made the decision herself. This also explains why at the tombstone Madeline says "this might have been a mistake"
I love this video but one thing that I didn’t see or hear mentioned was patience. In Celeste I was constantly having to learn patience and how to get through things even if it takes time. Maybe you mentioned it but it doesn’t matter I still loved this video
Now that's some wholesome Treesicle content. Go to 4:43 and swipe right if you agree.
yes! :3 do a theory on gravity falls (i know it aint a game! but its sooooooooooooooo good plz watch! it!)
Treesicle how to ultra swipe right
Well played
Treesicle why did you said I am stupid
Treesicle this is cool xxx
I just realized something after watching this video.
Madeline starts the game wearing a rather large backpack to climb the mountain with. During chapters 1-5, she's constantly wearing that backpack even while the negative part of her is harassing her. But when she reconciles with her negative side in chapter 6, she leaves the backpack behind to reclimb the mountain.
She's let go of her baggage! Both emotionally and physically!
SYMBOLISM
Honestly, the simple little pixel animation of her dropping her bag had a nice feeling of weight to it. The way she stands straighter after dropping it does a good job of conveying just how heavy that baggage was, even though we'd been carrying it for so long that we never noticed until it finally dropped.
Ah great. I don't even have the game and I'm now going to have to wonder if she ever retrieved it.
When you come back down, Badeline is the one carrying the bags.
Oh, right. I see.
I thought it was because Theo said he was going to hold it.
Tbh that message is really hard to miss, the game doesn't hide it at all, still, its nice that you did a nice video about it.
It is good that he made a video because there are some minor things which you maybe can't recognize, for example Theo and the eyes looking at him which are his viewers on social media. Of course, I got the mayor things but now I know nearly everything from this game so the video did its job well
@@Orange_Fries I was literally almost about to write this
Actually I think he mentioned some vital points that I personally didn’t really get until now. For example, he mentioned that badeline is still madline, even if she has become separate from madeline.
Celeste: The Message You Missed If You Skipped All The Dialogue and Story and Played With Your Eyes Closed
Also didn't listen to the music or play any of the later levels.
Pretty much. I'm still glad he covered it though. The game deserves every bit of acknowledgement it can get.
I'm pretty dumb so I still missed it.
The message you missed if you were speedrunning.
@@thrownstair This game has a LOT of speedrunning potential.
The only way to miss this is if you don't finish the game. Or maybe skip all the cutscenes.
For a true secret you need to explain who/what "birdfriend" actually is
the old lady's spirit! (just a thought)
Quantris a tutorial giver
I feel like the bird is the mountain's spirit
That is what I came to this video hoping to find out about I can’t find anything about birdfriend and what is symbolises like there is a lot of obvious choices like the spirit of someone that meant a lot to her or the spirit of the mountain as someone else said but I want something more concrete
Birdfriend the ghost of the suicide prevention hotline. It stops you from killing yourself if you are stuck in the birdbox movie.
"Celeste is about a *young girl* named Madeline"
So, I don't think Madelineis supposed to be a kid. She certainly *looks* and *sounds* like it, but throughout the game there are references to her having a car and a job, and at one point she even admits she drinks a lot to cope with her depression. I think she's supposed to be a young adult.
Sperium3000 just roll with it.
young as in low 20's i'm assuming
Madeline is 21
Where did you see that?
In her conversation with Theo in chapter 6, she admits to drinking to deal with her depression.
This is the real message of the game that you missed:
Sometimes, I...
... don't really know...
... what's going on anymore.
I...
I... don't...
... know who I am.
I just...
look in the mirror, and...
don't know who I'm looking at,
or... who's looking at me.
I...
... think a lot... about...
where... my train of thought is going.
and it's not always a good place...
and that's scares me.
I don't... like... scaring myself.
I... don't...
No, the real message is: Do you know the muffin man?
The muffin man?
The muffin man!
She’s married to the Muffin Man?!
@@sdsd1801 I fucking read it in his voice.
In the fight between Madeline and the part of herself I found it really hard to avoid her projectiles until I just stopped trying to avoid them and just focused on getting to her. Don’t know if that was intentional or not
Snerd 4 isn’t her name Badeline?
Badeline is the name given by the fanbase.
her sprite is called "badeline" in the game's files, but she's never referred to as badeline in the actual game
@@cameron9087 Also the character in ber Steam Card is called Badeline
@@spedic2638 it's a silly name for a fun character- She deserved better
Solid for anyone who missed the point of the story. I found it pretty obvious and not very subtle at all when it comes to the message that was being relayed. Still hits hard though, Madeline reminds me a lot of my wife. She suffers with anxiety, depression and some hopelessness due to not enjoying her current job. I cry for her sake :(.
