How Celeste's Mirror Temple Creates Fear

[@cptin]

scariest thing about this chapter was accidentally choosing the path that progresses through the story while you're not yet done finding all of the secrets

[@DarylTalksGames]

Finally, someone who shares my pain. Good man

[@cosmicsilhouette3858]

I know right, I wasnt to happy about missing the crystal heart because I chose the actually story path.

[@petruciosxd1374]

I remember finding the secret way to the Crystal Heart door with the key, but I went back because I didn't know if I would miss anything by not going through the first door, found out I didn't and I needed a key for something at the end, great.

[@nonamea9177]

Indeed

[@luiz_carlos]

When I did this level for the first time, I thought that the Crystal Heart would be revealed by lighting all the candles. I'm feeling so dumb now.

[@BeetleTheBoy]

Also, mirror temple has the best thing in the game. *Theo just saying "I'm helping"*

[@DarylTalksGames]

“Theo saves the day again!” Lol

[@rarebeeph1783]

"Now you're just showing off."

[@TonyTheTGR]

"Please tell me this isn't canon..."

[@CrashJakFan1994]

"It's the Temple Remix, featuring your boy, Mix Master Theo."

[@drascin]

Theo is great in general.

[@zipsnap]

First thing I thought of when lighting the blue candles were: "Is there gonna be an achievement if I light them all?"

[@Qaser7]

I thought that it was required for the Crystal Heart. I was glad and unsatisfied at the same time when I found out the real way.

[@pedroivog.s.6870]

At the end I thought worried that I missed one because nothing especial happened just to figure out it may never be anything

[@leandroperon2604]

Same

[@noobfart]

I never thought of yellow torches as scary, just as hints for what will progress the level so I can avoid them

[@STRGames]

The campfire scene after the temple is a masterpiece.

[@DarylTalksGames]

100% agree, such a fantastic touch

[@pedroivog.s.6870]

The problem is having to redo it every time you restart the chapter because you think you missed a strawberry

[@hassan1401]

@@pedroivog.s.6870 options > skip cutscene

[@pedroivog.s.6870]

@DarkCoreX oh, nevermind. The scene is powerful, so it is good to see again too

[@evernevers5390]

@@pedroivog.s.6870 There isn't even strawberries in chapter 6

[@MaJeeDooo0010]

Fun fact: The eyes that are everywhere in the 2nd half of the level, they're not looking at Madeline, but rather Theo! It represents his social media life, with everyone looking at him, judging him. *The monsters* represents Madeline's depression.

[@BananaDope]

I think it's her anxiety and fears rather than his depression

[@jennytulls6369]

Alternatively, someone in another comment section suggested that Theo has social anxiety and social media is his way of being social without actually facing anyone

[@SadFace201]

As a side note, one of my favorite ways in which Celeste really highlights emotions is its use of text effects and portraits---sometimes when dark Madeline is being especially nasty, she'll pop out of her frame as if trying to leave the player's screen.

[@DarylTalksGames]

YES. Oh I'm so glad you mentioned that, I love how that's done. It's such a creative way to let you know that Badeline/Part of Me is all up in your face.

[@idk-bz6hf]

@Giffoni I'm pretty sure we all know that but don't talk about it

[@Melecie]

Giffoni YOLOOOOOOOOOO

[@ejsuperstar]

@@DarylTalksGames You a fan of merg?

[@RF-Ataraxia]

@Giffoni Yeah, it's really nice. It's simple, but it's much appreciated. More games with this type of dialogue noises should do it.

[@spiritflame8806]

Note: reversing the mirror temples music and slightly altering the pitch will let you hear madeline talking about her depression.

[@mmrguerra2009]

@@kawaiinekopink764 search "celeste reversed"

[@kontrol42]

Not only Madeline, so to speak. Lena Raine, the composer that has made Celeste OST, also suffers from depression and anxiety. In a way, it's also Lena who's talking about it

[@sninctbur3726]

Specifics: "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 scares me. I don't... like... scaring myself. I don't..."

[@lifeisanenigma213]

Here’s a link to a good video that shows it. ;-; kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHablZyXq5p8Z80

[@seantaggart7382]

"Sometimes i just"

[@sninctbur3726]

Another detail: in the Mirror Temple part of the Summit level, there are no red floating monsters or dark rooms at all.

[@andrehenrique976]

Normally, they have a blue-ish purple color. They only get red when enraged.

[@electrum5579]

I'm thinking it's because in the first Mirror Temple run through, Madeline had still been fighting with Badeline, and the temple reflected that whereas on Chapter 7 Madeline had come to terms with Badeline and therefore the temple didn't have the intense inner strife to reflect

[@spectrethefox5450]

I heard somebody pointed out that the Seekers color is very much representative of Madeline. Madeline had red hair when she can dash, and blue hair when she has to rest and get her dash back. Seekers are blue when inactive and unable to see you, while red while they are active and try to dash at you.

