Bennet Foddy created the physics based games Getting Over It, and QWOP, both involving you moving the player using the controller to move parts of your character, instead of the full one. This messes with you automatically. You are using the physics of the character, against the physics of the game, and sometimes your own hand eye coordination. Of course, once you figure these games out, they become rewarding to some. They even result in speed runs, wowing even the creator themselves.
Now he has teamed up with Gabe Cussillo and Maxi Boch to make a game called Baby Steps. Published by Devolver Digital, Baby Steps lets you play as an unemployed 35 year old named Nate. He wants to do absolutely nothing. He feels nothing. He aspires to be nothing. Right as a family meeting is called, because of course he has roommates, Nate is transported to some sort of other world. Nate, with no ambition, or drive, stands up, and that's where you take control.
When I say control, I mean full control. If you push the analog stick forward, Nate falls forward. Same if you do it any other direction. The triggers on the recommended controller make Nate lift his feet, so if you combing that with a forward push, Nate puts his worst foot forward. You push the other trigger to push the other foot forward. You would think this is simple. It is not. If you've ever tripped over your own feet, this is what it feels like the first few moments you try to control Nate.
So yes, Nate automatically gets up, and you try again. The world then adds obstacles, like...stairs. You have to make Nate walk up stairs. You have to make Nate cross boards that double as bridges. You are going uphill most of the time, so guess what happens if Nate falls? You got it. He falls backwards. I was trying to walk across something, and I fell, into the mud, which led to a slope, and put me in a hole. There's also a character constantly following me and trying to help. Nate turns away his help, much to my dismay.
What are we supposed to do? I really do not know. There are hints scattered out in the game that give you some sort of direction, but that's about it. The world is huge, but the developer says to "not try to see everything. You can't". So now I'm really confused. At least I was. Nate just turned down a map during my playthrough. I don't know why.
The only hints I can give you are as follows. Talk to the characters for some extremely weird but funny interactions, and head toward the light. You'll figure it out. Once you get Nate going, it gets better for you. You gotta flop on the ground and let out an explicative or two before you walk, I always say. Baby Steps is available right now for $19.99.
