Indie game enthusiasts rejoice! Celeste, one of the most beloved indie games of recent memory, is making a leap to a new platform. The developer Pico-8 is bringing an “unofficial” port of Celeste Classic to Playdate, which features a simpler visual design in comparison to the more colorful source material. While the game is technically free, players can pay what they feel is fair to support the hard-working developers behind this port.
The Changes in Celeste Classic
The game has undergone some significant changes in the transition from its original platform to Playdate. The most obvious change is the monochromatic color palette. However, Pico-8 has made sure to give visual elements a distinct outline to make them easier to read. In addition to the color scheme, the resolution of Celeste Classic has undergone a significant upgrade. The game has been increased from the original game’s 128×128 resolution to 256×240. Four pixel lines are cropped at the top and bottom of the screen. For purists, the game can still be played at its original resolution by disabling the Fullscreen option.
The game’s most significant modification is a new and optional assist mode. The assist mode offers several gameplay features such as enabling infinite dashes, invincibility, and the ability to skip levels. When activated, the assist mode allows players to change the game’s speed to 0.5x. However, if you do decide to use the assist mode during a run, it comes with a catch. The player’s name is mentioned on each level in the lower right corner, as well as in the pause screen and the final score screen. It is wise to tread carefully if you do decide to go public with your runs to avoid scorn from the more “hardcore” side of the Celeste community.
Playdate Console Availability
For anyone who is still looking to order a Playdate console, the original $179 price is going away today. Starting April 7, the handheld console will cost you $199 due to increased manufacturing costs. The manufacturer, Panic, also launched an on-device store known as Catalog, which features 16 games.
What is Celeste Classic?
Celeste Classic is a simpler version of the game that was developed by Pico-8. It is an “unofficial” port of the original game, and it features less colorful graphics, a monochromatic color palette, and a lower resolution. While it is technically a free game, players can choose to pay what they feel is fair for the game to support the developers behind the port.
The Legacy of Celeste Classic
Celeste was one of the most critically and commercially successful indie games of its time. The game’s story follows a young woman named Madeline as she climbs a mountain named Celeste, confronting her anxieties and fears along the way. Celeste Classic is the predecessor of this game, and it has a cult following. Despite the simplified design and gameplay of Celeste Classic, it remains a popular game among indie game enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
Celeste Classic on Playdate is a great addition to the popular indie game. The assist mode may be controversial, but it’s great for players who may have found the original Celeste too challenging to complete. This version also features an upgraded resolution and a simpler, monochromatic color palette. The ability to purchase the game at a fair price helps support the hardworking developers behind the port. Fans of the original Celeste, or those looking for a simpler, retro-inspired game, can play Celeste Classic on Playdate starting now.