[@kyubeyz_7062]

SpectreTheFox they’re actually purple when they can’t see you so maybe it’s something with badeline?

[@ApollyonMathy]

Something of the topic but here is a theory of the summit The summit has all chapters mechanics,but we all know that chapter 2 is a dream because of space blocks and so is chapter 9,and both of them are dreams,we can say that chapter 7 is a dream? A plothole? Wow i commented in a 2 year old comment ;_;

[@Genericname]

B-side theo: “Is this canon?”

[@debornmc]

hE aCtUaLlY saYs: This isn't canon, is it?

[@qwertyuiop1854]

LOL that’s hilarious

[@nup5]

"Uhh, this one is clearly impossible."

[@bait5257]

...

[@dard2240]

No words about reversed music?

[@DarylTalksGames]

Whoa! I just found out about that actually, that's incredible! Man I wish I had known when I was making this, the reverse song and its monologue would have absolutely made it in. Thanks for bringing that up!

[@craftedpixel]

You won't find out about that unless you reverse it. It is still creepy though

[@thatcokestuff]

I always wondered if the B-side also had a reversed message also.

[@ismetcancelik5052]

@@thatcokestuff same thing most likely.

[@nup5]

As far as I'm aware, B-Side music doesn't have any messages hidden by only reversing the music.

[@PipPanoma]

Here's the funny thing though: I had a different experience. Not completely, the mirror temple is still very uncomfortable, but the things you described about me feeling things unconsciously actually had a different effect on me. I associated the blue candles with danger and the yellow candles with safety. I'm afraid of the unknown, going into the darkness is very uncomfortable for me. Whenever I saw the yellow candles I thought: Oh hey, something the game definitely wants me to see. I can relax now. The eyes didn't bother me a lot. I played with them for a bit, see how they followed me. It's partially because it's a game, but even within the game I saw it as a simulation. The eyes weren't a part of Madeline, they came from Theo. I saw the eyes of social media following him, staring into his life, always wanting something to see. I felt bad for Theo, for the eyes, but I was made anxious by the monsters and the darkness. It's like experiencing a mental illness from the outside vs the inside. If anything, the section with the eyes made me feel the burden of being someone's pillar of support. I could've done things so much easier alone, but I had to take Theo with me. It's like trying to help someone who only drags you down, but for some reason you keep helping them, because you care or because you feel sorry. And once you've started it's hard to stop in good conscience unless they're completely out.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Interesting! I have had a few people come forward and tell me that the yellow candles felt safer to them as well, since it gives a sense of direction. I like your take on the eyes and Theo as well, he was pretty helpless and in truth did make the level harder, so I can see how that could be a metaphor for helping someone that holds you back. Thanks for watching!

[@b44442]

YES! you described exactly how I felt during that level

[@cameronjohnson4936]

Yeah, same here with the candles, they felt like a goal. I do tend to face problems head on though, so maybe thats where this comes from...? I actually think the eyes are from Madeline's paranoia. Theo's temple problem might just have been the crystal. He talks about how he feels like he's going nowhere in life in the conversation right after the temple. Maybe that was supposed to be represented in the crystal, with him literally helpless and unable to move?

[@alzhanvoid]

@@cameronjohnson4936 the eyes only follow Theo. They represent his internet audience.

[@idk-bz6hf]

I think the eyes and the crystal are refering to how Theo is trapped inside some sort of crystal, with no escape if nobody helps him, with everybody waiting for his next move, staring.

[@Shinigami435]

Not sure I understood clearly this passage, since english is not my native langage. At a point, you said that the eyes represented Madeline's social anxiety. In fact, there are not Madeline's demons, but Theo's demons. Theo is a really interesting character. Contrary to Madeline, he isn't near breakdown. He is quite confident in himself, provides good advices and has an appeasing presence. However, he also has his inner demons, like everyone. It just doesn't have the same strengh as Madeline's one, who is in contrary unconfident and hyperemotive (definitly a mental overefficience, sry I don't know the exact word un english). He is exactly the normal great guy, who have no particular mental illness, confident, and who is not overwelmed by his emotions. However, in the end, Theo didn't climb the Mountain. He didn't confront his demons, contrary to Madeline. And while it can seem not really important, it completely changed my personnal interpretation of the character. Since Theo is not overwelmed by his emotions, he was able to burry them deep inside of him. He is doing exactly the same mistake as Madeline in the level 6, but in his case, he succeded. Yet, he cannot escape them, even if he is mentaly more "robust" than Madeline. He is forever bounded to bear them, deep inside of him. Even if he hides them, they are here. Theo is exactly what are most people today : while they are not as "frail" as Madeline, are not suffering depression and anxiety, and are much more robust, it is precisely this "resistance" toward their emotions that cause their doom. I saw too many of them, especially some "zen" people, that use this as a cover, exactly like how Madeline try to use the feather to suppress herself. Exactly like Théo (Btw, sry for some my english, which is far from being perfect)

[@DarylTalksGames]

Interesting! I never thought about it that way. Theo never does make it up the mountain, so you're right to question what that says about him. Maybe there will be a Celeste 2 where Theo climbs the mountain instead haha. Thanks for the comment!

