The Anxiety of Celeste and its Music

This video contains spoilers.
Celeste is a poignant exploration of facing anxiety, helped in large part by its deeply personal soundtrack by Lena Raine. Let's look at how the music approaches the theme of anxiety, whether by inducing it, or turning stress into something more productive.
--
Follow me on Twitter:
/ mittopotahis
My Patreon Page:
/ gamescorefanfare
--
All music used in this video is from the Celeste Original Soundtrack and was composed by Lena Raine. You can (and should) purchase Celeste's soundtrack from Lena's bandcamp:
radicaldreamland.bandcamp.com...
Tracks used in this video, in order of appearance:
0:00 First Steps
1:13 Reflection
2:40 Ressurections
4:18 Checking In
6:04 Scattered and Lost
6:30 Madeline and Theo
7:26 Anxiety
8:29 Postcard from Celeste Mountain
9:21 Spirit of Hospitality
10:10 Scattered and Lost
11:20 Quiet and Falling
12:03 In The Mirror
13:11 Heart of the Mountain
13:49 Fisherman's Horizon (Distant Worlds version) (from Final Fantasy VIII, composed by Nobuo Uematsu)
--
Games shown in this video, in order of appearance:
Celeste (2018)
Stardew Valley (2016)
Cuphead (2017)
Bloodborne (2015)
Quake III Arena (1999)
Furi (2016)
Hotline Miami (2012)
Doom (2016)
Firewatch (2016)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Bioshock Infinite (2013)
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (2014)
The Witness (2016)
Monster Hunter: World (2018)
Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) (2018)
Thanks to Hepyrian for letting me use his Cuphead footage. Check out his video on Celeste and faith.
• Peering Into Celeste a...
--
Game Score Fanfare is a show that celebrates music in video games, an aspect so overlooked as that's often the point: to work without you even realising it's there. I look at games through the lens of its score, discovering the unique perspective and roles that music can bring.

[@FIREWALKER9]

> there’s never any confusion on how to beat a stage *laughs in b-sides*

[@____-ck1vp]

Catman 360 laughs in c sides

[@DualXZ]

@@____-ck1vp Laughs in Chapter 9

[@river7591]

@@DualXZ Laughs in d-sides

[@____-ck1vp]

Afonso Mota laughs in upcoming chapter 9 d side golden strawberry

[@zaaphyyre]

C*

[@flecko5]

If you're watching this video and haven't played this game yet: Play Celeste.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Preach.

[@ddnava96]

I reached 1:13 and I fell in love with that track. I stopped watching the video. I'm gonna play this game

[@ObeliskWithLimbs]

No

[@GLURDLESCLETCH]

Already beat it

[@dantezeeldenrust1518]

meh

[@drsharkboy6568]

Lena Raine composing the Celeste OST: *symbolism for anxiety.* Lena Raine composing Pigstep for Minecraft: *Cha Cha real smooth*

[@coolwhip310]

Time to get *funky*

[@sum1sfurryalt841]

I think that pigstep fits the pace of raiding a piglin bastion remnant near perfectly

[@ed_cmntonly]

Lena should definitely redo the ancient city, cave, and end ambience in the style of Celeste; it would be insanely horrifying and I would love it

[@PloverTechOfficial]

@@ed_cmntonlyI am incredibly on board with this idea, I’d love to see it go between the original C418 track and a Celeste style Lena track, like a back and forth between the past present and future to really hone that “this is the end” vibe.

[@joelman1989]

For all of its praise, I feel like Celeste is still severely underrated.

[@Cruxin]

Joel Rosario I'd say more under appreciated, as in not enough people have heard of/played it, but those who do always are impressed by it.

[@joelman1989]

Cruxin you’re right I think that’s a more accurate word for it.

[@Cruxin]

Joel Rosario but I 100% agree, i only saw this game from a few small youtubers. It deserves a lot more attention.

[@joelman1989]

Cruxin it does! It’s a beautiful game. Not very many games that have made me emotional and legitimately changed me the way this one has.

[@Cruxin]

^

[@andrewmildenberg4210]

I never noticed that the eyes watch Theo (who’s obsessed with his social media presence) and not Madeline. Very cool detail.

[@Luchux177]

The world is based on what the two of them feel and gets combined to create this unholy mess. Theo gets watched by the eyes in a cell he can't escape from and can't hide in, while Madeline runs aimlessly throught this level while avoiding the tendrils that represent her anxiety. It's genious.

