THE TRUE ENDING | Baby Steps - Part 10

Mark Blair, playing as Nate, embarks on a bonus content challenge to climb a very tall mountain. He notes the inherent danger, expecting any fall to send him back to the bottom, though he observes built-in ledges that might offer some safety. He quickly discovers his proficiency in the "slip and slide" mechanic, an essential skill for navigating the steep, slippery slopes, which he attributes to "pure perseverance and dumbassery." The climb begins with relatively manageable sections, but quickly becomes more precarious. Nate considers different paths, often debating whether to go left or right, or attempt lateral movements. He frequently encounters illusions of passable terrain that turn out to be dead ends or dangerously steep. At one point, he takes a risky shortcut down a crevasse, uncertain if it's the intended path or a grave mistake. He finds himself constantly adjusting his balance to counteract the slippery surfaces, noting that the game’s mechanics make stopping more problematic than moving. The Stadia controller, with its light triggers, is highlighted as particularly helpful for managing the nuanced foot movements required. As Nate ascends, he reflects on the game's narrative and his character's journey. He considers Nate's past, speculating about a lost child and a possible divorce, and how these experiences might have shaped his current state. He observes Nate's significant character progression, particularly his newfound ability to express his desires, which marks a major shift from his previously secondary role. Nate expresses a strong desire to delve deeper into the game's lore, questioning the significance of seemingly random elements, the identities of characters like Jim (whom he suspects is dead), the ice cream vendor, and the fate of Mike. Reaching a plateau, Nate is surprised to find himself near the peak much faster than anticipated. From this vantage point, he spots what appears to be the game's starting area, creating a sense of a looping environment that he finds both perplexing and intriguing. He momentarily loses focus, resulting in a fall, but quickly recovers. The realization that the game might be designed to loop back to the beginning prompts him to consider the implications for a "new game plus" scenario and how it would affect the story. The final ascent is narrow and extremely slippery, demanding slow and careful movement to avoid a catastrophic fall back to the beginning. He pauses to dry his hands, acknowledging the physical strain even with a lighter controller. Nate’s primary goal is to avoid falling to the right, which would send him into a deep crater. He successfully navigates the treacherous ridge, relying on his accumulated skill in the "slipping up a hill" mechanic. Upon reaching what he believes to be the absolute highest point, Nate experiences a moment of quiet accomplishment. As predicted by the game, there is no achievement or celebratory fanfare; the reward is the personal satisfaction of completing the challenge "of my own volition." A cutscene triggers, showing Nate finally relieving himself, a humorous and long-awaited moment after his extended journey. Following the descent, Nate finds himself back in the starting area, confirming his earlier observation of the loop. He explores the initial environment with fresh eyes, noticing details he missed before, such as a Ferris wheel and a hat that resembles one from the game "Firewatch." He encounters Jim, who remains unresponsive, leading Nate to playfully taunt him and question his role in the game's narrative. Despite the temptation to replay the game with his newfound skills and knowledge, Nate decides to conclude the series, feeling he has conquered the mountain and fully experienced the game's unique challenges. He finds and eats a fruit he had previously missed, a symbolic final act. Nate reflects on the peculiar nature of the skills he has acquired – proficiency in "slipping up a hill stability" – and wonders what use they will have in future games. He expresses his appreciation for the series and the unique experience it provided, concluding his journey with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for whatever "madness exists in the mind of the people that made this."