When Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy exploded onto the scene, it introduced the world to a peculiar brand of masochistic platforming. The sheer absurdity of a man in a cauldron flailing his way up a jumbled mess of objects captivated many, proving that even the most seemingly nonsensical concepts could find an audience. Now, Baby Steps emerges, a game that looks equally bizarre, prompting the question: is this just another fleeting novelty, or can it truly stand on its own wobbly legs? Having finally taken those first, tentative steps myself, I can confirm it’s a delightful, bewildering, and at times, maddening blend of both – and in the best possible way.
The Call of the Wild, One Stumble at a Time
The premise of Baby Steps is deceptively simple: climb a mountain. Yet, this isn’t your typical vertical trek through barren landscapes. The mountain itself, and the sprawling areas surrounding its base, are teeming with secrets, charmingly odd characters, and unexpected detours. From eccentric hikers to peculiar creatures, the world is alive with personality, and the journey to reach those distant, intriguing landmarks is where the true magic unfolds. The developers have masterfully crafted a world that begs to be explored, and I found myself constantly sidetracked, drawn in by the allure of the unknown. The urge to veer off the beaten path, to investigate a peculiar glint in the distance or to strike up a conversation with a quirky NPC, is irresistible. This is a game where the pilgrimage is unequivocally the destination.
The Art of the Awkward Amble
At its core, Baby Steps is a game about walking and climbing. If you haven’t witnessed any gameplay footage prior to diving in, the initial concept might sound, dare I say, dull. However, the reality is anything but. It’s a surprisingly engaging, frequently challenging, and occasionally infuriating experience. You control Nate, a lone man, by meticulously maneuvering his legs, one at a time. The freedom to move each limb in any direction is intoxicating, but it demands a delicate balance. Overextend a step, misjudge a stride, or simply trip over your own feet, and down you go. And believe me, you will fall. Often.
There are moments of sublime rhythm, where your steps flow perfectly, only to be shattered by an errant twig, a hidden dip in the terrain, or an unfortunate collision with a rogue boulder. And if you happen to be teetering precariously close to a cliff edge when gravity reasserts its dominance, prepare for a long, disheartening tumble all the way back to the base. This inherent harshness could easily be a deal-breaker, but within the context of Baby Steps, it surprisingly fuels a deeper resolve. Instead of despair, I found myself motivated to try again, to strategize a new approach, and to discover what new secrets lay hidden on the revised ascent.
A Symphony of Stumbles and Scenery
Visually, Baby Steps presents a curious dichotomy. Developed by a small team, the ambition to create a fully 3D, somewhat realistic environment is commendable. However, this ambition occasionally clashes with the available resources, resulting in a visual presentation that, while functional, can feel somewhat generic. The character models are passable, exhibiting a touch of jankiness, and the environments, while vast, sometimes feel a little sparse. Yet, there are moments where the game opens up, revealing great vistas that make the effort worthwhile. For the game’s overall vision, the visuals serve their purpose, but they aren’t likely to be the primary reason you’ll remember this game.
Baby Steps shines in its audio design and soundtrack. The ambient sounds of nature, the satisfying thump of a successful step, the jarring clatter of a fall, and the wonderfully curated soundtrack combine to create an immersive and enjoyable hiking experience. Even when faced with the frustration of yet another plummet down the mountainside, the music and soundscape continue to elevate the journey, transforming potential despair into a persistent, cheerful pursuit.
The Long and Winding Road to Success
Ultimately, Baby Steps is not a game for everyone. Many will likely find more amusement watching streamers grapple with its eccentricities than enduring the trials themselves. However, if you can look past the somewhat unpolished visuals and approach the game with a patient mindset, embracing the slow pace and the joy of exploration, you might just find yourself utterly captivated. Yes, there will be moments of pure rage as you miss that crucial last step before sailing off a precipice. But like life itself, there’s an inherent satisfaction in picking yourself back up, dusting yourself off, and beginning the wobbly ascent anew.
Leave a Reply