Discover heart-pounding platforms and heartfelt stories in games that capture the magic of Celeste

Celeste is an exceptional platformer that has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Released in 2018 by Matt Makes Games, its challenging gameplay is combined with a poignant narrative. Players take control of Madeline as she climbs Celeste Mountain, tackling increasingly difficult obstacles while exploring themes of mental health and self-discovery. The game is celebrated for its precise controls, beautiful pixel art, and a superb soundtrack by Lena Raine. If you enjoy skill-based platformers with a strong emotional core, Celeste is a must-play.

If you're captivated by Celeste, you'll be pleased to know that there are numerous other games in the same vein that you might enjoy. Titles such as Hollow Knight, which combines platforming with a deep, atmospheric world, and Super Meat Boy, known for its intense difficulty and fast-paced action, are excellent choices. Ori and the Blind Forest offers stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling, making it a perfect recommendation as well. These games, much like Celeste, emphasize precision, narrative depth, and captivating gameplay. To dive deeper into these recommendations and discover even more fantastic platformers, check out our comprehensive article, where you'll get the full list of must-play titles that will keep you immersed for hours.

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25. Hollow Knight

If you loved the challenging yet rewarding platforming of Celeste, you'll find a kindred spirit in Hollow Knight. Much like Celeste, Hollow Knight demands precision and skill with each jump and dash, offering a satisfying sense of accomplishment as you navigate its intricate world. Both games feature tight, responsive controls, ensuring that when you make that perfectly timed leap or evade a series of enemies, it genuinely feels like a triumph of your skill. Additionally, Hollow Knight's atmospheric world and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack evoke a strong sense of immersion and emotional depth, much like the touching narrative found in Celeste.

Another key similarity is the emphasis on exploration and the discovery of secrets. In Celeste, uncovering hidden areas and strawberries was part of the fun, rewarding perseverance and curiosity. Hollow Knight expands on this concept with a vast, interconnected map filled with hidden pathways, secret bosses, and rare upgrades. This sense of discovery is enriched by the lore and world-building, drawing you deeper into the mysterious kingdom of Hallownest just as you were captivated by Madeline's journey up Celeste Mountain. Plus, Hollow Knight's hand-drawn art style and fluid animations provide a similarly stunning visual experience that's sure to keep you enthralled for hours.

Hollow Knight is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, typically priced around $15 USD.

24. Super Meat Boy

If you loved the fast-paced, challenging platforming of Celeste, then you’ll find a lot to enjoy in Super Meat Boy. Both games demand precision and quick reflexes, rewarding players with a sense of achievement as they master difficult levels. Super Meat Boy offers the same tight controls and intense gameplay loop, where you must traverse through hazardous environments filled with spikes, saw blades, and other deadly obstacles. Like Celeste, each death feels like a lesson, teaching you what to avoid and how to navigate each section more skillfully.

Another shared feature between Celeste and Super Meat Boy is their emphasis on rapid restarts and short, meticulously designed levels. This design keeps the frustration of failure low, as you’re quickly back in action to try again. Both games also feature charming, minimalist storylines that are surprisingly deep and heartfelt, creating an emotional connection to the gameplay. With its retro-inspired graphics and pulse-pounding soundtrack, Super Meat Boy encapsulates the essence of what made Celeste so appealing, offering a similarly exhilarating experience.

Super Meat Boy is available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $14.99 USD.

23. Ori and the Blind Forest

If you loved Celeste, you’ll find Ori and the Blind Forest to be an equally enchanting experience, brimming with emotional storytelling and stunning visuals. Both games feature tightly crafted platforming challenges that test your reflexes and precision, making every success feel incredibly rewarding. Ori and the Blind Forest introduces you to a beautifully hand-painted world with fluid animations and a captivating score that immerses you deeply in its narrative, quite similar to the evocative musical and artistic design of Celeste. You'll find yourself equally invested in Ori's journey as you did with Madeline's, with similar heartwarming and heartfelt moments sprinkled throughout the adventure.