Hope you and your wife get through it.
I'm really sorry to hear that, I hope she'll get better!
What I love about the story and how it handles darker emotions, is that Madeline is wrong when she tries to completely get rid of that part of her. The game shows she can only truely succeed and grow when she accepts it and becomes a full person
Now, I'm just going to say, you're kinda wrong about Theo. What his part of the temple represents is correct, but he tells us at the end of Chapter 5 that he has an older sister who was really successful, and now his family's eyes are upon him, trying to make him do something with his life.
Finluz Why not both?
I thought it was a younger sister? And I don't feel like that's what he was saying at all. He felt like he needed to find something to do with his life, but that pressure didn't come from his family. He says everyone is very patient with him.
It's for-sure both. He feels EVERYONE is judging him, that he NEEDS that "Good Job, Theo!" from literally everyone in his life. At the end of the temple, you need to throw Theo at a giant eyeball that keeps pushing you back. You can't progress in life if you let everyone's judgement's hold you back.
You can also see on the @TheoUnderstars Instagram (instapix) that he does feel as if he isnt good enough so really both are true.
instagram.com/p/BeHCCMeF-Dz/
@@polaris2707 I like his selfie with granny
Nah. The real moral of the story is that if you don't make up with part of you, you'll never gain a double dash.
cool summary/analysis, but did anybody older than, say, 12 actually miss any of these messages? the feelings are relatable to anybody with an emotional compass, and the game really hits you over the head with its thematic elements (in a good way, imho).
I've said this a few times, but the difference between the WAY WAY WAY more common "accept your darkness" narrative and the more deeply mental health based message is a small detail, but it's a huge difference in the tone of the story. A LOT of people tend to miss the more personal message here if they haven't coped with an extreme form of what this game is portraying. It just doesn't occur to you what depression and anxiety are like.
If you don't believe me, compare this game's narrative to Kingdom Hearts (which has the first narrative, but not the second). There's a similar basis about the balance of light and dark, but the narrative changes drastically with a few tweaks.
fair enough, but i've never once run across someone stating there's a "accept your darkness" narrative. the discussion has generally always centered around mental health.
Even people 12 or below can't miss it. I'm 12, and it was so obvious, because it was the games main narrative. Their goal was to hit you over the head.
1:08 Every time. It doesn't matter how often I climb that wall, I'll always forget, and walk left.
Same
lmfao me too every damn time
Thanks to this channel i am learning a lot of things, lets say always upgrading myself as a person, figuring more and more about my character. 24yrs old, yet still find interesting things in this. Games are art. A lot of people would disagree, but i just don't care. One way of learning to live and finding happiness is exactly through them. Thanks again, from all of you on this channel for making my day every time you post a video. Take care everyone!
Christian Romoda thats great man, we're constantly learning too which is why we do this, always happy to hear that someone feels the way we do
Death Mountaineers - Proud of this community ^_^
The worst thing a person can do is stop learning.
Such a heartfelt comment you left. You just made my day. Take care you too!
I always refer to the Goth Madeline as Ms. Positivity. You thought Madeline was being sarcastic, but that was her real name!
Don't push your luck
This story is why I played Celeste. I do not enjoy precision platforming, as I think of it as the equivalent of tunneling through a brick wall with only your head, but my god the story of growth is astounding
I’m really disappointed that people are having so many negative comments. This guy opens up and is honest with his audience and most of the comments I see are bashing him.
Because is a video about the exact plot of the game claiming to be a message we all missed.
@mrs. egg Is that a joke? I use cmd, not bash
People are having negative comments because Treesicle tends to clickbait the shit out of everybody. Instead of offering us something of substance, he read the plot summary. Instead of admitting to it, he just hid behind this very gnostic idea that he has special knowledge about the game's message when, in reality, he is just spouting some pre-psych 101 babble that you would figure out yourself by playing the game.
I had a pretty good understanding of Celeste's message, but hearing your interpretation really clarified it for me. This had given me a lot to think about... as soon as I'm done finding the last strawberry in this level.
So is "the message you missed" the new "the story you never knew"?
It's the live action "story you never knew" that tends to get more personal. That being said Story you never knew is still its own show!
massive idiot no it’s different then the story you never knew.
I thought you were insulting him, then I saw his name...
