Baby Steps Presents Among the Most Impactful Choices I've Ever Faced in Video Games

I've dealt with some challenging decisions in video games. Some of my decisions in Life is Strange series remain on my mind. Ghost of Tsushima's final sequence made me put my controller down for several minutes while I thought through my alternatives. I am the cause of numerous Krogan demises in the Mass Effect series that I regret deeply. None of those moments compare to what could be the hardest choice I've ever made in a video game — and it concerns a giant staircase.

The Game Baby Steps, the recent title from the developers of Ape Out game, is hardly a choice-driven game. Definitely not in any traditional sense. You only need to walk around a expansive environment as Nate, a grown-up in childish attire who can hardly stay upright on his unsteady feet. It looks like a setup for annoyance, but Baby Steps game’s power lies in its unexpectedly meaningful plot that will surprise you when you least anticipate it. There’s no moment that demonstrates that power like one major choice that remains on my mind.

Spoiler Warning

Some background information is needed at this point. Baby Steps begins as the protagonist is suddenly taken from the basement of his home and into a fictional universe. He soon realizes that moving around in it is a challenge, as years spent as a inactive individual have deteriorated his physical condition. The slapstick elements of it all stems from users guiding Nate step by step, trying to prevent him from falling over.

The protagonist needs aid, but he has difficulty expressing that to other characters. During his adventure, he encounters a group of unusual individuals in the world who everyone tries to give him a hand. A self-assured trekker tries to give Nate a map, but he uncomfortably rejects in the game’s funniest instant. When he plunges into an inescapable pit and is presented with a ladder, he attempts to act casual like he doesn’t need the help and genuinely desires to be trapped in the pit. Throughout the story, you encounter plenty of irritating episodes where Nate creates additional difficulties because he’s not confident enough to accept any assistance.

The Defining Decision

That comes to a head in Baby Steps game’s single genuine instance of decision. As Nate nears the end his adventure, he discovers that he must climb to the top of a snow-capped peak. The unofficial caretaker of the world (who Nate has desperately tried to duck up to this point) comes to let him know that there are two ways up. If he’s ready for a test, he can choose a very lengthy and dangerous hiking trail named The Obstacle. It is the most intimidating challenge Baby Steps provides; choosing it looks risky to any human.

But there’s a other possibility: He can simply ascend a enormous coiled steps as an alternative and reach the summit in just moments. The single stipulation? He’ll have to address the guardian “Master” from now on if he chooses the simple path.

A Painful Choice

I am absolutely sincere when I say that this is an difficult selection in context. It’s the totality of Nate's self-consciousness about himself coming to a head in a single ridiculous instant. An element of Nate's story is revolves around the truth that he’s unconfident of his physical appearance and manhood. Each instance he sees that impressive outdoorsman, it’s a difficult memory of everything he’s not. Attempting The Obstacle could be a time where he can prove that he’s as competent as his unilateral competitor, but that route is sure to be filled with more awkward mishaps. Does it merit suffering just to prove a point?

The stairs, on the contrary, give Nate another big moment to decide between receiving aid or refusing it. The player has no choice in if they decline guidance, but they can opt to provide Nate with respite and take the stairs. It might seem like an straightforward selection, but Baby Steps game is devilishly clever about causing suspicion each time you find a gift horse. The world is filled with planned obstacles that transform an easy path into a difficulty on a dime. Could the steps an additional deception? Will Nate get at the peak just to be disappointed by some last-second gag? And more concerning, is he willing to be emasculated once again by being forced to call some weirdo Lord?

No Perfect Choice

The excellence of that situation is that there’s no correct or incorrect choice. Both options leads to a authentic instance of protagonist evolution and emotional release for Nate. If you decide to take on The Obstacle, it’s an personal triumph. Nate at last receives a opportunity to demonstrate that he’s as competent as anyone else, voluntarily accepting a challenging way rather than enduring one that he has no option except to pursue. It’s difficult, and possibly risky, but it’s the bit of empowerment that he craves.

But there’s no shame in the staircase either. To select that route is to eventually enable Nate to accept help. And when he accomplishes that, he realizes that there’s no secret drawback in store for him. The steps are not a joke. They go on for a long time, but they’re straightforward to ascend and he won't slip completely down if he stumbles. It’s a straightforward ascent after hours of struggle. Midway through, he even has a discussion with the hiker who has, of course, chosen to take The Obstacle. He strives to appear composed, but you can tell that he’s exhausted, quietly regretting the unnecessary challenge. By the time Nate arrives at the peak and has to pay his debt, hailing his new Lord, the agreement barely appears so unpleasant. Who has concern for humiliation by this odd character?

My Experience

When I played, I chose the staircase. A portion of my thinking just {wanted to call