Baby Steps
" Innovative action-adventure with physics-based leg control but high difficulty and punishing falls "
Baby Steps Review
Baby Steps is an indie game developed by Bennett Foddy, Maxi Boch, and Gabe Cuzzillo, blending challenging physics-based walking mechanics with a deeply emotional and philosophical narrative. Players control Nate, a socially anxious shut-in who must relearn to walk through surreal, dreamlike landscapes filled with environmental puzzles and symbolic obstacles. The gameplay requires precise control of each leg, creating a unique, often frustrating but rewarding experience reminiscent of "Getting Over It." The open-world design offers multiple paths, optional challenges, and hidden cutscenes, encouraging exploration and perseverance.
Beyond its mechanical difficulty, the game explores themes of depression, self-esteem, abuse, and personal growth, conveyed through improvised dialogue and atmospheric audio design. Many players found the story surprisingly heartfelt, with Nate's struggles resonating deeply. While some criticize the game’s crude humor and occasional punishing segments, the overall reception praises its originality, emotional impact, and thoughtful design, making it a memorable and transformative gaming experience.
Highlights
Players highly praise the innovative and challenging gameplay mechanics, especially the nuanced leg control and physics that simulate the difficulty of walking and climbing.
The open-world level design is lauded for its variety, allowing multiple routes and optional challenges that cater to different skill levels.
The storyline and character development receive acclaim for their depth, emotional resonance, and authentic improvised dialogue.
Additionally, the audio design—ambient sounds and experimental music—enhances immersion and reflects the protagonist's journey.
Overall, the game is celebrated for turning frustration into a meaningful lesson on persistence and self-compassion.
Criticisms
Some players find the game's punishing difficulty and physics-based randomness frustrating, particularly during longer climbs or when falling causes significant setbacks.
The crude humor and visual design can be off-putting to some, with occasional awkward or nonsensical elements.
Several reviews mention the lack of clear guidance or rewards for optional challenges, which may lead to tedious backtracking.
The music is divisive, described as experimental or unpleasant by some, though optional.
Camera control issues and occasional technical rough edges were also noted but are generally minor.
Pros
- • Innovative physics-based leg control creates a unique gameplay experience.
- • Open-world design with multiple paths encourages exploration and replayability.
- • Emotional and relatable narrative exploring mental health and personal growth.
- • Improvised dialogue adds authenticity and humor to character interactions.
- • Atmospheric audio design enhances immersion and mood.
- • Fair and honest difficulty that rewards patience and skill mastery.
- • Optional challenges provide satisfying tests of player persistence.
Cons
- • High difficulty and punishing falls can cause frustration.
- • Crude humor and some visual elements may alienate players.
- • Lack of explicit rewards for side challenges can feel unrewarding.
- • Experimental music is polarizing and may detract from experience.
- • Camera angles occasionally hinder gameplay during complex climbs.
- • Physics sometimes cause unpredictable character collapses.
- • Some side quests are very difficult or tedious to complete.
Rating Criteria
Play as Nate, an unemployed failson with nothing going for him, until one day he discovers a power he never knew he had… putting one foot in front of the other.