[@cloud99vii27]

@@Luchux177 very impressive level design ps. love the propic

[@catalinahoney1]

He is also trapped in this crystal, which is like a showcase where he is exposed by every other people eye

[@loffre4494]

@@Luchux177 i see a fellow kh gamer out here

[@sk4dic]

I believe Theo at one point says that they're watching him

[@dorktrouper1045]

This is why Celeste should have won in the music/score category at the game awards

[@samuelchurch5124]

Yeah, I mean the score in Red Dead Redemption 2 is great, but it's not even in the same ballpark as Celeste.

[@Antasma1]

Us Octopath fans are upset too

[@Megacooltommydee]

I think that if the game came out in the later part of the year, it could have won. Recency bias is more powerful than you think.

[@peppinoandweskerfriendsfor3450]

Speaking of the game awards, remember how cool it was for Celeste to win indie of the year but Ninja of all fucking people revealed it?

[@seantaggart7382]

@@Antasma1 HEY OUTERWILDS FANS ARE UPSET TOO

[@pervertpenguinproductions2425]

I recently noticed that there are "toxic" advertisements in the background of forsaken city, with lines like "are you beach ready" showing the pressure from society on body image and "man up".

[@pervertpenguinproductions2425]

@Margaret Beaver There is another one with a watch saying roughly "It isn't just a watch, it's a statement"

[@flecko5]

I always love when games use recognizable leitmotifs in their soundtracks. Thats what sold me on the soundtracks of Undertale, Ori and of course, Celeste.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

If it weren't for leitmotif this channel would be dead.

[@McRuessel]

You should give Xenoblade Chronicles 2 a try then. :)

[@flecko5]

McRüssel Cool. If you happen to have a copy of Skyrim for the PC( not special edition), you should try out Enderal.

[@serglian8558]

There is this meme channel that does this, SiivaGunner. But some videos are a little too loud

[@kowalski2385]

Your icon...as Jontron said, "If you can't beat em, join em" Queue Jon squatting alongside a bipedal nightmare.

[@TheEuphologist]

To be completely honest, watching this video hyper analyzing the music of the game made we wanna write music of my own mental disorders and I'm really hoping it turns out well.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Wow, I hope so to! Channelling your emotions into art can be a very good thing, not only for your art but your mental health too.

[@cataria3903]

sounds like a great idea! good luck, creative outlets and playing video games are great ways to deal with things in my opinion.

[@willwunsche6940]

Good luck! I hope things are turning out well for you

[@weetabixwarrior8936]

I felt this way too but then I remembered that I can’t write or play music

[@spasticswitcheroo9004]

@Ezra Mann-Thompson I checked his channel out, he began recreating music 3 months ago. Godspeed for him.

[@danielleanderson6371]

This is weirdly off topic, but I have a lot of anxiety over the way my voice sounds on recording. Watching your video helped immensely, because, as it turns out, Lena Raine and I have a similar voice. Hearing someone else like me with this kind of vocal quality is comforting because it made me realize that it actually sounds great. So in a weird way, thank you for that.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

This is beautiful.

[@luciofernandes366]

Will you start singing? I wanna hear

[@danielleanderson6371]

Sadly, no. But I have stressed the creation of many a voicemail message, and sometimes when talking on the phone I hear my voice echo back to me through their speakers. It always stresses me out, because I feel like I don't sound feminine enough, when really I sound perfectly feminine and it's all in my head.

[@0palheart]

as a trans gal it made me feel better too :) i love lena and her voice

[@danielleanderson6371]

I'll come out and say it. I'm trans, too.

[@mistrdevine]

C-SIDE?!?!?!?! OMG I was so proud of myself for finishing B-Side 4 today.

[@shirori2004]

Haha welp. C sides and level 9 kicked my ass.

[@svendinsvinderlin4569]

@@shirori2004 Celeste is one of those games that kick your ass even after you've put hundreds of hours into golden strawberries and modded maps. I still get tense playing chapter 2.

[@i_am_square]

Oh don’t worry, c-sides are only 3 rooms each :)

[@danielemazzali9810]

I loved the music of the "summit" level. It filled me with so mutch energy that i kept play untill the end. It gives you so mutch determination... And the B-side music of "summit", on the other hand, is repetitive, it's like a long ostinato. It's like the music had forgot playing the theme. You don't need a enjoiable music to play It, beats and and ostinato are enought. It makes you concentrated, and no else. It's a good choice.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

This is great!

[@alqaadi9858]

don't know the exact feeling, but i remember time went fast ,like really fast !

[@TheSpyder]

The summit is actually one where the artist they had planned to remix it ended up being unavailable, so Lena did it herself (Kuraine is her sort of experimental alter ego artist handle).

[@danielemazzali9810]

Andrew Herron Wow, Cool, how did you know that?