[@LarsLuron]

I agree with the idea that the eyes are part of Theo's "demons". If you pay close attention, not only do the eyes only appear in the parts of the level that Theo is in, but they're all staring at *him* as you toss him around the level, not at Madeline.

[@grieferjones2237]

Yeah, I always thought it was tied to his InstaPix obsession, and with getting more followers, which is why he always feels like he's being watched and judged.

[@LarsLuron]

I figured it was because he felt he was being compared to his sister. She's graduating from law school and all that, while he's just dropping from job to job, I can imagine his feeling like folks might be watching him, wondering why he can't be more like her.

[@DanielLopez-ob9jz]

Yeah. Maybe in a celeste 2 could we see a game where theo has his own side.

[@TonyTheTGR]

Very astute. But *spoiler alert* ... ... ... ...Mirror Temple C-Side is where REAL fear lies. :o

[@DarylTalksGames]

I can only imagine lol, I still haven't found the courage to give it a try.

[@alicedodocharlotte6409]

The room with the three upwards wall jumps in a row took me a bit, but I eventually got it. It prepared me for what was to come in 7-C, the real demon of the game hehehe.

[@alexpurdue3586]

Yeah, I’m doing the c-sides currently, mirror temple c-side was pretty tough but I’m trying to do the summit c-side right now and it’s so much harder for me than mirror temple

[@alicedodocharlotte6409]

Alex Purdue I'm going for the golden strawberry for it. It's absolutely brutal.

[@alexpurdue3586]

Alice Aria I finally got it!!! I went at it for about an hour and 15 minutes straight and I was about to quit because I was starting to get worse and then out of the blue I had a perfect run. Onto the core c-side

[@rarebeeph1783]

I feel like in my experience the blue torches represented uncertainty, while the yellow ones were progress.

[@kaldilftones]

I agree. The sprawling, open ended style of the mirror temple makes you feel helpless if there WAS a threat

[@Stratelier]

One of the most anxiety-inducing elements in any game with exploration is the feeling of *not* knowing whether you are making progress or not. Whether your current path leads to an alcove with goodies (e.g. strawberries) or it's a path forward that might actually lock you off from the previous area. Remember the huge labyrinth in Chapter 6 where almost every room seemed to have a high and low exit to the next, and all of them are strictly one-way?

[@marchewitt]

Enjoyed the video but disagree on the yellow representing fear. In general that light gave more hope then fear, especially as Red became the main anxiety color from spikes and statues. Even the red bubbles quickly became that pin prick of tension getting ready for the right timing to dash out. Combined with yellow lights being used like coins in classic platformers and the same color as the yellow key used to progress I quickly associated yellow torches with a feeling like a mentor guiding me through the darkness. Helping with timing and highlighting key points I should be aware of, making yellow torches ease the tension as we learn to trust their placement as we explore the unknown.

[@patrickj]

Thinking back, I felt quite the same. The blue lights feel like a shot in the dark, you're just hoping they reveal something useful, show you a path forward, while the yellow lights are much more of a fixed target, a focus point, a small goal. And with some of the dangerous bonus rooms completely clad in yellow (I realize it's quite often done for gameplay purposes, but still), they give off that feeling that you're facing a challenge, but you have it planned out and **just** need to execute it, compared to the blind stumbling in the dark rooms with blue lights.

[@karlthedude]

I like how you played the song "anxiety" from celeste's soundtrack while talking about anxiety in the game. Clever Daryl. Clever.

[@DarylTalksGames]

What can I say, I had a breakthrough in creativity ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@Seviexe]

The eyes don't follow Madeline. They follow Theo. It's easy to miss in all the jumping craziness, but still, it's a very important detail that adds a lot to the storytelling, if you pay attention.

[@kontrol42]

I feel so angry that Celeste isn't popular. This game deserves so much more attention... Great video. After playing through the game, it's very interesting to watch vids like this because they give another perspective on things that happen throughout chapters. Like, whole Celestial Resort's soundtrack changes according to state of mr. Oshiro's mind; scene after introduction to feather mechanics shows that depression and anxiety isn't something you can just throw away, how it sometimes can just overwhelm you despite your best efforts... all of that is something I didn't think about while playing. And OST is godly, with my favourite being Golden thanks to little something that happened to me once.

