"Baby Steps": A Journey of Frustration and Perseverance in Gaming

Introduction

Baby Steps, the latest title from Bennett Foddy—co-creator of cult classics like QWOP and Getting Over It—aims to redefine the "walking simulator" genre. Combining elements from popular games like Death Stranding and other frustrating platformers, it presents players with a quirky yet challenging adventure filled with obstacles that test not just skill, but patience and determination.

The Unique Gameplay Experience

In Baby Steps, players control a pudgy, middle-aged character clad in long underwear through a surreal mountainous landscape. The unique control scheme allows movement only through careful manipulation of individual legs, using shoulder triggers. The game’s design demands precise positioning, turning every step into a calculated risk. Players quickly realize that mastering this oversensitive control system is essential to progress, as a single misstep can lead to hilarious—and often frustrating—falls.

The gameplay progresses as players find a rhythm to their movements, achieving a "zen-like" state where each action feels deliberate. Ramping up in complexity, the terrain transitions from mild slopes to treacherous cliffs and slippery surfaces, effectively heightening the stakes. These changes compel players to constantly adapt their strategies, mirroring the game’s underlying theme of resilience.

Narrative and Emotional Engagement

As players navigate through whimsical environments, they will encounter cutscenes featuring fellow hikers, whose surreal antics add an element of humor and self-awareness to the storyline. The character’s evolution throughout the game is surprisingly poignant, suggesting deeper themes of self-discovery and the beauty of perseverance.

“There’s an old saying that life is not about how many times you fall down but how many times you get back up.”

This sentiment resonates throughout the game, exemplified in the character’s tumble through the whimsical terrain—1,000 falls lead to a singular sense of achievement upon finally overcoming a challenging section.

Challenges and Game Design Philosophy

While the core gameplay encourages exploration and mastery, it can be punishing. Players may face severe setbacks, as falling can result in losing significant progress—without checkpoints to soften the blow. This design choice echoes Foddy’s previous work, which thrived on balancing frustration with rewarding moments of success.

“This is a game that stands proudly against a lot of modern game design trends…”

By rejecting conventional gaming mechanics that ease progression, Baby Steps challenges players to find their path without overt guidance. While the absence of an in-game map or clear indicators may frustrate some, it also enhances the exploration aspect. Players are encouraged to find alternative routes and hidden gems, rewarding their patience and exploration with beautiful vistas.

Is It Fun?

Describing Baby Steps merely as "fun" oversimplifies the experience. The game blends humor with arduous challenges, resulting in laughter amid frustration. Yet, it’s the emotional weight of the journey that stays with you—the sense of resilience, the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, and the humor woven into the chaos are what create a memorable experience.

“More than ‘fun,’ my time with Baby Steps felt meaningful in a way few games do.”

Rather than rote achievement, Baby Steps places value on the joy found in the struggle.

Conclusion

Baby Steps may not offer immediate gratification, but its intricate design and thought-provoking challenges cultivate an experience unique to modern gaming. It urges players to embrace the process of falling and rising again, making it a testament to perseverance. As players traipse through the unconventional world of Baby Steps, they are reminded of the beauty of the journey—regardless of how many times they stumble along the way.

Ultimately, Baby Steps is a celebration of the human spirit—one that persists, no matter how treacherous the ascent may be.