Big Walk is a cooperative multiplayer adventure that focuses on an authentic recreation of nature to achieve its collaborative efforts.
It is safe to say that I live a comfortable life. A house with a fully stocked fridge. Video game consoles and high-speed internet cable to access any and all streaming services. Finally, an air conditioner, which is a godsend during this sweltering summer heat. The problem with such earthly delights is that they end up making me complacent. Staying too long in a comfort zone is what detonated my extreme anxiety in early 2023. What I found a panacea to counter this ever-present sense of dread was something logical, in retrospect: nature. Cooperative multiplayer adventure Big Walk surprised me in how faithfully it recreates being immersed in it.
I was invited by a close friend to go camping shy of three hours from home. No electricity? No bathrooms? AND NO AC? I thought. Regardless, I knew staying in my cocoon would continue to spell doom for my mental health. And so we made our way to the woods. The first thing I noticed was the intoxicating purity of the fresh air. It made me a little dizzy, to be frank. After living in one of the most polluted cities in Mexico for years, I guess I forgot what real oxygen felt like. The second thing? No sound.
Leave Everything Behind
Existing in a big city, you are used to listening to ambulance sirens, obnoxious music blasted through speakers on a random Tuesday, or the occasional couple arguing. It’s par for the course, living in a congested community. Another casualty, I surmised, in the name of comfort. It was right then and there that I realized that I would likely enjoy reconnecting with nature. What I did not expect was the level of engagement that I had to bring to the table to be useful.
Big Walk is a game where you can play with anywhere from 2 to 12 people and roam free on an island full of collaborative puzzles. Making full use of proximity chat, that novel concept effectively brings a sense of place. Because I only played with one other person, I cannot speak for the chaotic shenanigans that would ensue trying to get together and organize 12 people (who are you, Jesus?). What I can confidently share is that it focuses on the authentic feeling of hiking.
Even with no dangers to speak of, a day/night cycle means you have to take full account of the environment. Walking in pitch-black conditions is not ideal. Scattered throughout the isle are, let’s say, yoga balls that light up. But when you are not prepared to face the night, a new element comes into play. There is a peacefulness to the experience that does not shy away from making you walk for long stretches. Certain puzzles require separating from the group to click a switch. It is here where I believe Big Walk shines the most.
Better Together
Fireflies, crickets, and cicadas remind you that this is a living, breathing ecosystem. The sound of broken twigs after stepping through them goes a long way. An unexpected byproduct of having to walk long distances with someone else in nature is that it may get uncomfortably honest. Evidently, it could be the isolation, familiarity with the person, or the fact that you just cannot stand the silence. It happens. Cut to me singing a poor rendition of Feel Good Inc by Gorillaz. Or talking about the uncertainty of the future. Although we were both in the comfort of our homes, the intimacy of the woods inspired true moments of connection.
If you have ever done it, setting up a tent is not easy. Or maybe it is, but it was not for me. Regardless, when we were setting up our camp, I diligently helped in whatever way I could. Only one of us was used to being often in the wild, so he took charge. Hammer this nail to the ground and hook the tent. Gather wood for the campfire. Pass a beer. There is an unspoken sense of camaraderie when being out in an unfamiliar place. Not only that, but in trying to make myself useful, I found that collaboration was something I did not expect was part of. Telling stories covered in the blanket of darkness, we felt our bond strengthened.
Time To Big Walk
What is the meaning of life? I asked my Big Walk companion and Pixel Byte editor Zach while jogging to the next puzzle in Big Walk. 7, he said. Huh, the lucky number, I replied. Every time we solved a puzzle, I could feel how we felt reinvigorated because we did it together. The brilliance of the game’s design is that it teaches you to work together and rewards you accordingly. For example, I remember one session playing late into the evening; we were both somewhat annoyed. The puzzles were increasingly difficult, and it required more synchronicity.
Eventually, dipping into nature made me realize how intrinsic it is to live a healthy life. These days I go hiking every two weeks to a nearby mountain. A sense of quiet wonder envelops me as I sit down in what I call a thinking rock to admire these ancient mountains that will still be here long after I am gone. Similarly, Big Walk inspires wanderlust, communication, and connection, because what are we if not born to bond with others? Hiking down victorious from an extra difficult puzzle, Zach says, “I think I’m giving it a 10.” I reply, “I agree.”
Big Walk is out now for Steam, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2.
