Celeste 2: Lani's Trek – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Celeste 2: Lani's Trek

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2021Platform, Indie

82%

WISE Score

A tiny, free browser platformer about hiking a mountain—made in 72 hours as a love letter to the Celeste community.

Celeste 2: Lani's Trek

game

2021, Platform, Indie

82%

WISE Score

A tiny, free browser platformer about hiking a mountain—made in 72 hours as a love letter to the Celeste community.

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Where to Play

PC/Steam

Screenwise Verdict

This is basically a palate cleanser in game form—a tiny, free, wholesome platformer that you can finish in 20 minutes. Made in three days for Celeste's anniversary, it's more of a heartfelt fan project than a full game, but that's exactly its charm.

No purchases, no ads, no chat, no nonsense. Just you, a mountain, and some retro pixel art. The original Celeste is a masterpiece about mental health and perseverance; this is the chill little sibling who just wants to go for a hike.

It won't change your kid's life, but it's a genuinely nice way to spend 20 minutes. If your kid likes platformers and you want something that won't cost you a dime or rot their brain, this is a solid pick. Just know that it's short and simple—think of it as a snack, not a meal.

Age Fit

Best for kids 6+ who have some platforming experience and can handle a bit of trial-and-error. Teens and adults who loved the original Celeste will appreciate it as a nostalgic tribute, but it's accessible enough for younger players too.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A gentle, non-violent platformer about hiking around a mountain. Made by Maddy Thorson (creator of the original Celeste) as a three-day tribute project. The Celeste series is known for handling themes of mental health with care and kindness. This sequel maintains that wholesome spirit in a simpler, more accessible package with no combat, just exploration and movement.

Imaginative

Built in Pico-8 (a fantasy console that mimics retro gaming limitations), which gives it a charming, creative aesthetic. The platforming mechanics invite experimentation and exploration around the mountain environment. However, as a three-day game jam project, it's inherently smaller in scope than a full release—more of a bite-sized creative exercise than an expansive imaginative world.

Safe

Extremely safe. No in-game purchases, no loot boxes, no online chat. Users can interact but only in the sense of playing the game itself. The original Celeste is rated PEGI 7 for mild violence (laser boss fights), but this sequel appears to be even gentler—just hiking and platforming. No concerning content, no monetization tricks, no social manipulation. Free browser game with zero predatory elements.

Enriching

Platformers build hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and perseverance through challenge. The Celeste series is particularly known for its assist modes and accessibility, teaching kids that struggling is part of learning. As a tribute game, it's a love letter to the community and demonstrates how games can be made quickly with constraints. That said, it's a small project—enriching in the moment but not deeply educational or transformative.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Zero cost, zero ads, zero purchases—just pure gameplay in your browser
Gentle, non-violent premise (you're literally just hiking) with charming retro Pico-8 graphics
From the creator of Celeste, a game beloved for its empathy around mental health and perseverance
Platforming mechanics teach spatial reasoning and the value of trying again after failure
Short enough to complete in one sitting—great for kids with limited screen time

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What to Watch For

Platformers can be frustrating; young kids (under 6) may struggle with the precision required
It's a game jam project, so don't expect the polish or depth of a full release
No tutorial or hand-holding—kids need to figure out the controls through experimentation

Conversation Starters

"What was the hardest part of climbing the mountain? How did you figure it out?"
"This game was made in just three days! What would you make if you had three days to build something?"
"How does it feel different to play a game about hiking instead of fighting?"
"Do you want to try the original Celeste now, or was this enough mountain climbing for you?"

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Related Guides

Why Celeste Is More Than Just a Platformer: A Parent's Guide

How this indie game tackles anxiety, depression, and self-acceptance through challenging gameplay.

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