[@TheSpyder]

I've read just about every interview she has given since the launch of the game, and listened to a few podcast interviews as well 😅 I don't remember which one she mentioned this in. It's clear that "Kuraine" is Lena though - that's her twitter handle, and on her bandcamp page some albums are listed under Kuraine as well.

[@Middle8]

That was fantastic! I really need to play Celeste. I don’t know if you’ve played the first Destiny game, but during a raid there were shifts in the music during intense pivotal moments. It really amped up player anxiety.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

ooo no. I should really cover a shooter on this channel one day!

[@runnerup15]

Hey you guys are a couple of my favorite youtube channels about music! I just wanted to say, keep up the awesome content; you guys rock!

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Middle 8 is the beeeeeest.

[@ddnava96]

Have you covered Metroid Prime 1? The music of that game is frikkin amazing

[@enigma-sama2509]

Middle 8 i have! and wich raid we talking about? Siva? Vex? Crota? Oryx?

[@tobyk5091]

5:29 This means there’s almost never any confusion....” Shows the most confusing and strategical strawberry in the game (in Celestial Resort)

[@Nechrome9]

God I'm getting flashbacks

[@nuffin7411]

Almost never any confusion on how to beat the stage, i. e. reach the end of the room. Strawberries are a whole different beast.

[@coolnineteenfourthreethreesix]

Yeah didnt even try getting that one

[@saixmusic9322]

The worst one

[@blokvader8283]

Im ashamed how many deaths I had there when first playing the game, and then when I went back to get it, I did the same strategy and got it pretty quick. It's not all that hard imo, I was just terrible at the game

[@zemyla]

You went in depth about the buildup in Oshiro's theme without talking about the boss music. That's like ordering a 4 course meal and not eating the dessert. The boss battle is where the payoff for the whole building up is. You also talked about how eustress versus distress is tied into the feeling of control versus the lack of it, and the boss battle is where Oshiro takes control, and you have to avoid him while racing to the exit. And seriously, that boss fight has the best music in the game. There was a little part of me that was glad every time I died to him, because it meant I could listen to the music longer. Aside from that, I loved your video. I definitely didn't know about the backwards whispering in the Mirror Temple music.

[@diamondrhino64]

The scene with the feather always makes me cry. It's a strategy I've started using in my life and I absolutely love it.

[@pedroscoponi4905]

This video here is officially the straw that broke the camel's back - I just _have_ to play Celeste now.

[@sleepysongbirds]

Ayy, it's Proto! Nice icon ;)

[@subprogram32]

Exact same for me!

[@Something_Disgusting]

wish this was on Steam... Edit: OMFG IT'S ON STEAM YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!@

[@thatoneguy9582]

Pedro Scoponi how’d it go

[@naverilllang]

@@Something_Disgusting It's waaaay better on PC. For the simple fact that you wont dash the wrong way.

[@cryanide87]

This was the video that lead me to buy Celeste I must say, _thank_ _you_ it was a unforgettable experience that I will never forget.

[@maple201]

Spoilers ahead: So the part I found most touching is how when you're carrying Theo near the end of the Mirror Temple, the music takes on the same 'sireny' harshness as during the anxiety scene in the cable car, implying that Madeline is in that same emotional state. But she has managed to push through, perhaps by using Theo's technique or perhaps motivated by the mortal danger he faces. Heroism is not fearlessness. Heroism is being terrified but doing it anyway.

[@nup5]

Well said.

[@EatDemWaffles]

Celeste is one of the best games ive played all year, and definitely one of the best platformers ever. I know some people wrote off the story, but I think the message was really important, and I'm glad to hear the impact the game had on you. Resurrections is definitely my favorite song, I cant stop listening to it! I love these videos man, thanks for making them!

[@Arkatox]

Wait, who wrote off the story?

[@NikozBG]

Yea man, Resurrections all the way. Also I think the dream is the best level by design (along with mirror temple first half).

[@miguelangelfernandezhiguer6863]

Demasiado god resurrections

[@LostTomorrows]

This game blew me away on so many levels that I legit haven’t played anything since. Such a raw portrayal of mental illness in such an unconventional way. Perhaps that’s why it’s so effective, as mental illness is anything but convenient. This is one of the best games I’ve experienced, hands down.

[@LieLikesMusic]

Superb explanation of story and use of music! Really got me interested in playing it myself. Would you ever consider making a video about the first Crash Bandicoot game series? One if my all time favorites. Or maybe the first Rayman game for PS1. Some fantastic music on there!

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Crash has some total bops. It was the first game I ever owned, so many hours were put into it. Maybe a video when I inevitably replay the game!