[@CurtisJensenGames]

kontrol42 I think It’s mainly just because of the flood of great video games we have now. Celeste is great too, but it has some big contenders (I’m mainly talking about indie games)

[@revelred]

Is not mainstream but it is popular

[@Alex-xn8zr]

It was a nominee for game of the year and got crazy review scores. I don't think it can get any more attention (expect with expensive advertising of course).

[@kyzonm.b.9615]

celeste is popular what are you on about

[@theutubepower1243]

Wavekai the game is pretty forgiving, when you die you respawn in the same room you died in, contrary to mario where you have to start the level over again ( unless you reach a checkpoint in some games )

[@DesignFrameCaseStudies]

Goodness, every chapter in Celeste manages to convey Madeline herself in every aspect, it's really quite impressive. Chapter 5 is definitely my favorite in terms of exploring Madeline's character. You hit the nail on the head :)

[@MrAGame]

Dude, this video is amazing! I'm doing a playthrough of this level for YT over the next couple days and after I finish I'd LOVE to share this for my viewers. It's so spot on, well done!

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you so much! You are more than welcome to share it, I would genuinely appreciate it!

[@mikeyg2178]

Mr A, thank you for sharing! I enjoyed this review, and I wouldn't have known had it not been for you.

[@julesthief]

I just came here after watching your video!

[@zombieman6132]

hi mragame I'm subed!

[@seankeogh8134]

A game... Hi!

[@ZoruaHunter]

I wish I was better at noticing subtexts. All these things totally flew over my head when playing the game.

[@Prinzherbert]

This game helped me. Literally, after watching the story I was happy. My vision of "me" changed a lot, and now I feel better.

[@sullina3]

one detail that isn't in this video (spoilers btw) that I loved is that if we think of the pitch black darkness as Madelines feelings of hopelessness/panic/whatever you wanna call it, then in the big main room where you have to get to the two keys in order to progress with the bubble, you can go up to talk to Theo before you can reach him. And after talking to Theo, the temple gets lighter and you can actually see, right after Theo gives Madeline some encouragement. That's such a neat detail and so subtle!

[@raglock1433]

this. was. one of the best celeste videos i have ever seen..

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you so much!!

[@noretornable55]

The "hidden message" while playing the mirrors OST reverse is also an awesome detail. A well made "easter egg"

[@willwallz]

After rewatching this video again a year later, I was reminded of how on my first go through the Mirror Temple I had actually tried my hardest to light every single blue torch I came across. After looking back on it I’m beginning to wonder if they intended for you to pursue this perfectionist mindset, by placing so many torches; to further establish this idea that you are reliant on the safety of the torches. Really makes you think.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Oooh I hadn't thought about it that way. I definitely did the same thing because I didn't want to miss any strawberries. For that select crowd of "completionists" they may have really wanted to drive home your need for the torches

[@ZephWraen]

Nothing beats Theo's Dialogue in the B-Side to Mirror Temple.

[@MrPanda2002]

This is a very excellent analysis! I so need to play this game.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you! I can’t recommend it enough

[@uMaud]

I feel like the eyes in the last corridor of the temple (I absolutly don't get Undertale vibes by formulating it like that, no XD) are more for Theo than Madelyn. I feel like Madelyn is more isolated. The "typical" case of social anxity, when you struggle with social interractions and fixate on little thing, like she said herself. In her case, the eyes of the others matters more because "the problem is in her head". (This formumation sounds rude and I seem to take it easy but I know how hard social anxity can be, even if I don't suffer of it (I'm not that great with socialisation neither but I guess I'm in between the two tendencies) and how hard it is to deal with it, don't worry) Theo is the opposite of Madelyn. He is very social as we can see, he immediatly act super friendly with her, he is basicly friendly, warm and kind with everyone. But as we can learn when the talk about themselves to each other, he is under a lot of pression, on the family and professional side. He is jugded on the internet, as a vlogger, he is jugded by people around him for his professionnal and life style choices and he can't help comparing himself to his sister (that's the feeling I have, as he clearly says that she is everything he isn't) and feeling like he never does enough. Plus, according to the phylosphy "Fight your fears" of the temple, it must be him who's concerned by the eyes if it's him who is litterally throwed at it 😅 Welp I gotta correct my mistake, he clearly says that despite what everyone thinks, he isn't comparing himself with his sister, but simply doesn't know what he want to do in his life in general

[@geo6398]

Great video! Brings about stuff i hadnt really thought about, like the candle thing and the uncomfortable gameplay. One thing i haven't really seen pointed out much is that sometimes the eyes are focused on theo aswell. It could be a way of representing the pressure he feels to impress his family and live up to his grandfather, or perhaps even to impress his InstaPix followers, many of which are likely silently judging him. Him being trapped in a crystal may also be showing he feels trapped or isolated, which may be why he decided to climb celeste. That's what i thought anyway.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Totally agree about Theo, I like that the temple creates physical manifestations of both character's insecurities. All around its just so well done. Thanks for watching!

