Bennett Foddy, the developer notorious for punishingly difficult games like Getting Over It and QWOP, has struck again. This time, in collaboration with Gabe Cuzzillo and Maxi Boch (the minds behind Ape Out ), he’s delivered Baby Steps, a platformer where the simple act of walking becomes an exercise in frustration – and surprising comedy.
The Premise: Walking is Harder Than It Looks
The game puts you in control of Nate, a man inexplicably stranded in the wilderness after being kicked out of his parents’ basement. The core mechanic? Controlling each leg independently using the controller’s triggers. This isn’t just a matter of pressing a button to move. You must carefully lift each foot, lean Nate forward, and plant it down, making every step a deliberate, awkward process.
The difficulty isn’t just in the movement itself; it’s in sustaining it. Players inevitably fall into a rhythm, only to overthink their motor controls and tumble helplessly. The game offers no sympathy, forcing players to slowly, painstakingly claw their way back up.
Obstacles Designed for Maximum Suffering
As if walking wasn’t challenging enough, the game layers on increasingly absurd obstacles. Stairs, ladders, and muddy slopes become monumental hurdles. Scaling a mountain only to slip on a slick rock and plummet back down is a recurring experience. Baby Steps doesn’t just test skill; it tests patience.
The Humor: Suffering Has Never Been So Funny
Despite the brutality, Baby Steps is genuinely hilarious. Nate’s character design – a man in a stained onesie with no shoes and an exaggerated rear end – is a constant source of visual gags. The game’s writing is equally absurd, featuring awkward encounters with strange characters who suffer from crippling social anxiety. The voice acting, reminiscent of Tim and Eric: Awesome Show, Great Job!, is perfectly timed and bizarrely endearing.
The game encourages exploration, hiding quirky rewards (hats that unlock backstory segments) off the beaten path. This adds to the humor, as players will risk progress for another dose of the game’s absurd cutscenes.
Soundscape: Jazz and Wilderness Combine
The game’s soundtrack, crafted by Maxi Boch, blends sparse percussive music with natural sound effects (wind, dog barks, crickets). This creates a surreal atmosphere, emphasizing the character’s isolation while heightening the tension of precarious platforming sections.
A Surprisingly Accessible Challenge
For those familiar with Foddy’s previous work, Baby Steps is actually easier than his notorious predecessors. The main path offers a reasonable experience, while optional challenges (like climbing a rope for a glowing fruit) cater to those seeking maximum difficulty.
Ultimately, Baby Steps is a low-cost, high-reward experience. It’s a game that will make you laugh, scream, and question your life choices – all for $20. If you’re looking for a unique, frustrating, and surprisingly funny platformer, this is it.
