POOLS for Windows

POOLS is an atmospheric first-person exploration game that immerses players in an eerie and abandoned environment filled with vast, empty swimming pools. The game emphasizes mystery and suspense, encouraging players to navigate through its surreal landscapes while uncovering hidden secrets. With a focus on exploration rather than action, POOLS delivers an unsettling yet captivating experience for fans of atmospheric games.The game’s minimalistic design and ambient soundscape enhance its eerie atmosphere, making each step tense and unpredictable. As players explore abandoned corridors and vast empty spaces, they rely on observation and intuition to uncover secrets. The absence of direct threats heightens suspense, creating an ever-present sense of unease and mystery.

Immersive and unsettling atmospherePOOLS stands out for its immersive design, with detailed environments that create a haunting sense of isolation. The game’s lighting and sound effects work together to enhance the experience, drawing players into its surreal world. Each area presents subtle clues and environmental storytelling, urging players to piece together the mystery on their own. This slow-paced exploration makes for an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

The game encourages players to thoroughly explore its eerie environments to uncover hidden details and secrets. It relies on its level design to intrigue and challenge players, rewarding careful observation. The lack of direct objectives adds to the mystery, making every discovery feel significant. This freedom to explore at one’s own pace fosters a deep sense of curiosity and tension.

While this game offers a unique and atmospheric journey, its slow pacing may not appeal to players seeking action-packed gameplay. The absence of structured goals or challenges may leave some players feeling directionless, similar to the eerie and mysterious nature of backroom environments. However, its deep environmental storytelling, unsettling ambiance, and intricate level design make it a compelling experience for those who appreciate immersive and thought-provoking exploration.

A hauntingly beautiful journey

POOLS delivers a deeply immersive and unsettling adventure that relies on atmosphere and exploration rather than direct action. Its mysterious environments, reminiscent of backroom-style liminal spaces, and eerie sound design create a compelling experience for players who appreciate slow-paced, thought-provoking gameplay. While it may not suit everyone, those who enjoy atmospheric exploration games will find themselves captivated by its haunting beauty and sense of isolation.

• Fix rare bug in chapter 3 where it was possible to get stuck to toilet
• Fix light leaking at tunnel at the end of chapter 2
• Add right shift and right control as alternative keys for running / crouching
• Chapter 2: adjusted the position of one missing art piece for better visibility
• Add input rebindings setting menu
• Add optional winter holiday mode, available during december (only if game has been completed)