Ariana Grande and the Subject of Vulnerability in Video Games

grande

Over the past few weeks, I have been on a serious Ariana Grande bender. Though I’ve been a fan of hers since she released the trap-pop bop “Everyday“, her new album Thank U, Next has been playing from front-to-back in my headphones almost non-stop.

As much as I love every song on that album, one cut on the LP particularly stands out. Track 2, titled “needy”, speaks to the very core of how I approach the subject of love word-for-word, as flawed as it might be.

I’ma scream and shout for what I love
Passionate but I don’t give no f****
I admit that I’m a lil’ messed up
But I can hide it when I’m all dressed up
I’m obsessive and I love too hard
Good at overthinking with my heart
How you even think it got this far?

– Ariana Grande, “needy”

Having listened to this song about 100 times in a month, it got me thinking about the medium of video games. Are there any video games that I’ve played that speak to me in that same way? That cut right down to the very core of who I am, warts and all?

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Celeste – Chapter 7: The Summit

This is it! Does Madeline have what it takes to finally reach the peak of Mount Celeste? And what will she do if she gets there?! One more time in the world of Celeste let’s go!

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Celeste – Chapter 6: Reflection

After a lovely fireside chat with Theo, Madeline directly confronts Part of Me. Is she making the right choice by attempting to divorce herself from her other half? Join me for the penultimate level in Celeste!

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Celeste: Chapter 5 – Mirror Temple

Even after numerous fails and getting stuck for far longer than I should, we found the strength within to power through the Mirror Temple in Celeste!

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Celeste – Chapter 4: Golden Ridge

This windy level in Celeste culminates in one of the most crucial scenes in the game! Breathe!

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Celeste – Chapter 3: Celestial Resort

We come across Mr. Oshiro and his hotel in third chapter of Celeste! I love how the mess in the hotel and the bags strewn about represent the emotional baggage that keeps Mr. Oshiro tied down to this hotel. One of the best levels in the game with phenomenal music that builds up with crazy drum solos!

I apologize for the encoder crapping out towards the end of this clip, which threw my voice out of sync. Still trying to sort through that issue, but I think I’m getting closer to squashing it once and for all!


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Celeste – Chapter 2: Old Site

We meet the “pragmatic” side of Madeline in this dreamy second chapter of Celeste! This level has some of my favourite music in all of video games, as well as the awesome chase sequence!


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Celeste – Chapter 1: Forsaken City

After climbing the mountain a year ago, I return to the base of Mount Celeste to do it all over again! We start our journey in the spike-filled Forsaken City. Join me in this new adventure through Celeste!

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Celeste – “Resurrections” Cover by Katherine Cordova

Part of what make’s the Celeste experience so special is its music. Blending 8-bit chip tune sounds and melodies with acoustic instruments and complex composition makes for a soundtrack that is lush, beautiful, and evocative, all while perfectly setting the tone for the action.

My favourite song of the bunch is “Resurrections”, the track played during the 2nd level of the game. Its melancholy vibe that builds into a panic is one I haven’t stopped listening to long after I set the game aside. The song is particularly effective at being my soundtrack to the moments where I find myself “in my feelings“, as Drake would say. In fact, it’s quickly skyrocketed towards the top of my all-time favourite video game songs list, and may someday reside at the very top. [Note to self, make an all-time favourite video game songs list]

Recently, I discovered this cover of the song performed by Katherine Cordova. Stripping away the synthesizers and downbeat drums, she performs the song with just the piano and still makes it feel just as haunting as the original. I can’t stop listening to this, so I thought I’d share!


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