[@the_hoagie5463]

Man I played Celeste like right at the perfect time. I was overwhelmed with school and had only recently been diagnosed with anxiety and this felt like the perfect escape. I was managing my anxiety with something relaxing and challenging, and I fell in love with the game and began to try to 100% it. I 100% agree with you about the music being a crucial part of it. Anyway, near the end of my playthrough, my grandfather (who I was super close to) died and I fell into a deep depression and overworked myself and stressed out wayyy too much. I finally have a free weekend and I decide to try and forget about it and work through the end of the game. And I spent that entire weekend on chapter 9, the farewell. That, more than anything, helped me get through it all. Saying goodbye to Granny in game and Madeline waking up was genuinely the best moment I've ever had in gaming. Thank you, Celeste

[@ZachHixsonTutorials]

Now I have to play this game :)

[@Arkatox]

Yes, you do. :D

[@100billionsubscriberswithn4]

You won't be disappointed!

[@kyliewolfe]

That’s what I thought when I started listening to the music! Was not disappointed

[@geschnitztekiste4111]

Me too :)

[@geschnitztekiste4111]

Me too :)

[@04mnop]

I started playing Celeste about a year ago because of this video and it has grown to be one of my favorite games of all time. It's such a well done video that does the game a perfect justice

[@Nixitur]

I've been lucky enough to never have to deal with anxiety, but that gondola scene always makes me tense or tear up, thanks in no small part to the music. This whole game is so powerful, from start to end, and its soundtrack is no different.

[@DarylTalksGames]

Yes! So glad you did a video on Celeste man, I’ve been really hoping you would. After watching this I feel like Celeste’s soundtrack is one of the few that does more than accentuate the game, it gives it life. Each track works perfectly with each level to make you feel what Madeline feels. Brilliant job as always Matt!

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Thank you! I feel like you really get what I was going for. :) I also enjoyed your Celeste video too!

[@jaedenhillesheim7930]

I found Celeste's OST first in my Spotify reccomendations and fell in love with it

[@FlorianFlorian573]

You know despite chapter nine being a torture experiment, the music is surprisingly calming to me

[@xa-38]

*starts hearing the more intense variation of Professor Layton puzzle music* STRESS LEVELS: 100%

[@meridiasbeacon7669]

This game is the only media that attempts to represent anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses that makes me feel better about the characters and how their imperfections just make them into what they truly are instead of just making me overall angry. Don't you all enjoy TV show #133 about Autistic guy who flails his hands around and depressed person who wants to kill himself and then actually does? Yeah... Me neither... Anxiety, depression and all these are just a part of life you learn to cope with, like Celeste represents. It can make you feel even better at times. When I look back at times when I coped with anxiety I don't feel bad about having it, I feel good that I am going through it despite all this. Celeste is a game that I hold very dearly for it simply catches the essence of what most people with anxiety or depression would like to talk about themselves as but... Just can't express it with words. You can't explain these feelings with words, well technically you can but not properly. You need an interactive experience with it for that. This comment is mostly me rambling about the game but enough of that, I love the game in short. But holy hell your videos are amazing. Everything you do makes me happy. You are one of my favorite channels on this platform, and I'd say that I myself didn't even care much for music before I started watching you. Your content sparked my interest in it and I started composing (or rather trying to...) my own tracks several weeks ago, after watching your video about Breath of The Wild. So uh, been ramblin for long enough, but just wanted to say: Keep up the good work, and I hope to see much more :D

[@brooklynjones4467]

I have really similar feelings about mental health in media and about how this game handles it really well-- it's something beautiful, and an incredibly cathartic experience for me. Being produced by such a small team you really get to feel the heart and the experience of the people who made it. I didn't even need to see interviews with Lena to know that she was composing from her life, the music just encapsulates the feelings and experiences so well and connected with me so perfectly that I could just... tell. This game is really special and I'm so happy that it's gotten the love and attention it deserves.

[@justinprigel2708]

If you'd like a game that handles mental illness with a great deal of care and maturity I recommend looking at Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. The developers worked hand in hand with a mental health institute in London and made maybe the first great game about psychotic disorders.

[@seantaggart7382]

Seriously i have adhd and autism this feels like respect

[@TheGoblinoid]

This is my favorite game of 2018 so far. I just googled her. Wow, not only she's a mind-blowing composer, she's beautiful, she could be a model!

[@MariaNicolae]

It's okay to find someone attractive but don't tell the whole world about it

[@juanmanuelsantamaria2223]

@@MariaNicolae It's okay to express your opinion but don't stomp on others

[@ak0829]

I discovered this game today by trying to look up "celesta" (the instrument) and misspelling it as "celeste"

[@dropfish3109]

Good job, now play this wonderful game.

