Badeline Tech

Lore & Background

The narrative of Celeste 64: Fragments of the Mountain centers on Madeline reuniting with Badeline atop a floating island. When Badeline questions why they endure hardship instead of remaining happy, Madeline responds that she does not need to justify her actions because 'at the end of the day, it feels right.' This interaction defines their relationship as one of acceptance rather than corporate affiliation. The source explicitly states that many people from the original 2018 game returned for this project, including composer Lena Raine who created a new soundtrack inspired by Super Mario 64 and Sunshine. The game's setting is an abandoned city acting as an open world where Madeline can run, jump, wall climb, and dash. There are no references to engineering firms or family legacies of technology; the only 'legacy' mentioned involves Granny questioning Madeline about a book she is writing.

In Their Own Story

Upon arriving in the abandoned Forsaken City within Celeste 64, Madeline is greeted by Granny, who questions her motivations for returning. Initially claiming she wants to reminisce, Madeline later reveals to Granny that she plans on making a 'big step' in her life. Granny reassures her and suggests speaking with her 'other Part of You,' referring to Badeline. Later, Madeline encounters Theo atop a tall building; he mentions doing photography for an art gallery and reveals he has set Madeline up with his sister, Alex. Through their conversation, it is discovered that Alex is mentioned in the book Madeline is writing. The story culminates on a floating island where Madeline reunites with Badeline, affirming that she is allowed to be afraid, which leads to Badeline's acceptance of returning with her.

Reader's Guide

Players controlling Madeline can utilize ground dashes and mid-air dashes, though only one dash is available before recharging by touching the ground. Collectibles include green gems that refill the dash without touching the ground and purple gems that grant a second consecutive mid-air dash. A feather power-up allows floating to cross large gaps. The game features thirty strawberries located across the environment and in secret levels accessible via hidden cassette tapes, which act as platforming challenges. Checkpoint flags are scattered throughout to respawn the player upon death. For optimal control, developers recommend using a controller rather than a keyboard, as critics have described the keyboard controls as 'clunky' and 'fiddly' for precise movements. The game runs on Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows.

Did You Know?

• Celeste 64 was developed during a week-long game jam to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the original 2018 game.
• The decision to create 3D gameplay came from art director Pedro Medeiros de Almeida investigating the Quake level editor TrenchBroom.
• Madeline can perform a 'dash jump' by dashing on the ground and then jumping to reach farther distances.
• The game includes thirty strawberries for collection, with secret levels accessible via hidden cassette tapes acting as control challenges.