That banana in the back has the most terrifying stare.... love your videos keep them coming
I've recently finished my first playthrough. I am nearly 4 years from an accident that partially paralyzed 3 limbs, my legs and right arm. It caused me physical pain to play some levels. I literally played until uncontrollable tears welled up from the pain. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. I know the main game isn't the hardest part of Celeste but it was definitely an awesome journey... And it means a lot to me now.
Another amazing thing about this game is how it's message is portrayed through the gameplay. If you're playing Celeste, your probably going to fail a lot. But you always try and retry and retry over and over. And so you learn more and more about the level and the mechanics until you've mastered them and you move on and keep moving on and learning more things in the same way that Madeline, as she climbed Mount Celeste, began to understand herself better and better. This is why I find Madeline to be an easier character to empathize with the further you get in the game. The player and Madeline got though a simular process and thus this allows the player to truly feel connected to the game they're playing.
Oh snap it’s you!! (From the Cicada Castle server!!)
I have the uncontrollable urge to cry thinking of Celeste in the opposite light.....she is her deppression, fears ext....but meets her lost hope, will, ext as she climbs the mountain
The other message you missed was if you rewind the music from the mirror temple when your at the part where you use Theo to get out it actually starts talking the more your there
"The mountain's power makes our insecurities a reality." - 6:56
I can only imagine what my Mirror Temple would look like.
Ok so for the people who didn't get it, I think the point was this: rather than doing something while you are afraid and confused, take a moment and understand urself, if u did so successfuly then u'll be able to climb your mountain and achieve ur goals, am I right?
My interpretation was, you can’t run from your fears, or deny them, you have to accept and face them, to climb those mountains.
and you will be able to be open to others who can help you as well.
I think what I took away from it was that. If we feel scared, or worried, or anxious we should gravitate away from blaming our darker selves. If I don't want to wake up in the morning, it's not because I'm depressed. That's the same as just blaming my darker self, but I shouldn't abandon my darker self, I clearly want to sleep. So your better side and darker side are best served by compromising. Maybe eat less for meals, but eat more meals. Maybe talk to one person, but not for very long. Maybe put you foot out, but pull it back quickly. Tiny steps, but eventually you'll climb the mountain.
And if Celeste is any analogy for overcoming life, you get waaaaaay better at life if you just grind away at b-sides, life becomes a joke.
Hey thanks for the positive mindsets in the replies. I think it's probably too late @ this point but i had a video about celeste (channel name: Moezz exp) not asking for views or opinions here but if you think that maybe there's something missing and you can't put your hand on it maybe give my video a try: celeste half pleasure half torture. Thank you^-^
@@xXAkirhaXx loving the flexible interpretation to our daily lives and moods 👍
This is a great video, I commend you for making it and appreciating the game, but this "message," is central to the narrative, and anyone who "missed," it really wasn't paying attention. Much of what you described is fairly evident from merely a casual reading of the game's story. If you're interested in a message EVERY player missed on their play through, try playing the music of the reflections level backwards ;)
Wait, the REFLECTIONS level? Not that weird temple thing, but the crater, water level one?
Oh my... This Video made me cry tbh just like the game did. I have depressions and it sucks but this helped i guess??...
i hope
I hope it helped others too :>
You forgot an interesting part. At the end of the second chapter before the phone monster eats her, she gets a call on the payphone. The guy (possibly Madilines ex) is something that is relatively not talked about, but could be a representative of an emotionally/mentally abusive person.
I dont think so
I always thought it was a girl on the other line
This game hit soo hard I cried for 5 hours whilst seeing the story unfold.
It's classic Jungian psychology but it's executed in a really elegant way. The game's theme also work on multiple levels.
On one hand, it's a pretty hard core precision platformer and the levels can be pretty brutal(well not so much the original seven, but the unlockable ones are), so the effort you need to put in to overcome them fits well with the theme of climbing a mountain.
On the other hand, the theme of climbing a mountain also fits with the underlying message of overcoming self doubt. So , while the basic idea isn't anything new, I'd say the way they presented it all it pretty masterful. And considering that it's actually a small title, the fact they managed to implement such a meaningful message into it in such a fitting way is pretty impressive.
This was amazing. This is the first time I have ever left a comment on any youtube video. We all have issues with ourselves. It's when we process and accept the darkness that's it a part of ourselves (pun intended), is when one is able to move forward. The darkness, it may be fear, anxiety, depression, or doubt it's by embracing that aspect that you find a power that no one can take from you. That power may be to climb mountains who knows. When you truly understand yourself is when you can truly self actualize and meet your full potental.
