Baby Steps Includes One of the Most Significant Decisions I Have Ever Encountered in Gaming

I've encountered some challenging choices in gaming. Some of my decisions in Life is Strange series remain on my mind. Ghost of Tsushima's ending section prompted me to pause the game for a good 10 minutes while I thought through my alternatives. I am accountable for countless Krogan demises in Mass Effect that I wish I could undo. None of those moments measure up to what could be the toughest selection I’ve had to make in gaming — and it has to do with a massive stairway.

The Game Baby Steps, the newest release from the makers of Ape Out, is not really a choice-driven game. Definitely not in any traditional sense. You only need to navigate a vast game world as the protagonist Nate, a adult in a onesie who can barely stand on his wobbly legs. It appears to be one big ragebait joke, but Baby Steps’s power lies in its surprisingly deep narrative that will surprise you when it's most unexpected. There’s no situation that exemplifies that strength like a pivotal decision that remains on my mind.

Note: Spoilers Ahead

Some scene setting is necessary here. Baby Steps game begins as Nate is magically whisked away from his family's basement and into a fantasy world. He immediately finds that navigating this world is a challenge, as a long time spent as a couch potato have weakened his muscles. The physical comedy of it all stems from users guiding Nate gradually, trying to maintain his balance.

Nate requires assistance, but he has trouble voicing that to others. As he progresses, he encounters a collection of quirky personalities in the world who everyone tries to assist him. A self-assured trekker seeks to provide Nate a map, but he uncomfortably rejects in the game’s funniest instant. When he falls into an inescapable pit and is presented with a ladder, he attempts to act casual like he doesn’t need the help and truly prefers to be trapped in the pit. Throughout the story, you see numerous irritating episodes where Nate makes life harder for himself because he’s too self-conscious to receive help.

The Pivotal Moment

Everything builds up in Baby Steps game’s key situation of selection. As Nate approaches the conclusion his adventure, he realizes that he must ascend of a snow-capped peak. The default guardian of the world (who Nate has consistently evaded up to this point) shows up to inform him that there are two paths upward. If he’s prepared for difficulty, he can choose a very lengthy and dangerous hiking trail named The Challenge. It is the most daunting obstacle Baby Steps provides; choosing it looks risky to any person.

But there’s a second option: He can merely climb a massive winding stairs in its place and arrive at the peak in just moments. The only caveat? He’ll have to refer to the caretaker “Sir” from now on if he takes the easy route.

A Difficult Selection

I am absolutely sincere when I say that this is an agonizing choice in this situation. It’s every one of Nate's doubts about himself reaching a climax in a particularly bizarre situation. An element of Nate's story is revolves around the fact that he’s self-conscious of his physical appearance and manhood. Every time he sees that impressive outdoorsman, it’s a difficult memory of everything he’s not. Attempting The Obstacle could be a instance where he can prove that he’s as able as his imagined opponent, but that path is likely paved with more embarrassing pratfalls. Is it worth striving just to demonstrate something?

The stairs, on the contrary, provide Nate with another significant opportunity to decide between receiving aid or refusing it. The user doesn't get to decide in whether or not they decline guidance, but they can opt to provide Nate with respite and opt for the steps. It ought to be an easy choice, but Baby Steps is devilishly clever about creating doubt whenever you find a gift horse. The environment includes intentional pitfalls that turn a safe route into a obstacle on a dime. Could the steps one more trick? Might Nate arrive at the peak just to be fooled by a final joke? And even worse, is he prepared to be humiliated once again by being made to address a strange individual as Master?

No Right or Wrong

The beauty of that moment is that there’s no correct or incorrect choice. Either one brings about a real situation of character development and emotional release for Nate. If you decide to take on The Obstacle, it’s an personal triumph. Nate finally gets a opportunity to demonstrate that he’s as competent as others, consciously choosing a challenging way rather than enduring one that he has no choice but to follow. It’s challenging, and possibly risky, but it’s the dose of confidence that he requires.

But there’s no shame in the stairs too. To opt for that way is to eventually enable Nate to accept help. And when he does so, he finds that there’s no hidden trick awaiting him. The stairs aren’t a prank. They continue for a while, but they’re simple to climb and he does not fall to the bottom if he stumbles. It’s a easy journey after hours of struggle. Halfway up, he even has a chat with the trekker who has, unsurprisingly, opted for The Manbreaker. He strives to appear composed, but you can discern that he’s worn out, silently lamenting the needless difficulty. By the time Nate gets to the top and has to meet his agreement, calling the character Lord, the arrangement scarcely looks so bad. Who has concern for humiliation by this freak?

My Choice

During my game, I opted for the stairs. Part of me just {wanted to call