Baby Steps Presents Among the Most Impactful Decisions I've Ever Experienced in a Game

I've faced some hard choices in interactive entertainment. Several of my selections in Life is Strange series still haunt me. Ghost of Tsushima's ending section led me to set down my controller for around ten minutes while I thought through my alternatives. I am accountable for so many Krogan deaths in Mass Effect that I would love to reverse. Not a single one of those situations measure up to what could be the most difficult decision I've faced in a video game — and it involves a massive stairway.

Baby Steps, the newest release from the creators of Ape Out, is not really a choice-driven game. Definitely not in typical gaming terms. You must walk around a sprawling open world as the main character Nate, a grown-up in childish attire who can hardly stay upright on his shaky limbs. It seems like an exercise in frustration, but Baby Steps’s strength comes from its surprisingly deep narrative that will sneak up on you when it's most unexpected. There’s no moment that showcases that quality like a pivotal decision that remains on my mind.

Spoiler Warning

Some scene setting is necessary here. Baby Steps game begins as Nate is magically whisked away from the basement of his home and into a fictional universe. He immediately finds that navigating this world is a challenge, as a lifetime spent as a inactive individual have deteriorated his physical condition. The slapstick elements of it all stems from gamers directing Nate gradually, trying to maintain his balance.

Nate requires assistance, but he has trouble voicing that to anyone. Throughout his hero’s journey, he comes in contact with a cast of eccentric characters in the world who all offer to give him a hand. A self-assured trekker attempts to offer Nate a map, but he uncomfortably rejects in the game’s most hilarious scene. When he plunges into an unavoidable hole and is presented with a ladder, he attempts to act casual like he doesn’t need the help and truly prefers to be confined in the cavity. As the plot unfolds, you encounter plenty of irritating episodes where Nate creates additional difficulties because he’s too insecure to take support.

The Pivotal Moment

This culminates in Baby Steps game’s one true moment of decision. As Nate gets close to finishing his quest, he realizes that he must reach the summit of a frosty elevation. The unofficial caretaker of the world (who Nate has desperately tried to duck up to this point) appears to inform him that there are two ways up. If he’s prepared for difficulty, he can opt for a particularly extended and risky path called The Manbreaker. It is the most intimidating challenge Baby Steps has to offer; attempting it appears unwise to anyone.

But there’s a other possibility: He can simply ascend a gigantic spiral staircase instead and arrive at the peak in a few minutes. The only caveat? He’ll have to address the guardian “Sir” from now on if he chooses the simple path.

A Painful Choice

I am absolutely sincere when I say that this is an painful decision in this situation. It’s all of Nate’s insecurities about himself coming to a head in one absurd moment. Part of Nate’s journey is centered around the fact that he’s insecure of his physical appearance and manhood. Every time he sees that dashing hiker, it’s a painful recollection of all he lacks. Attempting The Obstacle could be a time where he can prove that he’s as capable as his one-sided rival, but that path is likely paved with more awkward mishaps. Is it worth struggling just to prove a point?

The staircase, on the contrary, give Nate another big moment to either accept or reject help. The player has no choice in about they reject navigation help, but they can opt to allow Nate some relief and take the stairs. It should be an simple decision, but Baby Steps is remarkably shrewd about creating doubt each time you encounter an easy option. The game world contains intentional pitfalls that transform an easy path into a setback on a dime. Could the steps yet another trap? Could Nate reach to the very summit just to be disappointed by some last-second gag? And even worse, is he willing to be emasculated yet again by being compelled to refer to some weirdo Lord?

No Perfect Choice

The beauty of that moment is that there’s no perfect selection. Each path brings about a genuine moment of personal growth and emotional release for Nate. If you decide to take on The Challenge, it’s an philosophical victory. Nate finally gets a chance to prove that he’s as competent as everyone else, consciously choosing a difficult route rather than struggling through one that he has no option except to pursue. It’s hard, and possibly risky, but it’s the moment of strength that he needs.

But there’s no disgrace in the steps either. To choose that path is to finally allow Nate to take support. And when he accomplishes that, he realizes that there’s no hidden trick waiting for him. The staircase is not a trick. They continue for a while, but they’re simple to climb and he won't slip to the bottom if he falls. It’s a straightforward ascent after hours of struggle. Partway through, he even has a conversation with the hiker who has, naturally, chosen to take The Obstacle. He strives to appear composed, but you can discern that he’s exhausted, silently lamenting the needless difficulty. By the time Nate arrives at the peak and has to pay his debt, addressing his new Master, the agreement barely appears so unpleasant. Who has time to be embarrassed by this strange individual?

My Choice

During my game, I selected the steps. A portion of my thinking just {wanted to call