Mechanically, Ori and the Blind Forest offers the same level of satisfying challenges and exploration that you appreciated in Celeste. Both games emphasize precision platforming, where mastering your character’s movement and actions is crucial to overcoming the game's more demanding sections. The progressive unlock of abilities in Ori parallels the development of Madeline’s skills in Celeste, giving you a sense of growth and mastery as you advance through beautifully crafted environments. Additionally, the emotional depth and character-driven narrative in Ori will resonate with fans who enjoyed the nuanced storytelling in Celeste, providing a meaningful and memorable gaming experience.

Ori and the Blind Forest is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

22. Dead Cells

If you loved the challenging yet rewarding gameplay of Celeste, then Dead Cells will be right up your alley. Like Celeste, Dead Cells offers tight, responsive controls that make every jump, dodge, and attack incredibly satisfying. Both games emphasize precision, making your skill development feel impactful and rewarding. In Dead Cells, you'll find yourself in a rich, ever-changing labyrinth of levels, evoking the same sense of exploration and discovery that made Celeste's mountain so exhilarating. It's a similar kind of experience where persistence and mastery are crucial, keeping you engaged and driven to tackle each new challenge.

Another key similarity between Dead Cells and Celeste is the deep sense of progression, both in terms of character ability and personal skill. In Celeste, progression is tied to your growing mastery of Madeline's abilities as you climb the mountain. Dead Cells takes this a step further by incorporating a rogue-like element, where every run through the procedurally generated levels improves your understanding and skills. As in Celeste, each failure becomes a learning experience that draws you closer to your ultimate goal. You'll also appreciate the game's beautiful pixel art and haunting soundtrack, which create an immersive atmosphere much like Celeste's evocative world.

Dead Cells is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $24.99 USD.

21. Axiom Verge

If you enjoyed the intense platforming and challenging yet rewarding gameplay of Celeste, you’ll find Axiom Verge equally captivating. While Axiom Verge leans more towards the Metroidvania genre, it shares the same deep, immersive level design and meticulous attention to detail that made Celeste so beloved. The sense of discovery and exploration in Axiom Verge is palpable, with intricately designed levels that demand precision and skill, akin to mastering Celeste’s challenging stages.

Both games also excel in creating a gripping atmosphere with an engrossing narrative. Axiom Verge’s mysterious world is enriched with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack and a compelling story that gradually unfolds, much like the emotional journey in Celeste. The protagonist, Trace, faces his own set of trials and adversities, offering a narrative depth and character progression that will resonate well with fans of Celeste’s heartfelt storytelling.

Axiom Verge is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

20. The End is Nigh

If you enjoyed the challenging platforming and heartfelt story of Celeste, then you’ll find plenty to love in The End is Nigh. Both games demand precise control and quick reflexes, pushing your platforming skills to their limit. Just like in Celeste, the levels in The End is Nigh are intricately designed, requiring careful timing and planning to navigate through complex obstacles. Each mistake feels like a lesson rather than a setback, making every accomplishment that much more satisfying.

While Celeste’s narrative centers on personal growth and overcoming mental barriers, The End is Nigh takes a darker, yet equally compelling approach with its post-apocalyptic setting. Both games feature pixel-art graphics that create atmospheric and visually striking environments. The End is Nigh has a similar style with its tight controls and breathtaking platforming sequences, ensuring you’ll experience that same sense of achievement when conquering tough levels just as you did with Celeste. In both titles, the feeling of exploration and discovery is enhanced by hidden secrets and collectibles that encourage thorough exploration.

The End is Nigh is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, typically priced around $14.99 USD.

19. Fez

If you loved the challenge and exploration aspects of Celeste, then Fez is definitely a game you should consider. Much like Celeste, Fez places a strong emphasis on platforming and puzzle-solving. In Fez, you play as Gomez who discovers the existence of a third dimension in a 2D world. The game's creative use of perspective shifts adds depth to the platforming challenges, making each level feel like a puzzle that needs to be carefully navigated, much like the intricate levels in Celeste that require precise movements and quick thinking.

