The much anticipated Chapter 9 DLC for Celeste will feature over 100 levels. Celeste released last year to massive critical acclaim. Its Metacritic score is 94, putting it as one of the highest rated games of 2018.
A number of factors can be attributed to Celeste’s popularity. The first is that the game is very challenging, but always motivating. Cuphead follows a similar style, where the levels are extremely hard, but you rarely feel like the end is truly unattainable. Celeste’s one screen platforming puzzles always tests the player’s reflexes and quick thinking. It’s a well designed title. The story has been received well. Throughout the game’s eight chapters, players gain insight into the characterization of Madeline, and her internal journey as she climbs Celeste Mountain. Of course, the soundtrack is also memorable.
Matt Thorson, developer of Celeste, Tweeted an update for the Chapter 9 DLC. According to Thorson, Chapter 9: Farewell will have over 100 levels. Sadly, he didn’t provide a release date.
Details for Chapter 9: Farewell were given back in January. The DLC will feature the hardest levels yet. (Yes, likely even harder than the infamous C-Sides.) The levels will not contain any B-Sides or collectible Strawberries. New items and mechanics will appear. Also, it is going to be free on all systems Celeste is played on. The Celeste Twitter offered a new update in April, saying the DLC would not be ready that month. However, development was nearing its conclusion. The Celeste Twitter also said the physical edition from Limited Run Games would be delayed so it could release with the DLC.
Clearly, Chapter 9: Farewell is going to be much more than simple DLC. Those worried Chapter 9 would not feature any story can rest easy. Thorson said in May the original plan was not to include any story, but that changed. It will be interesting to see where the story takes Madeline. There will also be a bunch of new music tracks, according to composer Lena Raine. If you were interested in playing the B-Sides and C-Sides in Celeste, Chapter 9 offers a great incentive to do so. One is certainly going to need the practice.
