The “walking simulator” game Baby Steps is known for its challenging nature, but it holds a final, infuriating surprise for players who try to bypass its narrative elements.
Should players frequently skip cinematics in the quirky and explicit Baby Steps, they will encounter a lengthy, 28-minute cutscene filled with meta-humor and disjointed discussions. This discovery was shared on YouTube by user Cuttyflame, as reported by PC Gamer, and depending on your perspective, it`s either a unique treat or a significant penalty.
Developed by Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch (from Ape Out), and Bennett Foddy (creator of QWOP), Baby Steps deliberately tries to prevent players from bypassing its story cutscenes. It does this by imposing increasingly difficult minigames each time a skip is attempted, making the act of skipping a challenge in itself.
According to Cuttyflame, bypassing approximately 30 cutscenes triggers this protracted and rambling cinematic at the game`s conclusion.
In this hidden finale, the protagonist Nate (voiced by Cuzzillo) arrives at the cabin of Moose, a donkey-human hybrid (voiced by Foddy). Nate directly addresses the player`s cutscene-skipping habits, initiating an expansive conversation covering various subjects.
Cuzzillo and Foddy engage in a prolonged discussion, touching on everything from their anticipation for Naughty Dog`s upcoming title to their preferred fictional clowns. Throughout this meandering chat, they playfully mock players who skip cutscenes, even quipping that such players would probably skip this one too.
The place of non-interactive cinematics within the largely interactive realm of video games has long been a point of contention. However, this particular extended scene seems to be Cuzzillo and Foddy`s playful way of highlighting their voice acting and lightheartedly chastising players for choosing to miss it – all in good fun, of course.
Baby Steps is currently available on PlayStation 5 and PC, and is also verified for the Steam Deck. Players are strongly advised to think carefully before skipping any cutscenes, lest they face the ultimate, hilarious consequence.