Game Review: POOLS

Release date: 2024
Version played: PC (via Steam) in 2024

Developed and published by Tensori, POOLS is a first-person video game based around exploring an allegedly empty series of indoor pool rooms (that is, rooms with pools). The objective is simple, escape each of the various levels — but do so at your own pace. You can walk, you can run, you can stop altogether to take a quick sit down, but the goal never changes.

+ the sound design is absolutely phenomenal. The only noises your character makes are footsteps and breathing, which change based on the environment and whether you run or walk; if you have recently been in water, your footsteps will ‘squelch’. The sloshing and splashing of water of varying depths really adds to the immersion, especially with a quality pair of headphones. The extra noises (wink wink) range from mesmerising to terrifying, and you never know what you might get
+ the various rooms, pools and environments are that perfect blend of serene and off-putting. Intentionally taking inspiration from The Backrooms, there are dark hallways, flickering lights and rooms that do not make sense based on previous doorways, and this all adds to the sense of dread and unease. Every now and then you will find something wildly out of place, but whether that’s good or bad is open for interpretation

Dark corridors…

Long walkways…

Adorable pool floaties..?

– simply put, if the idea of getting lost doesn’t appeal to you, there is not really much on offer here. With no puzzles to speak of except your own navigation abilities, I can easily understand why some people would be bored. The gameplay is literally just navigating pool rooms and if you don’t find that unnerving or exciting you’re stumbling at the only hurdle the game has

> As someone who does not care for water, especially deep water, there was extra tension in having to cross the larger pools. I hate water. I hate it

Should you play this game: I loved this game. I heard about it some time back and was immediately sold. I do not care for ‘run from the monster and hide in this locker’ games, so this scratched the exact itch that I needed. It’s short, but it’s cheap, and it’s well worth playing.