Last week, I found myself immersed in a quietly captivating metroidvania titled Adventure of Samsara, a soothing antidote to the anticipation surrounding Silksong. However, my recent venture into Baby Steps has left me with a mix of amusement and introspection. Initially, I was convinced it would be the pinnacle of comedic gaming. Each time the bulbous antihero stumbled, I erupted in laughter, especially as he slid down muddy slopes in a manner that could only be described as undignified. The sheer absurdity of his movements, particularly that peculiar worm-like dance, was a source of endless entertainment. It was delightful to watch Nate, clad in his onesie, navigate his clumsy existence, evoking a sense of camaraderie in our shared follies.
Yet, beneath this humorous facade lies a darker narrative. Baby Steps emerges as a poignant exploration of failure, futility, and the existential weight of wasted potential. While some may draw parallels to Death Stranding, the latter pales in comparison to the focused brilliance of this new title. The creators, Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, and Bennett Foddy, have crafted a game that deftly captures a modern male indignity, all while maintaining an engaging and entertaining experience.
“Baby Steps is a paean to failure, futility and wasted life.”
In this game, sympathy for Nate is not a prerequisite; instead, the mercilessness of our shared struggles—me, grappling with a challenging game, and he, labeled a failure in a hyper-competitive world—creates a unique bond. Despite its bleakness, Baby Steps manages to be not just enjoyable, but surprisingly addictive.
The game is unyielding in its commitment to a vision that is unapologetically grim, and this is precisely what I find captivating. However, as I progressed, the initial dark humor began to dissipate, giving way to a more harrowing experience. Spoilers ahead: after several hours of navigating a rather unappealing open world, Nate stumbles upon a cave filled with the so-called “big-dicked donkey bros.” Here, he faces a pivotal moment where he can make a wish. Despite promising the donkey bros he would wish for cigarettes, Nate instead opts for something far more profound—he wishes for death.
This moment crystallizes the underlying darkness of the game. It is presented without sentimentality or dramatic emphasis; Nate simply states his wish and resumes his aimless waddling. Yet, the impact of this revelation is akin to a heavy object plummeting from a great height, leaving a lingering sense of unease.
At times, it feels as though the creators are playfully mocking the player’s choices. Questions arise: Why are you not out there creating your own game? Why indulge in unhealthy snacks when a nutritious meal could enhance your well-being? Why not pursue a more fulfilling career? While the creators may not be intentionally cruel, they excel at encapsulating the feelings of insignificance and entrapment that many experience in a world that often feels increasingly hostile and disconnected from the future we envisioned.
In this regard, Baby Steps stands out as a remarkable commentary on contemporary life, making it a fitting reflection for the challenges that lie ahead in 2025.
Baby Steps is funny, but it’s also a depressing, confrontational horror game about thwarted modern masculinity
Last week, I found myself immersed in a quietly captivating metroidvania titled Adventure of Samsara, a soothing antidote to the anticipation surrounding Silksong. However, my recent venture into Baby Steps has left me with a mix of amusement and introspection. Initially, I was convinced it would be the pinnacle of comedic gaming. Each time the bulbous antihero stumbled, I erupted in laughter, especially as he slid down muddy slopes in a manner that could only be described as undignified. The sheer absurdity of his movements, particularly that peculiar worm-like dance, was a source of endless entertainment. It was delightful to watch Nate, clad in his onesie, navigate his clumsy existence, evoking a sense of camaraderie in our shared follies.
Yet, beneath this humorous facade lies a darker narrative. Baby Steps emerges as a poignant exploration of failure, futility, and the existential weight of wasted potential. While some may draw parallels to Death Stranding, the latter pales in comparison to the focused brilliance of this new title. The creators, Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, and Bennett Foddy, have crafted a game that deftly captures a modern male indignity, all while maintaining an engaging and entertaining experience.
In this game, sympathy for Nate is not a prerequisite; instead, the mercilessness of our shared struggles—me, grappling with a challenging game, and he, labeled a failure in a hyper-competitive world—creates a unique bond. Despite its bleakness, Baby Steps manages to be not just enjoyable, but surprisingly addictive.
The game is unyielding in its commitment to a vision that is unapologetically grim, and this is precisely what I find captivating. However, as I progressed, the initial dark humor began to dissipate, giving way to a more harrowing experience. Spoilers ahead: after several hours of navigating a rather unappealing open world, Nate stumbles upon a cave filled with the so-called “big-dicked donkey bros.” Here, he faces a pivotal moment where he can make a wish. Despite promising the donkey bros he would wish for cigarettes, Nate instead opts for something far more profound—he wishes for death.
This moment crystallizes the underlying darkness of the game. It is presented without sentimentality or dramatic emphasis; Nate simply states his wish and resumes his aimless waddling. Yet, the impact of this revelation is akin to a heavy object plummeting from a great height, leaving a lingering sense of unease.
At times, it feels as though the creators are playfully mocking the player’s choices. Questions arise: Why are you not out there creating your own game? Why indulge in unhealthy snacks when a nutritious meal could enhance your well-being? Why not pursue a more fulfilling career? While the creators may not be intentionally cruel, they excel at encapsulating the feelings of insignificance and entrapment that many experience in a world that often feels increasingly hostile and disconnected from the future we envisioned.
In this regard, Baby Steps stands out as a remarkable commentary on contemporary life, making it a fitting reflection for the challenges that lie ahead in 2025.