[@subprogram32]

Also, while eyes have been a thing before, the eyes in the walls themselves only show up in rooms that involve Theo, implying that they are specifically *his* mental creation over Madeline's.

[@incoherence]

I appreciated that the Theo section gave you a glimpse into his struggle as well: he's mostly there as a foil and a sounding board for Madeline up to that point, but in the Mirror Temple you find that he, too, is struggling with his own issues, represented by the eyes and the crystal. It's also the first time where Theo and Madeline share an experience: the Old Site is played off as Madeline's dream, and both of them encounter Oshiro in the Resort but Theo runs away before he has the same level of experience that Madeline does. In the Mirror Temple, they're both in it together, and the section with Theo is a combination of both of their insecurities: Theo even gets to meet Badeline. It's a kind of validation for Madeline: on one hand, her issues are real and not just figments of her imagination, and on the other hand, someone like Theo is hiding his own struggle below the surface.

[@geo6398]

incoherence i agree, well said!

[@sirtacovi3262]

Not to mention, I think Theo expressly states that the eyes are HIS inner demons... even if he's not sure what they represent. Or, at least, I know he says that about the crystal.

[@CamelliaOleifera]

the eyes are specifically theo’s fear; his focus on his social media appearance and how that traps him

[@NobleGryphon]

It's a true shame that I haven't seen your channel until now, this is wonderfully put together!

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you so much!

[@naenoart]

So far a lot of gaming KZbinrs have talked about Celeste, but I think your video on it is definitely one of the best by far! Your channel is incredible!

[@robotmaster4515]

I want you to know I waited 2 years to watch this video. When this video first came out I wanted to watch it but didn't wanna get spoiled for Celeste so I waited until I actually finished the game. Now let me tell you the wait was 100% worth it. The video was as good as I thought.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Dude, thanks for remembering to come back! I adore that level and Celeste is a beautiful game. Props for preserving the experience for yourself!

[@robotmaster4515]

@@DarylTalksGames The wait was hard but 100% worth it.

[@austin5259]

Another thing I like is that the monsters also use a mechanical callback to the hotel level where oshiro charges at you with the only thing you can do is either dodge or jump on top of him, the monsters used this same exact mechanic but add to it as the monsters can charge from any direction. I really like this use of recycling mechanics.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Totally agree, it's nice to see mechanics reused, but still made fresh by adding a twist.

[@subprogram32]

In fact, every mirror temple mechanic is an upgraded version of a previous one, with the dash platforms a modifcation of the Traffic Light platforms, and the Red Bubbles being an upgrade of, well, the green bubbles.

[@snolls105]

I never realized you were supposed to correlate yellow with danger. My response to the yellow rooms was "thank god, light."

[@nateshgarg3398]

The whispering behind my ear when I was wearing headphones was such a scary and great effect and made me the most anxious.

[@absolutelynot.3739]

My keyboard was probably even more scared that I would break it during the Theo bit

[@MrLEGONinja888]

I didn’t expect this to be as thoughtful as it was. A pleasure to watch.

[@speedorix7731]

At this time, I think my like made it to 15k though it should be more. I knew Mirror Temple was my favorite level in the game when I played it and for most of the reasons you've stated, but the whole anxiety and the game making you play a feeling says a lot. Thanks for making this. You do good content.

[@neekxd2451]

I was not scared while playing this, I wanted to cry... Not from fear, but from sadness, it just made me reflect about everything that has happened lately and all I´ve felt. A part of me wishes I played this game before, for it to have been there since the start of this journey. But another part thinks it´s fine as is, as now is when I need it the most. And I hope that through this I manage to come out with a smile on my face, ready to face what will come after.

[@Yipper64]

in my recommended, i see the beginner's guide. this just got me thinking. this game right here, is a lot more deep and powerful than the beginner's guide ever was. it doesnt rely on an act, it doesnt leave it up to interpretation... it puts its themes into the levels and music and everything. it makes its message clear, and tells you it in a way that only videogames can.

[@sarahcottin7334]

This is the very best video about Celeste I have seen so far. You have so much talent and I hope you keep making videos like this. Subscribed

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you for the kind words! I really appreciate it :)

[@barditheweird]

It's so cool to see you improve in every next video. It's not like the vids before were bad, but seeing you constantly get better feels me with determination.