6:10 I always felt like those little safezone barriers were happy thoughts trying to keep your problems at bay.
Celeste gets you high (Someone send help I can’t stop making bad puns)
How do you smoke a mountain?
Dapper Individual Grind up the rocks into powder.
@99998897 Are you talking about Badeline?
I'd honestly love to see a new video analysing the actual missed message, now that maddy confirmed madeline is trans.
Madeline isn't actually young, she is an alcoholic as stated at the end of Chapter 5.
So true. Sometimes it's beneficial to learn about our sadness and frustration. Anger is mostly due to the fact we don't know how to deal with them.
Fear is an acronym.
F: Fu**
E: Everything
A: And
R: Run
Also, this is for 4:20
I think that everything and everyone is metaphorical aswell. The old lady is the things she hates and the the things that make her fell like she is being laughed at.
Mr. Oshirio is her mind trying to convince herself that everything is fine ( he believes that his hotel is still fine). 'Dark' Madeline is her fears and doubts that she is trying to run away from. The bird is a friend who though may not know it they are giving them loads of support and keeping madeline going. Theo is your one sence of hope that helps you out of the dark time that you're in. The mountain is her life and her problems that she needs to conquer.
Such a great one, I really loved the message behind this game and your video. I will say that the scariest moment for me is not climbing the mountain itself, but rather getting to the top of said mountain and realizing that it is only your first of thousands.
Just remember you can do this.
i enjoyed this video, but mostly because i enjoyed celeste so much. still have to go beat the core b side and eventually the c sides. it will be hard but i found that banging my head against the wall in this game was pretty enjoyable. you mentioned that sometimes you feel insecure about being a youtuber, and i definitely understand that. i've seen it in many other people on this site as well. one of my favorite youtubers has talked about it at length but im not going to name him because its highlighting a difficulty in his life and i dont wanna do that.
that said, celeste's themes are pretty much obvious to even the inexperienced gamer. i think a lot of the comments that are jabbing at you stem from the title of the video. its kinda clickbaity i guess. you didn't talk at all about how people might not pick up on the themes of the story, but you did elaborate on them in a meaningful way, and i mean that wholeheartedly. that said, i think the "part of you" that features in celeste can be related to in pretty much any context. like you said, it can be fear, self doubt, depression, and i'll add anger, insecurity and potentially even mental illness. it's about accepting reality and using that acceptance to help yourself self actualize. become the best you that you can be, or at least try to come to terms with what your llife really is.
bottom line is that this is a great game and im happy to see so many people embracing it, and i liked your video, but i was expecting something a bit more surprising based on the video title. If you get the time, check out the music that plays after you go through the mirror in the mirror temple. if you play it backwards there is a somewhat disturbing message said in english by a woman about looking in a mirror. she looks in the mirror and isn't sure who that person is. she hears that person talk and isn't sure what she's saying. she gets scared by it and doesn't like scaring herself. i think there might actually be a deeper meaning to all of celeste's story but we haven't figured it out yet. one thing i found interesting is that you can rearrange the crystal hearts in the journal, potentially to make some sort of poem. maybe its a red herring, but maybe not. thats the kind of thing the title of this video would fit.
anyway mostly im just a bit buzzed and a superfan of this game, so take everything with a grain of salt and dont stress. i think a lot of comments on youtube are written to elicit a response from whoever made the video. i was just adding my 2 cents because i can. i've never watched your videos before but i wouldn't want what i say to make you any less happy or stress you out or whatever. cheers man
nice book
I love how you admit to things like fear, anxiety, and doubt as well as explaining how they're represented. You're so real Grant, thanks for being that way. I of course want to see more content like this!
This got me , its hard to understand that part of you , it will hold you back and it will be hard to get out of the hole we put ourselves in. Holding the emotion in may hurt us but sometimes we hold them back to suit others around us.
Like, I understand the need for clickbait there. Still, yeah, glad you shared Celeste's lesson around, even for the people who haven't played it. It's delivered in a hard-hitting way and your analysis of it only reinforces its potency. Thanks for making this.
Looks like that inner monologue really got to you there, buddy.
In case you didn’t know, the “Part of You” is actually named Badeline
@@thatonespooder1513 she doesnt, but its canonical. Her name is Badeline in the steam card, game files, and on the official plush toys and merch.
Badeline is an unnoficial, fanmade name. That character doesn't have a canonical name outside of "Part of Madeline".