Another similarity between Fez and Celeste is the richness of their game worlds. While Celeste offers an emotionally impactful journey with Madeline's climb up the mountain, Fez shines through its mysterious, beautifully crafted universe filled with secrets and hidden areas waiting to be discovered. Both games feature charming pixel art and an enchanting soundtrack that draw you into their unique atmospheres. The sense of accomplishment you get from piecing together the mysteries in Fez is on par with the satisfaction of overcoming the challenging levels in Celeste.

Fez is available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, typically priced around $10-15 USD.

18. Cuphead

If you loved Celeste for its challenging platforming and beautifully animated visuals, Cuphead is right up your alley. Both games require precision and skill, rewarding players with a sense of achievement once they master the mechanics. Celeste's tight controls and rewarding difficulty curve are mirrored in Cuphead's intense boss battles and demanding run-and-gun levels. The sense of accomplishment you felt completing a tough segment in Celeste will come rushing back as you conquer each meticulously designed stage in Cuphead.

Moreover, just like Celeste, Cuphead boasts a unique and unforgettable art style that sets it apart from other games. Celeste's pixel art is charming and nostalgic, while Cuphead's rubber-hose animation draws inspiration from 1930s cartoons, making it visually distinct and equally mesmerizing. Both games feature stunning soundtracks that elevate the gameplay experience, with Celeste's atmospheric and emotional music echoing the high-energy jazz that accompanies Cuphead's frenetic action. This blend of visual and audio excellence creates an immersive environment in both games, making them more than just platforms, but entire worlds to explore and master.

Cuphead is available on multiple platforms including Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

17. Guacamelee!

If you loved the challenging platforming and heartfelt story of Celeste, you'll find a lot to appreciate in Guacamelee! as well. Both games feature tight, responsive controls that make every jump, punch, and dodge feel incredibly satisfying. In Guacamelee!, you'll navigate through vibrant, hand-painted worlds where precision and timing are essential, much like the mountain-climbing escapades in Celeste. The difficulty in both games scales beautifully, providing a rewarding experience as you master the mechanics and overcome tough obstacles.

Beyond the gameplay, Guacamelee! and Celeste share a focus on unique, engaging art styles and captivating soundtracks that immerse you into their worlds. Guacamelee!'s folklore-infused visuals and catchy Latin-inspired tunes set a distinctive tone, while the narrative, filled with emotional resonance and character growth, gets you invested in the journey just as much as the action. Both games excel in delivering a blend of challenge and charm that keeps you coming back for more, ensuring a memorable adventure every time you pick up the controller.

Guacamelee! is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $14.99 USD.

16. Shovel Knight

If you loved the pixel art and tight platforming challenges of Celeste, you're going to find a lot to admire in Shovel Knight. Shovel Knight boasts charming 8-bit retro aesthetics similar to Celeste's visual style, coupled with a soundtrack that evokes a sense of nostalgic adventure. Both games require precise timing and skillful navigation of intricate levels, making each accomplishment feel incredibly rewarding. Just like Celeste, Shovel Knight’s design encourages perseverance and thoughtful strategy, so you’ll always feel driven to tackle the next challenge.

Another noteworthy similarity is the strong narrative and sense of character. While Celeste’s Madeline embarks on a deeply personal journey, in Shovel Knight, you follow the titular hero on a noble quest, driven by a poignant backstory. The emotional layers and finely-tuned storytelling in both games create a bond between player and character that heightens the overall experience. Each title also features a variety of collectibles and secret locations, which add an extra layer of depth and replayability. The tight controls and fluid movement in Shovel Knight are sure to remind you of why you enjoyed Celeste so much.

Shovel Knight is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, and Wii U, typically priced around $30 USD.