[@DarylTalksGames]

That's the goal! Although hopefully I'll avoid duds along the way lol, thanks a ton man!

[@mintea273]

Was that an undertale reference?

[@DarylTalksGames]

If it was, it was unintentional haha. I still haven’t played undertale but it’s high on my list!

[@barditheweird]

Derpy 2004, You're goddamn right)

[@spudacusgaming8561]

knowing that one day Daryl might avoid duds along the way lol, it fills you with determination.

[@terdragontra8900]

your voice is the most soothing thing i've heard in my life

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you so much!

[@notoriousnosk8876]

I’m already scared of mirrors this temple was a nightmare

[@bored_robot9263]

my dumb ass meanwhile: oh hell yeah give me more of those pretty gold lanterns

[@dorshaldoes5055]

I love Celeste its not like other games with some deep lore about a location and its people which is nice but its amazing when it comes to self conflict and not even realizing it was tying up with the level,yourself,the charachter,and your guys determination go get through this

[@gangjittleyang]

The thing is, I don’t feel anxious when I am in the mirror temple because I know this game off by heart since I have completed Celeste about 3000 times

[@ChibiQilin]

Not sure why this was on the "Up Next" recommendation to a completely unrelated video, but I found a new game to play and a new youtuber to sub to. This analysis is impressive and makes me wanna give this game a try as soon as I can.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you so much!

[@hipsnowsis7374]

Daryl!! You should update the description on this old video to clarify you're talking about *Maddy* Thorson

[@ThePrototype047]

Your intro sold me so hard I went and bought the game before I came back

[@talhawaseem7801]

It was amazing of you to reference the artist. I've been looking for its owner thumbs up

[@DarylTalksGames]

That artist has more talent in one finger than I do in my entire body lol, such amazing drawings

[@afro025]

8:14 the eyes aren't actually looking at you (madeline) but rather theo. it's representing his want to gain attention on social media, which is his reason for climbing the mountain in the first place

[@nightmare_symphony]

The part that felt most scary to me in the chapter was that at one point you are forced to play as the monster. You have no choice and you have to get back to Madeline even though she's running away. Although its a nice way to teach the monster movements, to me it felt like I/Madeline were programming our fear to hurt us. And as if the monster is desperate to get to Madeline like we were in that one part.

[@WarKeineAbsicht]

Wow I didn't have that experience at all! I was very simplistic about it all. For me it was blue: lights I can turn on yellow: lights I don't have to turn on anymore because they are already lit

[@ultraness]

Someone else commented on it, but I'm surprised you didn't say more about the level's music. There's a lot of good attention given to the visual aesthetics and early mechanical design, yet the music is just as important in establishing the level's atmosphere and themes.

[@jhonsmithers4853]

I remember not catching any of this. “Ohh shit cool! I getta play as an octopus thing!”

[@DeeDolp]

I just saw the yellow candles as a pointer to continue the journey, but now I realize that they emphasize danger

[@Gardengap]

The yellow crystals are actually just lights that you don’t have to manually light up, it’s just for game design

[@Sordorack]

Very nice and structured analysis, gonna definitively stay on this channel :D

[@DarylTalksGames]

Glad to have you on board!

[@chillshobe8147]

I never noticed the yellow torches being were associated with danger before watching this video

[@jego207]

Masterful storytelling. This level in particular helped me cope and understand my anxiety. It was pretty spot on.

[@z.m.6053]

Something interesting that just occurred to me is that Theo’s position in this level mirrors (in some respects) what Madeline describes at the beginning of reflections: the feeling of being simultaneously trapped and exposed. He’s trapped in a clear crystal where everyone can see in, but which he can’t leave. He’s not at the bottom of the ocean, but the eyes peer from the darkness, not meaningfully distinguished from one another, which illustrates the one-sided vulnerability of being a creator on social media. The whole thing does a really good job of showing Theo’s inner struggle, and then using it to show how Madeline’s is monumental in comparison.

[@Michael-ob7wz]

The thing I love most about Celeste is the incredible soundtrack.

[@kotadis2919]

Holy shit this is super well done you deserve more subs

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you so much for that!

[@Unbaguettable]

There's also the music. "In the Mirror" is my favourite track in the OST, especially with the reversed voices during the escape sequence. It's great stuff

[@themantbr]

I'm addicted to your channel. There's just lots of great thoughts and concepts genuinely described in each video. Came here through auto-play from snomangaming video. Keep up the good work! Already signed up and shared your videos, specially this one and the dandara one.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you so much! Really glad to have you on board :)

[@tatianatub]

i had a VERY hard time finishing the mirror temple not because of any mechanical difficulty but because it made me feel so anxious

[@ManvinderSinghWalia]

This game is so awesome. This level freaked me out so much. I spent hours trying to figure out where to go from the large room

[@RadioactiveBluePlatypus]

Note : The main developer is now named Maddy Thorson. She is trans, however this was not known when this video was made so it's fine. I'm just saying that for the people in the comments that didn't know that.

