The Procrastinator's Paradise: Unpacking Baby Steps' Unapologetic Absurdity
In a game that revels in its own ineptitude, you'll find yourself rooting for the hapless protagonist, Nate, as he stumbles his way up a mountain. Developed by Bennett Foddy and Gabe Cuzzillo, alongside Maxi Boch, Baby Steps is a comedy game that expertly balances frustration with relatability. The duo behind Getting Over It, another notoriously difficult game, have crafted an experience that's both a loving mockery of gaming's expectations and a genuine exploration of masculinity.
Nate, the lovable loser, is a masterclass in design. His socially awkward nature, whiny demeanor, and unpreparedness make him relatable to anyone who's ever struggled with self-doubt or incompetence. The game's premise – a hiking holiday with an incompetent protagonist – seems cruel at first, but as you progress, you'll find yourself invested in Nate's journey.
One of the most striking aspects of Baby Steps is its exploration of masculinity. The game tackles themes that are often overlooked: men's insecurities and the pressures of toxic masculinity. By stripping away the distractions of a traditional narrative, Foddy and Cuzzillo create an experience that's both uncomfortable and cathartic.
Throughout the game, you'll encounter moments of levity, from Nate's absurdly close-up fruit experiences to his befuddlement with basic tasks like using a map. These moments are expertly crafted to make you laugh, but also to highlight the fragility of Nate's ego.
The game's design is just as impressive as its protagonist. Foddy and Cuzzillo's experience in creating frustrating yet rewarding games has paid off here. The level design is meticulously crafted, with each section carefully designed to push your limits and test your patience.
What sets Baby Steps apart from other games is its self-awareness. You're constantly reminded that this game is intentionally difficult and absurd. The developers' willingness to poke fun at themselves and the gaming industry as a whole creates a sense of camaraderie between you and Nate.
Ultimately, Baby Steps is a love letter to the concept of "not being good enough." It's a celebration of failure, frustration, and the human desire to ask for help – often because we're too proud to admit it. As Foddy so eloquently puts it, "Nate is a microcosm of the whole game, where it's both a piss-take and sincere at the same time."
In an industry that often prioritizes polish over purpose, Baby Steps is a breath of fresh air. It's a reminder that games don't have to be perfect or sophisticated to be enjoyable. Sometimes, all we need is a little bit of absurdity and a protagonist who's unapologetically himself.
So, go ahead and climb the mountain with Nate. Take the long route, get lost, and scream at him when he refuses to take your map. It's all part of the journey, and it's one that will leave you feeling moved and perhaps even a little bit more human.
In a game that revels in its own ineptitude, you'll find yourself rooting for the hapless protagonist, Nate, as he stumbles his way up a mountain. Developed by Bennett Foddy and Gabe Cuzzillo, alongside Maxi Boch, Baby Steps is a comedy game that expertly balances frustration with relatability. The duo behind Getting Over It, another notoriously difficult game, have crafted an experience that's both a loving mockery of gaming's expectations and a genuine exploration of masculinity.
Nate, the lovable loser, is a masterclass in design. His socially awkward nature, whiny demeanor, and unpreparedness make him relatable to anyone who's ever struggled with self-doubt or incompetence. The game's premise – a hiking holiday with an incompetent protagonist – seems cruel at first, but as you progress, you'll find yourself invested in Nate's journey.
One of the most striking aspects of Baby Steps is its exploration of masculinity. The game tackles themes that are often overlooked: men's insecurities and the pressures of toxic masculinity. By stripping away the distractions of a traditional narrative, Foddy and Cuzzillo create an experience that's both uncomfortable and cathartic.
Throughout the game, you'll encounter moments of levity, from Nate's absurdly close-up fruit experiences to his befuddlement with basic tasks like using a map. These moments are expertly crafted to make you laugh, but also to highlight the fragility of Nate's ego.
The game's design is just as impressive as its protagonist. Foddy and Cuzzillo's experience in creating frustrating yet rewarding games has paid off here. The level design is meticulously crafted, with each section carefully designed to push your limits and test your patience.
What sets Baby Steps apart from other games is its self-awareness. You're constantly reminded that this game is intentionally difficult and absurd. The developers' willingness to poke fun at themselves and the gaming industry as a whole creates a sense of camaraderie between you and Nate.
