Pools

POOLS is a game that takes players through a series of enigmatic and disquieting environments, drawing heavily from the aesthetic and concept of “liminal spaces.” These are places that feel both familiar and bizarrely out of context, like empty pools and deserted backrooms that resonate with a sense of the uncanny. The game is designed to be immersive, placing players in settings that are ordinary yet infused with a sense of something just out of reach. There are no monsters or jump scares; instead, the game cultivates an atmosphere of tension through the fear of the unknown, the dark, and constricted spaces.

Soundscapes and Sensory Engagement

With no user interface or dialogue, POOLS relies heavily on its sound design to enrich the gaming experience. The absence of background music heightens the player’s attention to environmental sounds, which vary dramatically from one room to the next. The echo of footsteps, the change in sound when walking through water, and the subtle noises of the environment all serve to create a hyper-realistic experience. This auditory layer is critical in making the environments feel palpably real and deeply unsettling.

A Dynamic and Evolving World

As players venture deeper into the game, they discover that the environments of POOLS are not static. The game’s architecture evolves, with each room and chapter offering new variations and challenges. The absence of a traditional narrative or characters forces players to engage directly with their surroundings, piecing together their own interpretations of the shifting landscapes. This constant change keeps the exploration fresh and intriguing, with the design of each new area tailored to evoke a distinct kind of disquiet.

Unique Aesthetic Influences

POOLS draws inspiration from modern internet phenomena such as “Found footage” and the “Backrooms” concept. This influence is especially apparent in the game’s thematic exploration of “Poolrooms,” where the environment combines the eeriness of forgotten, nondescript spaces with the specific anxiety associated with vast, empty swimming pools. This blend of themes contributes to the game’s unique appeal, setting it apart from more traditional horror or exploration games.

Without conventional plot points or defined objectives, POOLS invites players to lose themselves in an exploration that is as psychological as it is physical. The game’s structure encourages curiosity and personal interpretation, allowing for a deeply personal experience as players navigate through its ever-changing maze of rooms and corridors. Each session in POOLS offers a new perspective, challenging players to find their own meaning in the labyrinth of liminal spaces.