[@sonicpoz]

I definitely agree with this entire video. I have never suffered from depression or anxiety, so I don't directly relate to this level, but I had an indirect relation during my first playthrough. Back when I first played through the game, I was in love with a girl named Maddie, so that really made me connect with the main character of this game with the same name. I knew the feelings that Madeline (Maddie) had throughout the game and I wanted to help her out the best that I could, and that was to complete the levels to get her out of scary places like the Mirror Temple.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Man that's such an interesting take, thanks for sharing! I'm glad you enjoyed this level as much as I did

[@voynich7119]

I think a good example of creating fear done right is the game Echo. In this game you walk through this empty palace when suddenly the light starts to blackout every few seconds. Soon you start to notice those black blobs all over the ground. After each blackout the blobs grow until they finally start to resemble you. At first they can't attack you but soon they become hostile and start copying your abilities. It does take a while until you really are in danger but the feeling of dread starts as soon as the first blackouts and grows with each iteration.

[@CamelliaOleifera]

specifically, the eyes show up in theo’s section, from the overvaluing of how people see him through social media

[@DarylTalksGames]

I realized that shortly after I began editing, so it was too late to fix haha. But that touch did make me love the level even more :)

[@meganmaemassage7128]

I've played the game but never thought about that. Good job!!

[@darcyxerox1589]

I usually don’t like having a handicap or having to carry something that decreases your movement options, but I loved carrying Theo around. It was so fun to throw him around and figure out how to get through a room with him.

[@sadgirl_fishi]

i never thought of the yellow lights as a threat, i just saw them and thought to myself that i was going the right way to progress the story.

[@esmax3000]

Actually the yellow candles gave me a feeling of advancement

[@blubobbie]

My favorite part is, I'm pretty sure, that there eyes follow Theo instead of you, which is also another thing that, at least I went through, that you think that everyone's is looking at you, when they really aren't.

[@Plain_Delta]

it's been a long time and a different account since I last watched this, still holds up!

[@albinodarkrai7014]

I only watched this because it appeared in my recommended list...Boy am I glad it did. The amount of quality in this video is astounding, and I’m sure your other videos are just like it. You’ve earned a subscriber, and you deserve many more than just a few hundred. Keep up the quality work.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you so much! Glad to have you on board :)

[@scottwoodtraining]

As I just finished the mirror temple for the first time this was awesome. Hit my feelings spot on. Great video.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching :)

[@val26874]

I'm not sure the yellow candles being associated with danger entirely holds up - sure the first comes with a mirror, but also they're the first time you find your best friend again. Also putting them in the challenge rooms adds further to the association with rewards and discovery. The blue lights were satisfying to light up, but I was always thinking that maybe something would come and start putting them out.

[@just_a_dustpan]

You know whenI first played this level, I was more in awe. All the details of this massive temple, the rich cultural history seemed beautiful. I found the yellow lights relieving, I saw them as pre-existing light to show me the way, not displaying something dreadful. This entire video essay is new to me, but it’s so good at explaining the story in a way I didn’t realize before. The only thing that truly made me unsettled was the mirror scene and the eye monsters being realized as fleshy creatures, before then I saw this giant temple as beautiful, then after that I learned not to trust appearances. This vast place held monstrosities of grave danger when I thought it was something to be truly in awe at. I can say that truly messed me up for a bit, so I still did get that feeling of dread. I understood Madeline was scared, but I just couldn’t be until the danger showed itself, which made me feel horrible. In the end I did find myself relating a fuck ton with Madeline, I felt captured by her character. Her anxieties, her depression, her truly dark inner-demons, all felt like my own. I think this is why I enjoyed Celeste so much, I saw myself in Madeline, I felt like I accomplished things alongside her after finally reaching the peak of the Mountain, after traversing its core, after ascending the stars to finally say farewell to a loved one. Plppp of You know when I first played this level, I was more in awe. All the details of this massive temple, the rich cultural history seemed beautiful. I found the yellow lights relieving, I saw them as pre-existing light to show me the way, not displaying something dreadful. This entire video essay is new to me, but it’s so good at explaining the story in a way I didn’t realize before. The only thing that truly made me unsettled was the mirror scene and the eye monsters being realized as fleshy creatures, before then I saw this giant temple as beautiful, then after that I learned not to trust appearances. This vast place held monstrosities of grave danger when I thought it was something to be truly in awe at. I can say that truly messed me up for a bit, so I still did get that feeling of dread. I understood Madeline was scared, but I just couldn’t be until the danger showed itself, which made me feel horrible. In the end I did find myself relating a fuck ton with Madeline, I felt captured by her character. Her anxieties, her depression, her truly dark inner-demons, all felt like my own. I think this is why I enjoyed Celeste so much, I saw myself in Madeline, I felt like I accomplished things alongside her after finally reaching the peak of the Mountain, after traversing its core, after ascending the stars to finally say farewell to a loved one.

