Baby Steps Features Among the Most Impactful Decisions I Have Ever Faced in Gaming

I've dealt with some difficult decisions in gaming. Several of my selections in Life is Strange remain on my mind. Ghost of Tsushima's ending section led me to put my controller down for around ten minutes while I considered my choices. I am the cause of numerous Krogan demises in Mass Effect that I regret deeply. Not one of those instances measure up to what could be the toughest selection I've faced in interactive media — and it involves a massive stairway.

Baby Steps, the latest game from the makers of Ape Out game, is not really a selection-based adventure. At least not in any traditional sense. You must navigate a expansive environment as the main character Nate, a onesie-wearing manchild who can struggle to remain on his wobbly legs. It looks like an exercise in frustration, but Baby Steps game’s strength comes from its surprisingly deep narrative that will catch you off guard when it's most unexpected. There’s no moment that demonstrates that power like a pivotal decision that I can’t stop thinking about.

Spoiler Warning

A bit of context is needed at this point. Baby Steps begins as Nate is magically whisked away from his parents’ basement and into a magical realm. He quickly discovers that navigating this world is a challenge, as years spent as a couch potato have deteriorated his physical condition. The physical comedy of it all comes from gamers directing Nate step by step, trying to maintain his balance.

Nate needs help, but he has trouble voicing that to others. As he progresses, he encounters a group of unusual individuals in the world who everyone tries to give him a hand. A composed outdoorsman tries to give Nate a guide, but he awkwardly refuses in the game’s most hilarious scene. When he drops into an trapping cavity and is given a way out, he attempts to act casual like he doesn’t need the help and truly prefers to be stuck in the hole. As the plot unfolds, you see numerous irritating episodes where Nate creates additional difficulties because he’s not confident enough to receive help.

The Ultimate Choice

This culminates in Baby Steps game’s one true moment of decision. As Nate approaches the conclusion his quest, he finds that he must reach the summit of a frosty elevation. The de facto groundskeeper of the world (who Nate has desperately tried to duck up to this point) shows up to let him know that there are two routes to the top. If he’s prepared for difficulty, he can opt for a particularly extended and risky path called The Obstacle. It is the most intimidating challenge Baby Steps game includes; choosing it looks risky to any human.

But there’s a second option: He can merely climb a massive winding stairs as an alternative and arrive at the peak in just moments. The only caveat? He’ll have to refer to the caretaker “Lord” from now on if he chooses the simple path.

A Difficult Selection

I am completely earnest when I say that this is an agonizing choice in context. It’s all of Nate’s insecurities about himself culminating in one absurd moment. Part of Nate’s journey is centered around the truth that he’s self-conscious of his body and his masculinity. Each instance he sees that handsome trekker, it’s a hard reminder of all he lacks. Taking on The Manbreaker could be a time where he can show that he’s as competent as his imagined opponent, but that route is sure to be laden with more awkward mishaps. Is it justified suffering just to prove a point?

The staircase, on the other hand, give Nate another big moment to choose whether to take assistance or not. The user doesn't get to decide in whether or not they turn away a map, but they can opt to give Nate a break and opt for the steps. It should be an straightforward selection, but Baby Steps is remarkably shrewd about creating doubt whenever you find a gift horse. The game world contains intentional pitfalls that change a secure way into a difficulty instantly. Is the staircase yet another trap? Might Nate arrive all the way to the top just to be fooled by a final joke? And more troubling, is he ready to be diminished once again by being made to address an odd character as Lord?

No Correct Answer

The brilliance of that instant is that there’s no right or wrong answer. Each path brings about a authentic instance of character development and emotional release for Nate. If you choose to tackle The Obstacle, it’s an philosophical victory. Nate finally gets a opportunity to demonstrate that he’s as capable as anyone else, consciously choosing a challenging way rather than suffering through one that he has no alternative but to take. It’s challenging, and perhaps unwise, but it’s the dose of confidence that he needs.

But there’s no shame in the steps too. To choose that path is to eventually enable Nate to take support. And when he does so, he discovers that there’s no hidden trick waiting for him. The steps are not a joke. They go on for a long time, but they’re simple to climb and he does not fall completely down if he trips. It’s a straightforward ascent after extended challenges. Partway through, he even has a conversation with the trekker who has, of course, opted for The Manbreaker. He tries to play it cool, but you can see that he’s exhausted, quietly regretting the unnecessary challenge. By the time Nate gets to the top and has to fulfill his obligation, calling the character Lord, the arrangement scarcely looks so bad. Who has concern for humiliation by this freak?

My Experience

When I played, I opted for the stairs. Part of me just {wanted to call