[@azuraug8693]

Quiet and Falling is my favorite piece besides Ressurections. I love playing Q&F on piano so much, it's so beautiful

[@watson498]

Quiet and Falling is 100% my favorite song in this soundtrack. That piano is so beautiful.

[@pandapies8830]

5:19 Speedrunners: am I a joke to you?

[@seantaggart7382]

@@theroboman727Tasbot: *ZOOM*

[@justinberger5865]

Infinite climbing

[@luciofernandes366]

First of all you're amazing

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Secondly, so are you.

[@june_005]

Game Score Fanfare Thirdly, you're amazing-er

[@Kad1nat]

I have to say this video is well crafted. The narration, visuals, music, transitions and analyzing are all on point. Truly enjoyable to watch!

[@4rmy0celot57]

What I found interesting about the mirror temple's piano is that the piano represents madeline, as it always has, but since the song is nearly only piano, it represents the feeling of being on your own and being lonely. In addition, the synth that accompanies the piano represents an unknown force, one that is strengthened once madeline reaches the mirror and the monsters begin to attack her.

[@rainiiday6216]

I died more in the Celestial Resort than I did on the summit. Those meatballs are evil...

[@Scudge0]

The Shipper especially on the b-sides

[@naenoart]

Brilliant video! The part with the gondola really got to me. I suffer a lot from distress as well and it's very interesting to see a game tackle anxiety in so many different ways… I've seen and heard a lot about Celeste but now I think that I absolutely need to play it :')

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Thank you. 😊 It's definitely worthwhile playing, I love it!

[@TheAdvertisement]

One thing I’m glad about is the new remixes in the b and c sides. Instead of hitting you with the same old music, which can unconsciously bore you as you drill through these difficult stages, it hits you with some fun, upbeat remixes. They connect you back to the game without being the exact same, and none of the remixes are stressful. They range from upbeat, (First Steps B Side) to jazz-like (Quiet and Falling B Side), But they never aim to upset you like in the original game. In fact, the only time the original story uses stressful songs are for story effect. Usually they are only used for cutscenes or for short parts in stages after you’ve already figured out the gimmicks. Even In The Mirror doesn’t stay loud and crashing for long, before it just changes to a slow, still slightly unsettling, backwards version of Quiet and Falling. All in all, the game’s ost encourages you every step of the way, hyping you up when you need it, calming you down when you don’t. Especially during the b sides.

[@madelineonline4214]

This game helped me overcome the negative thoughts about how my anxiety was out of control. It helped me appreciate that I can work with my anxiety to lower the actual stress I feel and sometimes use it to actually help me. WIthout this game I may not have done a lot of the self discovery I did. I have to thank the creators and everyone else involved with the project for the game.

[@lborg027]

This video is incredibly well done. I am blown away!

[@fastmax6292]

Now I know why I mash my keyboard and hit the keys really hard when playing Crypt of the NecroDancer.

[@icebounder]

I came here for the music and started to cry as you explained about the panic attack on the interview with the composer,... thanks for your videos and sincerity. I'll continue to follow you more closely now! Hugs from Brazil *;

[@Barricade2091]

Resurrections is amazing. I love that song. I keep listening to it over and over.

[@DownWithTheSystem00]

Thank you for sharing your research with your video regarding this. Love it and appreciate you doing that and sharing it with us.

[@thegirlwiththecontroller1164]

Celeste is probably a game I won't ever get around to playing, but I have really appreciated your and some other youtuber's analysis of this game and what it does well. Let's me live vicariously through other people when I don't have time to sit down and play! haha. Anyways, I appreciate the look at anxiety through the music, especially since it was such a deliberate choice in this game. Also, just excited to see another video from you! Keep up the awesome work. :)

[@maple201]

Please don't let it languish in your queue forever. It's too beautiful and worthwhile to forget about.

[@Moss_Dude]

Here's something I noticed while playing the C-side of the summit that I haven't really seen anyone mention. I was stuck on one part for quite some time, and I sort of subconsciously noted that the music had kind of died down. Some of the instruments were missing, and it was mostly just the backbeat. Then, I got a really good attempt in, and the music picked up immediately. When I realized that, I started to pay a lot more attention to how the music reacted to things and here's what I found. 1: The music picks up when you make progress (duh.) 2: The music will stay that way for a long time. 3: The music will go back when you pause the game, and you will have to earn it again. I find this fascinating. When you make some progress on a level you were struggling with, the game applauds you and urges you to keep going, and as long as you keep trying as hard as you can (not pausing represents that,) then it will keep encouraging you to just try to get one jump further. Because the game knows that you know you can at least get that far, and it knows that you can get farther if you keep trying.