15. Spelunky

If you enjoyed the challenging platforming and emotional storytelling of Celeste, you'll likely find a lot to love in Spelunky as well. Both games test your reflexes and reward your perseverance with an ever-evolving sense of accomplishment. While Celeste focuses on overcoming personal demons through precise jumps and dashes, Spelunky offers a roguelike experience where each dive into the cave is a new adventure. Both games require you to master tight controls and adapt quickly to evolving situations, ensuring that every session is both challenging and immensely rewarding.

Another exciting similarity lies in their replayability and hidden depths. Just as Celeste is filled with optional rooms, strawberries, and secrets that encourage you to explore every corner, Spelunky is brimming with hidden paths, treasures, and secrets that beckon you to take risks and explore thoroughly. The dynamic level design in Spelunky constantly offers new puzzles and traps to navigate, much like the meticulously crafted levels of Celeste. Both games provide a rich sense of discovery, where mastering the gameplay mechanics opens up increasingly intricate and rewarding challenges.

Spelunky is available on various platforms including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $14.99 USD.

14. Cave Story

If you loved the challenging yet rewarding platforming experience of Celeste, you’ll appreciate the similarly intricate design found in Cave Story. Both games feature finely tuned controls that make navigating their respective worlds a joy. Cave Story presents a rich, atmospheric journey that combines tight platforming with intense combat sequences. Just like in Celeste, you’ll find yourself mastering difficult sections through persistence and skill, pushing through meticulously designed levels that test your reflexes and strategic thinking.

The emotional core of Celeste, with its story of personal growth and overcoming inner challenges, finds a counterpart in Cave Story’s compelling narrative. Both games do an excellent job of integrating story and gameplay to enhance the overall experience. You interact with endearing characters in Cave Story, uncovering a deep plot that mirrors the emotional depth you found in Madeline’s journey up Celeste Mountain. The pixel art style and captivating soundtracks in both games also contribute significantly to their immersive atmospheres, drawing you into their rich, vividly realized worlds.

Cave Story is available on various platforms including PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation, typically priced around $15 USD.

13. Hyper Light Drifter

If you loved the platforming precision and emotional depth of Celeste, you'll find many appealing aspects in Hyper Light Drifter. While Hyper Light Drifter focuses more on action-adventure elements, its gameplay also demands a high level of skill and precision, much like Celeste's intricate platforming. The world design in Hyper Light Drifter is both expansive and intricate, filled with hidden secrets and challenging foes that require thoughtful strategy to overcome. The evocative pixel art and the atmospheric soundtrack create a profound, immersive experience that draws you into its mysterious, melancholy world much like Celeste's touching narrative and minimalist dialogue.

Another similarity lies in the rewarding sense of progression and discovery. In Celeste, you grow with Madeline as she conquers her inner and outer mountains; in Hyper Light Drifter, your journey as the Drifter through a post-apocalyptic landscape laced with ancient technology also feels deeply personal and introspective. Both games excel in delivering a finely tuned challenge that, once overcome, provides a great sense of achievement. They also reward exploration and curiosity, offering numerous secrets and collectibles that add depth and replay value. While they belong to different genres, their core experiences resonate with themes of perseverance, skillfulness, and emotional storytelling.

Hyper Light Drifter is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

12. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong captures the spirit of adventure and challenging gameplay that you loved in Celeste, but with a unique, action-packed twist. Just like Celeste, it features beautifully crafted, hand-drawn environments that create an immersive experience as you navigate through a fantastical world. You'll find yourself drawn into the meticulously designed levels that are filled with intricate platforming sections demanding precision and skill, reminiscent of the challenging climbs in Celeste. Additionally, the game's rich narrative woven through environmental storytelling and character interactions will keep you hooked, just as much as Madeline's journey in Celeste did.

While Celeste excelled in tight platforming and emotional storytelling, Hollow Knight: Silksong enriches the formula with intense combat and exploration elements. As Hornet, you'll encounter a variety of challenging enemies and bosses that require quick reflexes and strategic thinking, adding another layer to the platforming experience. The game's atmospheric soundtrack and sound design also elevate the emotional and immersive aspects, akin to the heartwarming and evocative music you enjoyed in Celeste. Overall, Hollow Knight: Silksong provides the perfect blend of challenge, exploration, and emotional depth that will resonate with your love for Celeste.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, typically priced around $34.99 USD.

