The indie game, Celeste, is about a woman named Madeline who decides to conquer an unforgiving mountain -- the titular Celeste in British Columbia. Each section in the game is a part of her struggle to climb the mountain, and as the journey unfolds, Madeline comes across many people going through their own life journeys. She helps them through their trials and learns new things about herself.

It quickly becomes apparent that Madeline's drive to conquer the mountain is a metaphor for her anxiety and depression. People afflicted with anxiety and depression know the barriers that can build up if they go unchecked. These barriers can prevent people from achieving their goals. A poor self-image and diminishing one's self-worth are also symptoms of unchecked anxiety and depression. Madeline and her quest to climb Celeste are important for people struggling with these afflictions because within her journey are many poignant takeaways, coping mechanisms, and realizations.

RELATED: Disc Room Is a Punishing Roguelike Full of Spinning Blades & Puzzles

Celeste Journey

When her journey begins, the player isn't given much information on Madeline's motivations for doing what she's doing. All that's known is that she wants to climb this mountain, and she's nervous about it. She meets a jeering old lady at the base, who warns Madeline that the mountain will show her things she might not be ready to see. This is certainly true for anyone embarking on a journey of healing and introspection.

After a substantial bit of climbing, Madeline meets Theo, an amateur photographer with a positive outlook from Seattle. Theo is genuinely pleasant and comforting. He is repeatedly complimenting Madeline and encouraging her. The two quickly become friends, and Theo does precisely what a good friend should do: he lifts Madeline up by being supportive and understanding. When Madeline tells Theo she means to reach the summit, he is very supportive, but her anxiety and insecurities kick in nonetheless. Madeline becomes unsure of her choice, but Theo keeps the positivity going.

RELATED: This Upcoming Indie Puts a Lovecraftian Spin on the Metroidvania

Later in her journey, Madeline meets Mr. Oshiro. He is a ghost who refuses to acknowledge his Celestial Resort Hotel is long since closed, and he sees Madeline as a potential customer and guest. Mr. Oshiro's inability to accept the past and move on is undoubtedly reminiscent of that little voice inside that refuses to let things go. This is another big issue with people who struggle with anxiety and depression.

Celeste Summit

In this chapter, Madeline's inner dark self, Badeline, loses her temper on Mr. Oshiro. She yells at him to let his hotel go because there will never be more guests. Though Mr. Oshiro needs to hear this, it isn't said to him in an understanding way, so he loses his temper, telling Madeline to leave. Badeline plays the role of antagonist for most of the story, chasing Madeline through various levels. Eventually, as anyone with inner turmoil should do, Madeline stops running and faces Badeline.

RELATED: Cursed to Golf Mixes a Retro Side-Scrolling Adventure With Golf

Through the confrontation with Badeline, Madeline realizes that she can't run from her every time. Because Badeline is a part of her, Madeline understands that she needs to speak with her and find out why she is so angry. It turns out Badeline isn't mad at all. Instead, she's scared, and she thinks she's protecting Madeline by forcing her to run away from problems. This moment in the game is incredibly emotional because Madeline accepts herself, the good parts and the bad.

By working in harmony with her choices and emotions, Madeline becomes stronger because she and Badeline are in sync. The final sections in the game, leading to the summit, are not possible without the help of Badeline, so the two of them working as one is Madeline overcoming her last barrier: herself. Conquering the Celeste mountain is rewarding because Madeline is also conquering her fears and doubts. As such, Celeste shows the world that anything is possible with the proper treatment and the right friends and support network.