[@onem0repixel]

What a great job ! Thanks for your work dude

[@queerspaghetti6479]

I love how these videos are always so well made

[@TalysAlankil]

I really love that Celeste and Lena's music in particular are popping up on all my favorite gaming KZbin channels

[@GameScoreFanfare]

I'm so grateful to be introduced to her music through Celeste! Been listening to her new EP Singularity and I love it.

[@thebigbrzezinski3201]

Here's hoping you get around to the Metroid Prime Trilogy at some point. Samus's theme explores the soundtrack the same way the player explores the ruins.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

oof, that's a good way of putting it. I'd love to do Metroid Prime (and Metroid in general), one of my favourite series. I'll get to it soon!

[@AnimeT0getherEU]

Finally someone who understands me. I kept typing in the comments on trailers and reviews that her feelings are literally converted into noise. While people look at graphical quality, i look at the sound. I absolutely love it when games have impacty effects. You can understand more when you relate to it. I also have social problems and i'm aware of it but can't get over it. Simply one of a kind game that you can personally sink into. I wish i could experience it once more as if it was the first time.

[@MusssabM]

Absolutely loved the video!

[@preative8296]

There is one thing you missed. So the eyes watching Theo at the Mirror Temple represents the social media. The Eyes watches Theo just likes the people on social media which constantly watches and judges you for everything you do or have. Sorry for my broken English btw

[@DrigoGstz]

My favorite song by Celeste is Ressurections, Lena Raine put a lot of love in this song, even more if you give the song a meaning

[@johncargille7722]

Man, I never noticed a lot of this playing through Celeste for the first time, but now everything I was feeling makes sense. Great video for a great game!!!

[@guadaestudio9800]

Thank you so much for this videos, well written and produced. I enjoy them all.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Thank you!

[@bobbobkilu]

I haven't watched one of your videos before this, and I have to say, I am really impressed by your editing! And you explain things in a clear simple manner. Very impressed, sub dropped! :D

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Thank you! Glad to have you around. 😊

[@Giraffinator]

I freaking love video game music and this channel

[@GameScoreFanfare]

I freaking love you.

[@Giraffinator]

aww

[@remybernard5222]

Dear Fanfare, you did an excelent job here. Thanks a lot!

[@JONEPUNK]

Happy Birthday to the channel! And thank you lots for your wonderful content

[@0_Cardboard_0]

Sooner or later this channel is going to run into “Kirby Music” And that day will bring joy :)

[@purrspctiv]

Holy shit this game is even more genius than I thought it was

[@envar1]

This is a great video man!

[@Doogs121]

Good Video and glad you had a great description for music and games shown in order

[@jonissues1914]

Wow, I found your channel recently and I can say that your analysis of the music of video games is incredible, definitely a very important aspect and that very few consider, since it has a fundamental role within the unconsciousness of the player, continues with the good work , I'm glad that there is someone who deals with an element so ignored, but that can define a good game PS: you should analyze the music of bloodborne, each theme of that game is a true work of art that stays in your memory forever c:

[@GameScoreFanfare]

I did recently get Bloodborne through PS Plus... turns out it is very hard.

[@Something_Disgusting]

Who remembers Left 4 Dead 2's scores?

[@idixal1836]

I watched your video on BotW's soundtrack a couple months back, and now this, and I 100% agree with your opinions on both of them. Level 2 was really what sold me on the game, and while 50% of that was the amazing platforming and interesting story of the level, the other 50% was just how perfect the music was throughout the whole level. I love that you brought up Resurrections, the panic attack, and even the backwards audio in the Mirror Temple. Subscribed.

[@PkGam]

Excellent video on this game's epic soundtrack!

[@sammyperry3133]

This was a great analysis of the soundtrack and it's links to anxiety! I've suffered from it myself too and that gondola scene was extremely powerful when I first played through it!

[@GameScoreFanfare]

They really nailed that scene.

[@splattim3180]

a video game giving me therapy? dang

[@Hexagonaldonut]

Ah yes, the Mirror Temple. The level with easily the most stressful music I have ever listened to in a game. God I love this game and its soundtrack so much.

[@cheese0827]

Then the b side has smooth jazz

[@Hexagonaldonut]

@@cheese0827 On the one side, you have some of the most stressful music ever composed, and on the other, you have some calm, smooth jazz. One hell of a dichotomy right there. Also the FUCK do you mean it's been *5 years?*

[@FoxMcCloud94]

Awesome video. I really look forward to your videos. They have really taught me to look deeper into the music for alot of the games I play.