11. Slime-san

If you've enjoyed the fast-paced, challenging platforming of Celeste, you'll find a similar thrill in Slime-san. Both games feature tight, responsive controls that are crucial for navigating their intricate levels. With a focus on precision and timing, each level in Slime-san challenges you to weave through hazards and obstacles, often requiring the same careful planning and reflexes that made Celeste so compelling. In addition, both games present their C-slip mechanics, where Slime-san allows you to dash and phase through certain walls, akin to Madeline's dashing abilities in Celeste. This mechanic adds layers of strategy and excitement as you figure out the best way to traverse each level.

Moreover, Slime-san shares Celeste's passion for stylistic and charming pixel art aesthetics. The vibrant worlds are brimming with personality, providing a visual treat to complement the gameplay. Additionally, Slime-san offers a heartwarming narrative, touching on themes of determination and self-discovery much like Celeste. While Slime-san's story follows a different path, guiding our gelatinous hero through a series of trials within a giant worm, the spirit of perseverance resonates similarly. The soundtrack, as well, enriches the overall experience, encouraging that same sense of immersion and emotional connection found in Celeste.

Slime-san is available on multiple platforms including PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, typically priced around $14.99 USD.

10. Gris

If you loved Celeste, you’ll find Gris to be an equally captivating experience with its emotional depth and challenging platforming mechanics. Both games beautifully use their narratives to explore themes of personal struggle and self-discovery, creating a deep emotional connection with the player. In Gris, you'll navigate through stunning, artistically designed levels, each signifying a stage of grief, much like how Celeste's mountain represents the climb of overcoming personal obstacles. The platforming in Gris, while not as intense as Celeste, still requires skill and precision, offering satisfying puzzles and traversal mechanics that will keep you engaged.

Another aspect where Gris shines and draws comparison to Celeste is in its music and atmosphere. Like Celeste's score, which greatly enhances the emotional stakes and complements the gameplay, Gris features a deeply moving soundtrack that evolves with your journey. Both games utilize a minimalist art style that highlights their unique storytelling approach, encouraging players to reflect on their own experiences while engaging with the game's protagonist. As you progress in Gris, you'll find that the fluidity of movement combined with the evolving art and music creates an immersive experience reminiscent of what made Celeste so memorable.

Gris is available on platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC, typically priced around $16.99 USD.

9. Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight

If you loved Celeste, you'll find plenty to enjoy in Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight as well. Much like Celeste, Momodora offers a challenging platforming experience paired with tight controls and precise movements. You'll need to perfect your jumps, dodges, and attacks to navigate through beautifully-crafted levels that are brimming with secrets and surprises. Both games demand a level of finesse that keeps you coming back for just one more try, making every small victory feel satisfying and well-earned.

Moreover, Momodora features a compelling narrative much like Celeste, albeit with a darker and more somber tone. The story unfolds through melancholic dialogue and environmental storytelling, pulling you into its mysterious and haunting world. The atmospheric soundtrack and captivating pixel art create an immersive experience that resonates on a deep emotional level, similar to how Celeste uses its aesthetic and music to draw players into Madeline's journey. These elements combine to create an unforgettable adventure that challenges your skills while also tugging at your heartstrings.

Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $9.99 USD.

8. The Messenger

If you loved the challenging platforming and tight controls of Celeste, then The Messenger is going to be right up your alley. Like Celeste, The Messenger features precise, responsive controls that make mastering its levels a rewarding experience. The game incorporates a similar style of pixel-art graphics that are both modern and nostalgic, evoking the essence of classic platformers with a fresh twist. Both games emphasize fluid movement through engaging environments, encouraging players to use a variety of techniques to navigate intricate levels while avoiding numerous hazards.

