Celeste

Celeste is 2D puzzle-platforming at its most hardcore but its also sweet and charming at the same time. Sure, it’ll kick your ass repeatedly without much remorse but the impeccably smooth three-button controls and ingenious level design is what differentiates Celeste from the rest of the pack. It tells a surprisingly deep and emotional story featuring a relatable main character and it all blends uniquely together to make one of the finest gaming experience of the year.

Celeste does just that. Celeste made me feel. Not just through gameplay or storytelling, but through every aspect and feature of the games humble design. Though our paths are different, I felt an innate connection to Madeline and from that instant I was engrossed in this small adventure until my thumbs felt like falling off.