Man do you really got to me this video. I stared at my computer for 5 minutes after this. I need to play this now. Thanks grant.
Similar concept from Persona 4. Make peace with yourself, especially the part of yourself you don’t like.
That's actually not the same thing, per se. Persona's general message is a more typical Eastern religious thought about balance while this is very specifically a focus on mental health. The protagonists of Persona, once they admit who they are to themselves don't have to continually cope with and nurture their own inner demons. It's a mountain you conquer once instead of an apparition that constantly floats over your shoulder. The minutiae is very important in this case, though. Persona doesn't tell you that you don't need to doubt yourself so much. It just tells you you have demons.
DairunCates the concept of shadows and personas is actually tied to psychology and not to religion.
Surgeon Funtime It was a Taoist tennet before psychology was even a thing.
I draw more of a parallel to Persona 5. The Mountain is a Palace and shapes itself depending on who is climbing it with the most baggage. It even has a Heart Treasure at the end of it all. And when I think of Madeline's struggle both with her goal and with her other self, I think of Futaba and her internal struggles.
I needed this, I have been looking at Celeste and thinking it looks like a gem, but not knowing that the message it provides is something I needed to come to terms with as well.
Especially recently as I work as a game designer and have been doubting myself a lot lately because my team doesn't seem to respect any of my ideas.
But every now and then the owner of the company chimes in (whom was been a designer for over 40 years) and tells the team how things should work, and it turns out to be exactly how I designed them. ^^'
How this video was made:
"Here you can see Madeline walking, and honestly, sometimes I also walk, it's a very realistic reflection in our own real world"
8:00 Speak of Tentacles there's a Hentai comic I need to finish. Thanks for reminding me.
Bruh 💀
You've gotta know your own self worth for yourself. Dealing with the anxiety of failing to meet some expectations that randos on the interweb set isn't an easy thing, but first it begins with shifting your perspective. Notice yourself and your hard work, notice how you learn from mistakes, never let you be your own worst enemy.
This is the single best relate-able interpretation of the game I have heard!
*tears up* It truly can be seen you mean and understand what you are talking about. Thanks, man! KEEP IT UP.
How tf is this message hidden? Its obvious
You'd honestly be surprised how often you have to spell metaphors out for someone. Also, if you've never coped with severe depression or anxiety, the fact that this is supposed to relate to such things might not be as obvious to you. You might just take this as a typical eastern philosophy message of accepting your darker side as a part of the whole instead of specifically being about coming to terms with ones own fears and self-doubt. They're similar messages, but they're not the same thing. Pardon the phrasing, but the devil is in the details.
No, it's pretty obvious.
You should tell that to the dozens of comments that are heavily upvoted in this comment section that say otherwise then.
DairunCates that doesn't mean anything especially if those kind of people never play the game
yea i got it instantly, but then again i have all the problems madeline has so thatd probably be why
We can all get to the top of our mountain, or summit.
Geddit? OR SUMMIT!?!
GAH!
ye i got it
Woah The editors are doing a great job. The editing is getting better every video
anxiety and depression are more illnesses rather than feelings, and they cause more extreme feelings
Celeste Mountain? More like learning about accepting all of your flaws.
Your description of Theo really got me, I never noticed it
an amazing analysis. i think you are really intelligent, emotionally anyway
I dont know how anyone was supposed to "miss" this message. it seemed pretty obvious to me
This is one of those pieces of media that I feel that most people should experience at some point in their lives
I love this, learned some new things and saw some symbolism I didn’t notice before. Thank you treesicle
It's been a half a year or so since you've made this video and I've just finished this game and I loved it (hardly ever say that and completed it 100% no golden strawberries or c-sides yet). And this video had everything I expected to be said. This game has such great gameplay and even better story telling. Celeste really did become my new favorite game.
This story told by you hit me with all of the possible directions that I am missing in this game. Now I truly see how masterful in story-telling this game is, and how powerful a message is delivered through Celeste. I suddenly look back at myself, and shockingly realize the true nature of life. I totally agree with you. This is a very, very meaningful video about Celeste, with powerful conclusions on life matters from your own experience and perspective. So much respect I should put into your work here!
can't remember the last time I liked a video so much that I actually clapped audibly once it was over that is how good this is it is videos like this that made me fall in love with this channel can't wait to play this game for myself now this is how you make a game about climbing
ive never heard of this game til now but that part when you talked about being angry with yourself really hit home for me. ive always been a perfectionist and been angry and impatient but i never realized how much i was mad at myself and man, it's just rough. but thanks for this video, it's a real good one.