[@AlexColfeo]

I've been suffering for anxiety for a while, and each time I feel bad or sad, i come back to this video and this is my safe place, thank you for your work, Celeste is my favorite game and you made me really happy each time I'm down, thank you.

[@AlexColfeo]

Thank you again for being there, you helped me again...

[@jacobdebaker]

Nothing in this game causes more anxiety than trying to get *SPOILER* The golden strawberries. Especially on the B sides

[@clayel1]

Jeez, this music made me wanna cry and I don’t even have anxiety

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Editing on this is SO GOOD!

[@jamesreed620]

Keep it up! You make amazing videos. Not many people I know even like video game music, so these videos are a real treat for me. Thanks

[@nickwallette6201]

I'm not sure I would have ever given this game a second look - doesn't really seem like my type. But, I'm encouraged by how rich and meaningful the music, story, and character development are. There is certainly more to this than your average retro-styled platformer. Games have the potential to be a uniquely immersive art form, and it's great to see developers tapping into that.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Absolutely, it's so much more than a phoned-in platformer.

[@raisie6334]

I agree. But even without the music and character development Celeste would be a great game for its gameplay alone.

[@ksmart1235]

Never heard of this game or played it, but I've heard it shows about mental health and anxiety (I have autism and anxiety).

[@Tralfazz74]

As I've been exploring how to create music, your channel is exactly what I'm looking for. Have my subscription.

[@Crankey239]

Came across this video before I finished the game. Now that I have beaten it I have to say this exceeded my expectations. I can completely relate to the gondola moment as I have a stronger irrational fear of heights and flying compared to most. Your explanation of chapter 3 was enlightening. I really loved how the music pieced together for that chapter in particular. Overall, fabulous analysis.

[@safir2241]

“These glowing space boxes that allow you to dash through them” I call it Mountain Jizz.

[@basicallyjustollie4834]

I’m honestly so sad that I played most of this game with the volume all the way down. I mostly played it in public so I never wanted to bug anyone.

[@karinedely9285]

Merci beaucoup pour ta superbe vidéo ! J'adore le jeu Céleste et ses musiques ❤❤❤. Et tes explications m'ont ouvert les yeux sur la composition de Lena. Ce n'est pas juste une bande son au hasard. C'est une recherche complexe pour aider le joueur à plonger dans le personnage. Merci pour ça. Un vrai petit chef d'oeuvre.

[@dtmuffinman]

Saw this in my feed and freaked out. Favorite game this year and SOOO happy to see you cover it.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

You're welcome! It definitely deserves all its praise.

[@Mordoras1379]

Video for hollow knight ost?

[@subprogram32]

Okay, while this video might have spoiled some of the game's key moments for me, I think this basically solidified my desire to buy this game. I also have anxeity myself, and have had a...difficult relationship with platforming games, so it feels like this would be really relevent for me to play. Especially since Assist Mode can help me out if I need it too.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

ahhh I'm sorry for spoiling it for you. 🙁 I don't think I ruined too much of the experience of the game though. I do think you'll still very much enjoy it.

[@subprogram32]

It's okay, the only thing I could suggest is a spoiler warning at the beggining if you think a vid does go into specific moments like this one did. And also it got me to buy the game so it was a worthwhile watch regardless. :3

[@Arkatox]

There were some superb and essential story moments that were not spoiled by this video. I encourage you to still play it!

[@danielemazzali9810]

Don't worry about difficult plarform here. Like the developer said Celeste is meant to be challenging, but accessibile. Is one of it's point of strength

[@subprogram32]

Exactly yeah. :D

[@noway7891]

so many things that I never realized through my time with this masterpiece of a game. such a great video

[@gameplays_from_hdd]

Thank you! One of my favourite OST

[@Heisenberg2097]

Celeste is beside Cuphead one of the greatest games in the last ten years. So intricate. So careful level design. So challenging. So encouraging. Sometimes so frustrating but never unfair. Just none of these can beat wipEout... but that is a personal thing. THUMBS UP.

[@madelynwhite3448]

oh wowie the main character's name is madeline, sounds like someone i know's name cough cough

[@StarlitWitchy]

We need more main characters named Tessa ehehehe >:)

[@geraldflf]

Great to listen to your own personal emotional developments relating to the music. It's refreshing when any kind essay opens up for the essayist own experience. Thanks for this! Will try to give something back with Patreon :)

[@wf_retro]

What a beautiful video. When you brought up Resurrections, I was so happy. My favorite song from the game. Wonderful job on this :)

[@pikminman13]

I personally feel like game music can be a driving force to keep me going. A hard game with a great soundtrack is my metaphorical cup of tea. It's why I like games like Super Meat Boy, Mega Man, Celeste, and many others so much. Though I will admit, I'm not too much of a fan of most of the Celeste B-Sides. Just not my kind of music usually, I prefer their respective A-Sides more.