Beyond the gameplay mechanics, The Messenger also shares Celeste's focus on storytelling and character development woven into the gameplay. While Celeste explores themes of personal struggle and self-discovery, The Messenger offers a witty, narrative-driven experience packed with humor and unexpected twists. Players will appreciate the way The Messenger integrates its story into the game’s progression, providing an engaging journey that's as fulfilling to experience as it is to play. Both titles excel in crafting immersive single-player experiences that are much deeper than they initially appear.

The Messenger is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

7. Katana ZERO

If you loved the tight, responsive control and challenging platforming mechanics of Celeste, you'll find a lot to appreciate in Katana ZERO. Both games demand precision and skill from the player, rewarding you with a satisfying sense of accomplishment as you overcome each increasingly difficult level. Much like Celeste, Katana ZERO has its own unique twist; instead of purely platforming, you’re slicing through enemies with a katana, adding a layer of combat strategy that keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. The need for quick reflexes and perfectly timed movements is what makes both games so compelling and addictive.

In addition to their challenging gameplay, both Celeste and Katana ZERO offer an intriguing story that draws you in and keeps you invested. Celeste beautifully tackles themes of mental health and self-discovery, while Katana ZERO dives into a gripping, noir-inspired narrative filled with mystery and psychological depth. The games also share a pixel-art aesthetic that is both nostalgic and stylish, with Celeste's vibrant, colorful environments contrasted by Katana ZERO's darker, more atmospheric settings. Fans of narrative-driven, skill-based games will appreciate how both titles excel at blending engaging storylines with precise, demanding gameplay.

Katana ZERO is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $15 USD.

6. Rain World

If you loved the challenging yet rewarding platforming of Celeste, you'll find a lot to enjoy in Rain World. Similar to Celeste, Rain World offers an immersive and meticulously crafted world, demanding both precision and patience. As you traverse the various treacherous environments, you'll need to master the controls and accurately execute timing-based movements to overcome obstacles and evade predators. Much like Celeste's focus on honing your skills through trial and error, Rain World emphasizes exploration and survival, making each victory feel genuinely earned.

Rain World also shares the emotional and atmospheric depth you experienced in Celeste. The story of finding one's way through a desolate, yet beautiful world resonates equally in both games. The dynamic weather systems and living ecosystem in Rain World offer a fascinating backdrop that enhances the emotional weight of your journey. Emotional music scores and visually stunning landscapes combine to create an experience that’s as emotionally engaging as Celeste’s tale of overcoming personal challenges.

Rain World is available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

5. Outland

If you loved the challenging platforming and tight controls of Celeste, you'll find a lot to appreciate in Outland. Both games demand precision and skill, featuring well-crafted levels that progressively test and refine your abilities. Outland adds an extra layer of excitement with its unique color-switching mechanic, reminiscent of Ikaruga’s polarity system. This mechanic compels you to think strategically as you navigate through platforms and evade hazards, making for a compelling experience for anyone who enjoyed the intense, moment-to-moment gameplay of Celeste.

In terms of aesthetics, Outland offers a visually striking world with vibrant, luminescent environments that provide a sense of wonder, much like Celeste’s beautiful pixel art landscapes. While Celeste impresses with its heartfelt story and emotional depth, Outland enchants with its mythological narrative, rich with lore and epic boss battles that keep you engaged. Both games are beautifully crafted and designed to keep you hooked, making Outland a great follow-up for Celeste fans looking for their next adrenaline-pumping platforming adventure.

Outland is available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, typically priced around $9.99 USD.

4. Salt and Sanctuary

If you loved the challenging platforming elements of Celeste, you'll find a lot to enjoy in Salt and Sanctuary. Though Salt and Sanctuary is primarily a 2D action RPG, it incorporates tight and responsive platforming mechanics that will test your reflexes in much the same way Celeste does. You'll navigate through meticulously crafted environments, jumping and dodging your way past traps and enemies. The sense of satisfaction you'll get from overcoming these obstacles is very reminiscent of the feeling you got while scaling the mountain in Celeste.

