Baby Steps Review – A Hilariously Absurd Adventure That Stumbles Gracefully
Baby Steps, released on August 7, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, is a quirky indie adventure from developers Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, and Bennett Foddy, published by Devolver Digital. Known for its intentionally awkward movement mechanics, this spiritual successor to Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy casts players as Nate, a literal baby navigating a surreal open world. Earning a 77/100 (Generally Favorable), Baby Steps delivers a unique, laugh-out-loud experience with inventive gameplay and a heartfelt narrative, but its punishing controls and niche appeal may alienate some players. For those who embrace its absurdity, it’s a charming, one-of-a-kind journey in 2025’s indie landscape.
A Wobbly Tale of Growth and Grit Set in a whimsical world of floating islands and bizarre landmarks, Baby Steps follows Nate, a diaper-clad adult with infant-like motor skills, as he explores a mysterious realm to “find himself.” The 10–12-hour campaign blends slapstick humor with surprisingly poignant moments, as Nate’s babbled monologues (voiced with gibberish charm) reveal his insecurities. The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling and quirky NPCs, like a wise mountain goat, offering a mix of absurdity and heart. While not as emotionally complex as 2025’s Slime Rancher 2, the story’s sincerity resonates, though its minimalism leaves some questions unanswered. X posts capture the vibe: “Nate’s journey is hilarious and weirdly touching, but I wanted more closure.” Compared to Journey’s poetic storytelling, Baby Steps leans harder into comedy but retains a similar sense of discovery.
Movement That’s Deliberately Absurd Gameplay revolves around a unique control scheme where each of Nate’s legs is mapped to controller sticks, making every step a deliberate, wobbly challenge. Walking, crawling, and climbing feel like puzzles, as players navigate cliffs, rivers, and surreal obstacles like giant rubber ducks. The system is frustrating yet rewarding, with a steep learning curve that turns falls into comedic triumphs. Progression is tied to unlocking “milestones,” like toddling faster or grabbing objects, which add depth without breaking the core mechanic. Puzzles, such as stacking crates to reach high ledges, are simple but satisfying. The lack of combat keeps the focus on movement, though repetitive sections can drag. Accessibility options, like simplified controls and adjustable sensitivity, help, but the game’s difficulty is inherently unforgiving. A local co-op mode, where a second player controls Nate’s arms, adds chaotic fun but lacks online support. X users are split: “The controls are genius but maddening!” Compared to 2025’s Consume Me, Baby Steps is more experimental but less polished, leaning hard into its niche appeal.
A Whimsical World with Playful Visuals Visually, Baby Steps shines with a low-poly, pastel aesthetic, running at 4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Switch version, at 1080p/30 FPS, sacrifices some detail but retains charm. Environments—from fluffy clouds to neon-lit caves—are vibrant and surreal, with Nate’s exaggerated animations stealing the show. The soundtrack, a mix of lo-fi beats and quirky sound effects, complements the tone, though it’s less memorable than Hades II’s score. PS5’s DualSense haptics enhance the wobbly feel, with vibrations for each clumsy step. Performance is solid, with only minor PC frame drops in dense areas reported, patched post-launch. Compared to 2025’s Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Baby Steps’ visuals are simpler but more cohesive, perfectly matching its oddball vibe.
A Niche Gem with Limited Reach Priced at $30, Baby Steps offers decent value with unlockable outfits and a “Speedrun Mode” for replayability, but its short runtime and niche mechanics limit broad appeal. X feedback praises the humor—“Falling off a cliff never felt so funny!”—but notes the frustration: “Not for everyone, but I love it.” Compared to QWOP’s cult status, Baby Steps is more accessible but similarly polarizing. Its creativity shines, but broader content could have widened its audience.
Baby Steps earns its 77/100 for its bold mechanics, heartfelt story, and whimsical charm, making it a standout indie for patient players. While its punishing controls and brevity hold it back, its absurdity is a breath of fresh air in 2025. Devolver’s gamble pays off—just don’t expect an easy stroll.