Ultimately, Baby Steps is a love letter to the concept of "not being good enough." It's a celebration of failure, frustration, and the human desire to ask for help – often because we're too proud to admit it. As Foddy so eloquently puts it, "Nate is a microcosm of the whole game, where it's both a piss-take and sincere at the same time."
In an industry that often prioritizes polish over purpose, Baby Steps is a breath of fresh air. It's a reminder that games don't have to be perfect or sophisticated to be enjoyable. Sometimes, all we need is a little bit of absurdity and a protagonist who's unapologetically himself.
So, go ahead and climb the mountain with Nate. Take the long route, get lost, and scream at him when he refuses to take your map. It's all part of the journey, and it's one that will leave you feeling moved and perhaps even a little bit more human.
. I mean, who wouldn't want to play as a clumsy, whiny guy trying to hike? It's like the devs took all our insecurities and put them into a game 
. And yeah, the exploration of masculinity is super interesting - it's not often you see games tackling those kinds of themes in such a subtle way.
. And the little moments of levity are just what make the whole thing more enjoyable.
). It's like the game is saying, "Hey, we all suck sometimes. Let's just own up to it."
this game is literally the most relatable thing i've ever played its like they took all my struggles and put them into nate he's just so... human i love how they don't shy away from making fun of themselves and the gaming industry it's like they're saying "hey, we know this game is hard but at least we're in on the joke" the level design is insane too it's like they're trying to torture us with frustration but in a good way? i mean, who doesn't love feeling like they're getting nowhere and then suddenly succeeding because of nothing more than dumb luck? 
nate is literally the most relatable protagonist ever - who hasn't felt like they're not good enough or just wanting to ask for help but too proud? 
the level design sounds super challenging but in a cool way, like you're actually trying to be better at things instead of just following a narrative 
also love that it's so self-aware and doesn't take itself seriously - it's like the devs are all "yeah we know this is gonna be hard and frustrating, but just go with it" 
. What's your take on the game's difficulty curve? 
The devs claim it's designed to be intentionally frustrating, which is why I'm obsessed with it 
It's insane! 
The game's sales are already over $1M in just one week, and that's a big deal for an indie dev 
. Anyone else thinking of trying it out? 
By the way, have you seen the developer's response to criticisms about the game being "too hard"? 
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. I love how the game pokes fun at traditional gaming tropes and just owns its own flaws, it's like they're saying "hey, we know this is gonna be hard, but also kinda funny".
Nate is so relatable, I mean, who hasn't felt like they're just faking it till they make it, but also kinda failing miserably? 
. The absurdity is just right, not too much, not too little, it's all about embracing the frustration and having a laugh at yourself. 
.
I mean, I get that the devs want to challenge us but sometimes a guy just needs to take a break from hacking his way up mountains 
. But seriously, who designed this game and gave them a hug? 
The devs must have done something right because I'm hooked 
. And let's be real, who hasn't felt like they need to ask for help (but too proud to admit it)? 
.
.
Anyway, the game Baby Steps is actually pretty genius in its approach to tackling masculinity and self-doubt - I love how Nate's awkwardness makes us laugh while also hitting close to home. And that level design? 
expertly crafted, if I do say so myself 
.
. If you haven't checked out Baby Steps yet, do yourself a favor and go climb that mountain with Nate - it's an adventure you won't regret 
And that exploration of masculinity? 
Overall, Baby Steps is a must-play for anyone who's ever felt like they're not good enough (and let's be real, who hasn't?). It's a love letter to the human experience - our flaws, our frustrations, and our willingness to ask for help. 
. The humor is impeccable, from Nate's silly antics to his frustration with basic tasks 
. It's not perfect, but sometimes imperfections can be the best part of the experience 
. So if you're looking for a game that will make you laugh, feel uncomfortable, and maybe even cry a little bit, then Baby Steps is the way to go 
its like they r saying "hey we know this can b frustrating but also kinda honest"
. It's like they're saying "hey, we know this game is hard, but that's okay!" 
The game is basically saying it's cool to be bad at things, but I think what it's really saying is that we need to rethink our values around success.
. I mean, I get it, it's "fun" to struggle, but can't we just have a game where we can progress without having to restart like 5 times? 
Baby Steps is just one of those games that makes me want to throw my controller across the room in frustration 
. But can't we just have a game where Nate gets it right for once? 