POOLS

POOLS is a visually stunning and atmospheric walking simulator that immerses players in eerie, liminal pool environments. The game excels at creating a surreal, unsettling mood without relying on jump scares or traditional horror elements. Players praise its extraordinary level design, which avoids dead-ends and encourages exploration, making each path intriguing and rewarding. The game’s VR support enhances immersion, delivering one of the most realistic and hypnotic experiences in the genre.

However, some players find the gameplay sluggish and the story minimal or vague, which may not satisfy those seeking a more narrative-driven experience. Technical issues such as occasional geometry bugs and minor performance quirks have been reported but are generally considered minor. The game’s length is on the shorter side, with many completing it in under three hours, leading some to question its value at full price. Overall, POOLS is highly recommended for fans of liminal spaces and atmospheric exploration, particularly in VR.

Highlights

Players highly praise POOLS for its breathtaking graphics and atmospheric sound design, which together craft a hypnotic and immersive liminal space experience. The level design is lauded for its creativity and seamless navigation without frustrating backtracking. The game’s eerie yet peaceful mood resonates deeply, making it a unique blend of unsettling and relaxing exploration. VR implementation is noted as exceptional, elevating the sense of presence and scale. The subtle narrative elements and multiple ways to progress add replayability and depth beyond a simple walking sim.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game’s relatively short duration, with some players feeling the experience ends too abruptly. The minimal story and lack of traditional gameplay objectives may leave those seeking more engagement wanting. A few users report occasional bugs, such as broken geometry and rare glitches that can disrupt immersion. Some feel the movement mechanics are sluggish, detracting from fluid exploration. Additionally, a few areas toward the end shift in style unexpectedly, which some players find jarring. Price concerns are also mentioned given the limited content length.