Pools [Review]

Pools isn’t your typical horror game. There are no creatures lurking in the vents, and no weapons to defend yourself with. Inspired by the "Backrooms" internet phenomenon—specifically the "Poolrooms"—the game places players into a found-footage nightmare where the only objective is to survive the silence. The experience begins as a tape is inserted, immediately plunging the player into a sprawling labyrinth. From there, it is a pure walking simulator, challenging players to navigate an eerie, watery environment where the only way out is through.

The game’s strength lies in its mastery of liminal spaces. By taking familiar, comforting environments like indoor waterparks and saunas and stripping them of life, Pools creates a deep sense of "uncanny" dread. The level design is a masterclass in psychological pacing. The Scale is Massive, vaulted chambers filled with still water make the player feel exposed and tiny. One moment, you are in a brightly lit, open hall; the next, you are squeezed into claustrophobic, dimly lit corridors. While the navigation can feel like a maze, the pathing is remarkably intuitive. The game avoids the frustration often found in labyrinth-style games.

Pools does a phenomenal job of creating an atmosphere of “what's that?!? The water graphics and lighting are phenomenal, delivering photorealistic reflections that sell the isolation. Even on consoles, the visual fidelity remains high. For those seeking total immersion, the game offers VR support, transforming the "illusion of threat" into a palpable, skin-crawling reality. At its core, it is short, straightforward, and intentionally minimalist. Some players may find the lack of traditional gameplay mechanics or monsters tedious, but for fans of atmospheric horror, it is a polished and haunting experience. Pools is one of the few games that prove that sometimes, the things we don't see are far scarier than any monster a developer could design.

Pools is a chilling 7/10 that perfectly captures the beauty and terror of empty spaces. It is a must-play for fans of the Backrooms aesthetic, provided you’re content with a walk simulator.