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Wow... I have so much to say (many which is quite negative and not very approving of), but all I can definitely tell, is that I realised just how much toxicity has gotten inside me, and how much shit I'm in. Also, after this video, I do think I have some problems with myself. (I'm still feeling negative, so sorry if I write any bad stuff). I never thought there was a term used for "positive stress", and I see how games employ them. Particularly Japanese games (and their composers). You see, music in their games have used (and many are still using) simple stuff like easy time scales, recognisable rhythms (many taken straight out of older media) and easy-to-remember melodies. Now here's the eye rolling part. I'm a very nostalgic person, and you can say rather "conservative" with media (You can see where this is going). I hear and enjoy music, not mainly because what it does musically, rather what it makes me remember (feelings or memories). And having grown on media (Bollywood music) that relies on simple stuff and nostalgic callbacks, this is all the more strong. I've heard music similar to Celeste's in many other places, but I've grown numb to them. "Chill Hip-Hop beats for Study" music is inspired from Nujabes, whose music was used prominently in "Samurai Champloo" to accentuate the show's style and tone. (I personally can't listen to music while working, it's like eating your lunch food and ice cream in the same bite. So they don't help me zone out, it does the opposite ). But this kind of Nujabes music, is then taken by people who don't understand it, and use it for their own thing. I know "same music, different meaning", but I already told you what kind of person that I am. It comes off as (and pardon me), "Hipster trash". Odd time signatures, idiosyncratic rhythms, disjointed melodies. It feels like they don't know what they are doing, and are just making amateurish sounding music along as they go, because they what to "evoke some feelings" and stuff. It sometimes feels disingenuous and "pretentious" . "Why aren't they trying better themselves and follow the people who are making better music?" These is why I (and many others) can't listen to certain subset of music, because of the above reasons. And since many indie games have started to include this kind of music, it's hard to understand what they are trying to say or evoke. I know that they maybe doing some musical gymnastics, but my simple stubborn brain can't comprehend it. (sigh) I'm feeling partially guilty for writing this, as if I have something against these people. I Do Not! But, it's just... I had to write this to get my feelings out somewhere. If you have bear reading this far, you have my sincerest thanks. I apologise speaking my heart out before you did. It's a sign of a great video that you made me write this long. Have a great day.

[@valeoncat13]

"Odd time signatures, idiosyncratic rhythms, disjointed melodies. It feels like they don't know what they are doing, and are just making amateurish sounding music along as they go, because they what to "evoke some feelings" and stuff. It sometimes feels disingenuous and "pretentious" . "Why aren't they trying better themselves and follow the people who are making better music?" " I'd say because the goal is to invoke feelings in the moment, not create masterpieces. Especially when it comes to gaming, you're taking in multitudes of experiences as a whole, so odd choices in music structure can create all sorts of feelings within those multitudes. Also, as far as creation goes, everyone's inspiration and learning method is relative. It's like trying to teach an animator how the old masters did their work. You can acknowledge great works of art and the process that goes into them, but if you grew up around cartoons and comics, the main source of your inspiration and interest will be with cartoons and comics. Especially in this day and age, majority of people cannot make a living from their art. So they are more inclined to make a path their own way thats actually interesting to them, rather than waste time in areas that don't lead to benefit.(same with animators). And that's okay, because there is an audience for everything. And a lot of people are more interested in the feelings of music(and art), than the actual structure and whether or not it's done "right." There's a reason a band like Death Grips has such a huge cult following. And just like the concept of "hipster" it's all relative. You simply don't relate and that's fine.

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Thanks man. I needed this.

[@mastermenthe]

Your self-description sounds like this to me: you have been wired, by nurture or nature or a feedback loop of both, to react to all forms of stress as negative stress, which causes you your sub-conscious to consciously flag the energy-cost stress of automated emotional state-changes mechanics as the result of a negative stress effector regardless of the source's own design, which then adds an additional energy-cost stress to every induced emotional state-change, doubling the energy cost as your mind then automatically hoards and redirects energy to tackle the 'problems' your sub-conscious is 'identifying' when environmental factors such as music interface with automated emotional state-change operators, i.e. pattern-matching audio instincts. Does this sound accurate, or inaccurate, to you?

[@GandalfGreyhame3]

Thanks for putting into words how I’ve always felt about this very special game

[@erinceleste8538]

Great video!! I get major anxiety with games and that often keeps me from playing but I’ve been loving Celeste and this is a great explanation why!!