Why I'm Hooked on This Outrageous Mountain-Climbing Game

An Unlikely Adventure Awaits

For the past week, I've found myself engrossed in an absurd yet captivating game that has completely derailed my normal life. Baby Steps is a unique experience that takes players on a challenging hiking holiday with a protagonist who is far from ordinary. Meet Nate, an inept character who has spent his 35 years largely in his parents’ basement, indulging in anime re-runs and avoiding any semblance of responsibility.

Welcome to the Mountain of Mayhem

In Baby Steps, Nate is unexpectedly transported to the base of a surreal mountain, adorned with bizarre phallic imagery. Dressed in an adult onesie, players must navigate the treacherous terrain by controlling Nate's feet individually. Using the controller's triggers to lift each foot and the analogue stick to place them, players soon discover just how challenging this task is.

A Hilarious Yet Frustrating Journey

The gameplay oscillates between moments of triumph, like marching up gentle slopes, and perilous challenges, such as balancing on narrow planks or climbing steep dunes. The game expertly captures Nate's misadventures as he frequently trips, tumbles, and whines, all while his outfit becomes increasingly dirty. It's a cycle of getting up and trying again, which can be both maddening and amusing.

Unexpected Encounters

Adding to the game’s charm are the quirky characters Nate encounters along the way. An eccentric Australian fellow with wild eyes and a pantsless donkey man offer both mockery and unsolicited assistance, which Nate stubbornly refuses. This refusal can lead to disastrous consequences, as a momentary lapse in concentration can send him tumbling down the mountainside.

Returning to the Campsite

After three hours of gameplay, I faced a particularly demoralizing fall, finding myself back at the campsite where my journey began that very morning. In my quest, I had accomplished little more than acquiring a ridiculous propeller hat, which became an added burden each time I fell. The frustration was palpable, and I nearly gave up upon returning to the campsite.

Endless Setbacks and Challenges

Imagine spending hours facing relentless setbacks only to end up in a confusing maze where Nate keeps dropping a lantern, plunging you into darkness until you backtrack to recover it. Just when you think it can't get worse, the game introduces a down escalator that must be ascended perfectly in one go, or you’re left staring at Nate’s rear as he descends slowly after another blunder. This spiraling path of sand ledges adds to the challenge, as Nate's feet continually lose grip, leaving you stuck in a frustrating loop.

Why I Keep Playing

Despite the relentless challenges, I find myself unable to stop playing. Perhaps it’s sheer determination or perhaps I have some issues to address with a therapist, but I refuse to let this game defeat me. Baby Steps is not just about overcoming physical obstacles; it also delivers exceptional humor. The slapstick comedy is evident as you watch Nate's hilarious antics, like twerking down a mudslide, but the game also shines through its improvised dialogue and absurd character interactions.

The Developers' Touch

A unique aspect of the game is that the developers themselves lend their voices to the characters. Each cutscene offers a delightful diversion from the challenges, providing little moments of joy amid the struggles. One optional challenge even tasks players with transporting a trophy made of ice up a desert slope before it melts, adding yet another layer of chaos to the fun.

Conclusion: A Game Worth the Struggle

In a world filled with polished, mainstream titles, Baby Steps stands out as a refreshing and exhilarating experience. Its combination of humor, challenging gameplay, and quirky characters makes it an unforgettable adventure for gamers on platforms like PC and PlayStation 5. While Nate may be a hopeless case, the joy of guiding him through his absurd journey keeps players returning for more, proving that sometimes, the most ridiculous games can be the most rewarding.