In June 2023, the gaming community was introduced to a unique and intriguing game called Baby Steps. Upon viewing its reveal, many gamers, including myself, were left in a state of bewilderment and curiosity. After over three decades of gaming experience, it’s rare to encounter a game that truly stands out with a fresh concept. Baby Steps did exactly that, sparking a mental debate within me: is this a novelty that can sustain interest, or does it lack substance? However, after dedicating an hour to playing the game, I found myself thoroughly engaged and eager to explore more.
The game begins with a brief introduction, placing you in the shoes of a character named Nate, a grown man who still resides at home. Without much preamble, you are thrust into the game’s world, tasked with learning how to walk and navigating through a cave that serves as the tutorial stage. The primary objective is clear: journey toward a distant mountain, visible from the outset, marking your endpoint in this open-world adventure.
A Journey to the Unknown
Unlike many games that separate vast landscapes with cut-scenes or distinct hub areas, Baby Steps offers a continuous, uninterrupted journey toward your geographic goal. This concept immediately captured my attention as it required real-time progression, step by step. Bennett Foddy, one of the creative minds behind Baby Steps, shared insights into the game’s development, explaining that it initially began on a much smaller scale. However, the decision to expand the world to a 100-meter-wide level opened up new gameplay opportunities, demanding strategic route-finding and careful foot placement.
Exploring the Vast World
As I became accustomed to the game’s expansive world, I found myself deviating from the direct path, drawn to a distant carousel that piqued my interest. In Baby Steps, there are no maps or waypoints to guide you. Instead, players rely on distant campfires as markers indicating the general direction to head toward. The game’s tactile experience is enhanced by the DualSense controller, which provides feedback for various textures underfoot, such as mud, puddles, sticks, and stones, creating a satisfying sensory experience.
Foddy also highlighted an experimental music system integrated with the game’s walking simulation, adding depth to the storyline crafted around Nate’s circumstances. As I ventured through a peculiar, seemingly deserted carnival, I encountered my first challenge: conquering medium to medium-high ledges and slippery surfaces. A mysterious object atop the carousel beckoned, compelling me to learn how to maneuver Nate’s legs effectively to reach it. Although it took only a minute or two, the sense of accomplishment was akin to defeating a formidable boss in other games. The reward? A simple hat that held surprises best discovered by the player.
Collectibles and Exploration
Baby Steps is replete with numerous collectibles scattered throughout the world, each contributing to the overall journey. While they won’t enhance your walking abilities, they add an element of exploration and discovery. The developers emphasize that the game caters to players of all skill levels, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The open-world design allows players to recover from setbacks by exploring alternative points of interest or stumbling upon unexpected encounters.
Foddy acknowledged his past success with challenging games that didn’t deter players and expressed the team’s intention to create a game that appears difficult but offers a relaxed gameplay experience. There are no checkpoints, no possibility of dying, and no fast travel options. The only progression is your ability to walk and the changing terrain. While the game has a storyline with a definite conclusion, players can continue exploring even after completing the narrative.
Unraveling Nate’s Story
Much like other open-world games, the depth of the story and character development in Baby Steps depends on the player’s willingness to explore and uncover more about Nate’s world. Initially, Nate might seem like a mere vessel for exploration, but as you delve deeper, cryptic notes and discoveries reveal more about his mysterious circumstances, sparking curiosity about the who, what, where, when, and why.
During my gameplay, I encountered a handful of supporting characters, some of whom could easily be missed. Each discovery and interaction provided new threads to follow, encouraging further exploration. I inquired about the potential deeper meaning behind Nate’s journey, questioning whether it was simply about achieving a goal or if there was a more profound subtext. Foddy humorously likened Nate’s struggles to universal human experiences of feeling awkward or clumsy, with a hint of aspiration for Nate’s impressive physical prowess.
An Unexpected Delight
I didn’t anticipate being so captivated by a game where each step presents a challenge, yet Baby Steps managed to hold my attention. The willingness to invest time in reaching seemingly out-of-reach items or investigating distant structures became a testament to the game’s allure. Although the world of Baby Steps remains largely uncharted, I eagerly anticipate discovering where my feet will take me next.
In conclusion, Baby Steps presents a unique and engaging experience in the gaming world, offering a blend of exploration, strategy, and discovery. With its open-world design and emphasis on player choice, it invites you to embrace the journey, relish in the tactile feedback, and uncover the surprises that await. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the gaming realm, Baby Steps promises an adventure worth embarking on.
For more information on Baby Steps, you can visit the original article on the PlayStation Blog: PlayStation Blog.
For more Information, Refer to this article.
