POOLS is a premium simulation experience that puts you in liminal spaces inspired by indoor bodies of water. This horror game does not include monsters or any threats to your survival. Instead, its emptiness evokes human fear regarding feelings of solitude, getting lost, and closed spaces in general.

With its well-crafted stages, high-resolution textures, and quality lighting, POOLS offers a unique spin on the horror gaming genre. Also, its clear inspiration from the SCP Backrooms quickly creates an immediate sense of familiarity, especially for modern gamers. Other uniquely frightening experiences include First Land and Escape the Backrooms.

A different kind of horror

In modern gaming and internet culture, liminal spaces refer to empty or abandoned spaces — often associated with eerie vibes and even supernatural phenomena. The set designs in POOLS are among them. You find yourself in weird rooms mostly containing swimming pools of different designs, sizes, and depths. Go down colorful slides, walk through aqueduct-looking rooms, or fall into infinite depths.

As mentioned, there are no jump scares and monsters chasing you around. You’re almost safe, aside from some pools that are too deep. Perhaps impressively, the game also has no user interface and no dialogue. All you see are its realistic graphics and lighting, plus the haunting sound work, all in first-person view. Together, you get an immersive experience that also highlights the feeling of being alone.

Since the game is more of a walking sim than anything else, expect zero conflicts and objectives. This game puts you in a liminal space and leaves you there with no explanation or guide. Also, each playthrough feels slightly different, adding a sense of paranoia and uneasiness. There are six unique chapters, each taking about 10 to 30 minutes to explore fully.

Unique and masterful among walking sims

POOLS offers a unique experience within modern gaming, immersing players in liminal spaces devoid of conventional challenges or objectives. Through its evocative set designs and minimalist approach, it creates an atmosphere of eerie tranquility, emphasizing solitude and exploration over action. With its absence of jump scares and monsters, the game crafts a hauntingly beautiful world, inviting players to wander through its depths and ponder the mysteries within.