POOLS Game Online

Description

POOLS is an experimental exploration game that immerses players in a vast, labyrinthine pool complex. Designed as a walking simulator, it offers an art gallery-like experience where the focus is on observation, sound, and atmosphere rather than traditional gameplay elements. The game evokes a sense of isolation and tension through minimalistic design and the absence of conventional threats, such as monsters or combat.

Immersive Sound Design and Environmental Storytelling

One of the standout features of POOLS is its immersive sound design. The game lacks a user interface, dialogue, and background music, relying instead on environmental sounds to create a realistic and tense atmosphere. The acoustics change depending on the room you’re in, and walking through water slows your movement, enhancing the sense of presence. These auditory cues, combined with the game’s visual design, contribute to an eerie and oppressive ambiance that plays on fears of getting lost, darkness, and tight spaces.

Exploration Across Six Unique Chapters

POOLS is divided into six distinct chapters, each offering a unique environment and experience. Each chapter takes approximately 10 to 30 minutes to complete, providing a concise yet impactful journey through the game’s world. As you progress, you’ll notice subtle changes in the environment, suggesting an evolving world that reacts to your presence. This dynamic world-building encourages players to pay close attention to their surroundings, piecing together the narrative through environmental storytelling rather than direct exposition.

Inspired by Liminal Spaces and Found Footage Aesthetics

The game’s design is heavily inspired by the internet phenomenon of liminal spaces and found footage aesthetics, particularly the “Backrooms” and “Poolrooms” concepts. Influential artists like Jared Pike and studios such as Matt Studios and Anemoiapolis have shaped the game’s visual and thematic direction. POOLS captures the unsettling beauty of these spaces, offering players a chance to explore environments that feel both familiar and alien, evoking a sense of nostalgia and unease.

Tips for Navigating POOLS

To make the most of your experience in POOLS, consider the following tips:

Pay Attention to Sound: The game’s sound design is crucial for navigation and immersion. Listen carefully to the changes in acoustics as you move through different areas.
Observe Your Surroundings: Look for subtle visual cues that can help you understand the environment and guide your exploration.
Embrace the Atmosphere: The game’s strength lies in its atmosphere. Allow yourself to become immersed in the environment and experience the emotions it evokes.

POOLS offers a unique and thought-provoking experience for players interested in atmospheric exploration and environmental storytelling. Its minimalist design and focus on ambiance make it a standout title for those seeking something different in the gaming landscape.