A real gem of a game; a great way to get a message across with such deep storytelling. Character designs and how it all plays out is just gorgeous. Thanks for the video, Treesicle team. God bless yours and you! :)
If you play the music in a mirror about at 1 minute in you can here a voice talking about regrets and how she's scared.
Totally legit no foolin
The one time I neat auto correct
I take that back
Saw the beginning of this video, didn't watch any more, bought the game, played all the stages, came back, watched it.
So glad I did.
I called Madeline "Twat" and it created the biggest laughs I've ever had out of a game.
This is the video I never knew I needed. But I'm glad I watched it
:o Thanks a lot for this analysis, I got wrong the part of Madeline and dark-Madeline working together, I thought the message was supposed to be "accept yourself"(a very over used message that already tired me) instead of "understand yourself"(much better)
Never expected this kind of inspiration from a game.
Good job at explaining it. I can say this changed me.
I thought I understood the story but there were a few things you pointed out that hadn’t quite sunk in yet. Thanks for the great video 😁
I skipped this video (because I hadn't beaten celeste yet), and only just remembered/found it again while looking up where all those god damn gems on the summit are (actually completing the game. Or trying). Great video guys!
I missed the message! Not all of it but "part of it". Thanks for breaking down the story. Great video!
What an amazing video. I just beat Celeste a few minutes ago and i went searching for more Celeste and the meaning of the game or the message from the Devs, i can totally agree with you and im glad I stumbled around UA-cam and find you and this great video. Subscribed and like. ❤️ thanks
*the moment you realize that Celeste is your real name*
This video was really well made and especially well written!!! It friggin brought tears to my eyes!! Very impactful. nice freakin job dude
I don't say this often but really this video is just a masterpiece just plain amazing, awesome and jaw dropping both the commentary and gameplay
Even though I never have seen or played this game, I still have an Undyne need to support your videos. I've been thinking about supporting your patreon for a while now and this is one of those reasons. To support your channel and not necessarily have to have a need to watch every single video you guys make. Not to say this was a bad video, just that there isn't enough time in the day to familiarize myself with all these games. Thank you for making videos.
This is my favorite video you have ever done
I really enjoy your content. I hope your messages live on into the future.
A powerful message, very expertly brought to light. Well done! ^^
Your reaction was so genuine and relatable. I really felt it. :) Yeah, I'll see you at the top of the summit!
I literally cried when watching this
Celeste definitely hit straight to home with me. Recently I have been struggling with myself and its been very hard and painful.. I already knew all these things but I didn't realize hating "that part of me" wouldn't be any better for me. Because I as well hate that part of myself because it causes me pain. I've realized I need to take care of myself and take care of that part of myself in order to get better. Im now just "climbing" my way out to get to a point where I am okay. Its hard.. Celeste has taught me a lot though... Its become one of my favorite games if not my favorite. Its music is beautiful and I already loved that type of music.. I listen to the genre all the time to help me calm down. Its very special to me and I'm just really glad I got this game for myself when I did. Especially at a time in my life where things do suck. If you guys haven't played Celeste everyone should seriously play this game, its worth it money.
I take Celeste to the heart, it's such a positive and inspiring game if you get to the end of main story
The sonic the hedgehog game clip at the start brought back traumatic ring dash memories
i watching this so i can prepare a presentation on the celeste story/lore. thanks for making this :)
I had many of the same feelings about this game. Thanks for sharing them with us!
Thanks for putting this out there for those of us who aren't gamers, but want to be aware of what games like this are about. I'm a therapist and I had to look this up when someone mentioned it in session. Sounds great!
Celeste is one of the best indie games I’ve played in years and I loved everything about it. I like how encouraging the game is, I love the story and its message.
Madeline DOES know why she is climbing Celeste, she does it to overcome her anxiety and self-doubt so she made the decision herself. This also explains why at the tombstone Madeline says "this might have been a mistake"
Love the effort you guys put into these videos. Y'all deserve so much more subs ✊
I love this video but one thing that I didn’t see or hear mentioned was patience. In Celeste I was constantly having to learn patience and how to get through things even if it takes time. Maybe you mentioned it but it doesn’t matter I still loved this video
0:10 with games that get popular*
this is one of those games that isnt as popular as it should be.
I guess that could be a good thing, since Celeste doesn't have that terrible cringy fandom bringing it down.
I love how I immediately recognized the song in your intro (Masked Heroes by Vexento)