Additionally, Salt and Sanctuary shares a similarly rich atmosphere with Celeste. While Celeste's narrative is deeply emotional and personal, exploring themes of mental health and self-acceptance, Salt and Sanctuary offers a darker, more gothic experience. The world-building and visual style immerse you in a mysterious and hauntingly beautiful universe. Both games excel in creating emotional and atmospheric experiences that stay with you long after you put the controller down, making them more than just challenging platformers but also rewarding emotional journeys.

Salt and Sanctuary is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $17.99 USD.

3. VVVVVV

If you loved Celeste for its challenging yet rewarding platforming mechanics, then VVVVVV is a must-play for you! Similar to Celeste, VVVVVV emphasizes precise control and intricate level design that require you to master the game's physics to progress. Both games focus heavily on tight gameplay and offer a tough yet fair challenge that keeps you coming back for more. The sense of accomplishment you get from conquering difficult sections in Celeste is very much present in VVVVVV, where you'll find yourself experimenting with different tactics to navigate the gravity-flipping mechanics.

Another striking similarity is the way both games incorporate a retro, pixel art style that is charming and evocative of classic games from the past. While Celeste uses its visuals to tell an emotionally rich and thoughtful story, VVVVVV employs its minimalist art to create vibrant, distinctive levels that are each unique and memorable. The soundtrack in VVVVVV, much like in Celeste, is brilliant and complements the gameplay perfectly, pumping you up during intense sequences and providing a sense of atmosphere that draws you deeper into the game.

VVVVVV is available on multiple platforms, including Steam (Windows, Mac, Linux), Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $9.99 USD.

2. Iconoclasts

Both Iconoclasts and Celeste share a compelling blend of intricate platforming and rich storylines that keep you deeply engaged. In Iconoclasts, you will find yourself navigating beautifully designed levels with tight controls and precision that fans of Celeste will appreciate. Much like Celeste's protagonist, Madeline, Robin, the heroine of Iconoclasts, possesses a unique set of skills that you'll need to master to overcome various environmental puzzles and challenging enemies. The gameplay requires quick reflexes and thoughtful problem-solving, providing a similar sense of accomplishment as you progress through each level.

Another similarity between Iconoclasts and Celeste is the emotional depth and narrative drive that underpin the platforming action. Iconoclasts delves into themes of identity, survival, and resistance against an oppressive regime, akin to how Celeste explores themes of struggle, self-discovery, and perseverance. The lush, pixel-art visuals and a mesmerizing soundtrack in Iconoclasts further immerse you in Robin's world, much like how Celeste's art and music draw you into Madeline's journey up the mountain. Both games expertly balance gameplay intensity with heartfelt storytelling, making them not just games, but memorable experiences.

Iconoclasts is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.

1. LA-MULANA

If you loved the challenging platforming and heartfelt story of Celeste, then LA-MULANA is a game that might pique your interest. Both games offer an immersive and rewarding experience as you navigate through intricate levels. Like Celeste, LA-MULANA presents you with tight, precision-based platforming challenges. The gameplay mechanics demand skill and patience, yet provide a high level of satisfaction upon overcoming each difficult section. Moreover, the game has a deep sense of exploration and discovery, reminiscent of the intricate paths you had to navigate in Celeste's various mountain levels.

Another similarity is the richly atmospheric environment that pulls you in. LA-MULANA, though different in aesthetic from Celeste, achieves a similar engrossing effect with its detailed pixel art and ambient soundtrack. Both games excel in creating a unique, memorable world that makes you want to uncover every secret. The narrative in LA-MULANA, much like in Celeste, offers an intriguing story that gradually reveals layers of depth, encouraging you to push forward through its myriad challenges. If you're looking for another platformer that combines skill-based gameplay with a captivating atmosphere, LA-MULANA is an excellent choice.

LA-MULANA is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $14.99 USD.

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