[@Ott3rpup]

I like that the eyes follow Theo, showing that he feels constantly watched as an Instapix celebrity

[@centurosproductions8827]

Oddly, the yellow candles never made me uneasy. I just thought they were for when the game wanted an area to be pre-lit, like the challenge rooms full of them (because you need to see sometimes).

[@Stratelier]

I feel the same way: Yellow candles always guaranteed that you were informed of something important, but I felt no particular impression of exactly what that something even was.

[@Jbait]

the scariest part of this level is finding the path that DOESN'T LEAD TO ANOTHER FUCKING BERRY

[@ashy_ness]

ending cutscene literally made me tear up like a baby

[@HeyRoosty]

I haven't completely finished the game yet, but i'm not someone who tends to generally care for spoilers. (I mean, i'm the one looking it up.) So all I want to say is HOLY FUCK I WANT TO FINISH THIS GAME. I'm so unbelievably obsessed with it. The music, the feelings, the control.. it's all so brilliantly done. I'm no stranger to panic attacks and overall I tend to overthink a lot of things. This game has sincerely helped me cope with the problems I face in my everyday life. God it's so good. This is also my first video of yours. Your dissection of the game is great, and I love your voice. I smacked that sub button. Phenomenal video, friend.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Thank you so much man! I really appreciate it, this game is a lot of those things for me too. It’s incredible and I really wanted to make something that gave it some love and publicity. Glad you found the game and the channel man!

[@tristancruver4527]

I thought the eyes were Theo's change to the temple. It makes sense in my head with his behavior and all the selfies.

[@Maxodex]

they are. if you pay attention, the eyes are always following theo and not madeline. toss him around and walk away and you will surely notice.

[@aok76_]

The monsters of this level creeped me out. I never reattempted their sections to this day. Something about how they scream muffledly as they dash at you is really creepy.

[@redjive_industries3760]

This chapter really was the one that drove Madeline’s struggles home to me; it was obvious something bad would happen, but it took so long and eventually I was almost relieved to finally see what the monster would be, because I wasn’t sure if a statue would suddenly come alive, some part of the map would move unexpectedly, or if I’d suddenly fall to my death. And finally reaching the end of the Theo crystal segment was extraordinarily cathartic. I’d spent about 20 minutes on the last section and had been seriously considering backing out, enabling the slowed down mode, and going back in, but I wanted to give it just a few more tries because I knew it would be so much more satisfying if I did it on my own. I can’t say for sure, but I think beating the Mirror Temple helped me to confront some choices I’d been avoiding having to make for a while. Either way, it was an absolutely incredible way of providing a look into Madeline’s mind without telling the player what was going on up until the end of it; even then you still feel clever for catching on to what’s happening.

[@TheNFalcone]

The eyes staring at you in the mirror temple only stare at Theo, because theos anxiety comes from people accepting him, and the eyes represent the people on his social media that he stresses over so much

[@No-fd5ir]

I know this video is old but after the Mirror Temple there's a super ominous postcard saying "You cant outrun your own reflection"

[@florkiler6242]

this makes me think without ant effort on my own and that's very nice and It feel very bad to be left without this after the video ends

[@JayAyers]

1. Now I know why I only have half the strawberries 2. Yes, Celeste is a fantastic game. It's a gift that keeps on giving

[@MrBlinglord]

You have the best voice for talking about video games

[@boltstrikes429]

I'm sure many people have pointed this out already, but the eyes in the temple are Theo's demons, not yours. They start appearing when you begin carrying Theo around, and they only stare at him, not at you.

[@mylifeisameme8656]

HOW DO YOU HAVE SO LITTLE ATTENTION

[@DarylTalksGames]

Your guess is as good as mine!

[@Meteorotaki]

With quality content like this, there's no way this channel doesn't skyrocket at some point

[@DarylTalksGames]

Meteorotaki, I hope you’re right!

[@Drag0nStorm1]

I know, right? Amazing video, I just happened across. Weeeew lad, you deserve much more!

[@PassiveWealth]

Good point here...I've seen godawful reaction channels with more subs, which is a travesty. First video I've watched of yours but it's really good!