POOLS Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-06-02
Review summary
  • Eerie and unsettling atmosphere
  • Stunning visual design
  • Exploration of liminal spaces
  • Game crashes and performance issues
  • Repetitive and monotonous gameplay
  • Motion sickness issues
POOLS header

Categories

Atmospheric HorrorExplorationWalking SimulatorFound Footage StyleFirst-Person PerspectivePsychological HorrorEnvironmental StorytellingSurreal Exploration

Emotions

Archetypes

Hardware

Windows <8GB VRAMnegativeWindows 12-15GB VRAMnegative

Snapshot History

Positive
Negative
1,440
90%
411
90%
397
90%
Sample precision
Helpful reviews
79%
Unhelpful reviews
21%
Protest reviews
0%
Positive points
1133
Negative points
253
Gameplay points
504
Perf. points
84
Rec. points
275
Misc points
0
Point
Eerie and Unsettling Atmosphere
Description
The game offers a unique and eerie atmosphere that is both unsettling and beautiful. It creates a sense of tension and psychological horror without relying on traditional scares.
Importance
90%
Stunning Visual Design
Description
The game features visually stunning graphics with high-quality environmental design, impressive lighting, and reflections. Players appreciate the beautiful locations, surreal visuals, and realistic water effects.
Importance
78%
Excellent Sound Design
Description
The sound design is highly praised for being effective and immersive. It enhances the overall atmosphere and contributes significantly to the game's tension and immersion.
Importance
50%
No Traditional Scares
Description
The game avoids using jump scares, monsters, or chase scenes, making it suitable for players who prefer atmospheric horror without sudden frights.
Importance
37%
Immersive Experience
Description
The game offers a highly immersive experience with detailed artwork, soundscapes, and atmospheric elements that draw players in.
Importance
31%
Relaxing Exploration Gameplay
Description
The game encourages relaxing and meditative exploration, allowing players to enjoy the environments without anxiety.
Importance
23%
Good Value for Money
Description
Players feel that the game is worth the price, offering a good value for the experience it provides.
Importance
22%
Well-Designed Levels
Description
The level design is detailed and intricate, with creative moments that enhance the overall exploration experience.
Importance
20%
Psychological Horror Elements
Description
The game focuses on psychological and existential horror, creating a unique and impactful atmosphere that plays on psychological thrills.
Importance
19%
Best Backrooms Game
Description
The game is considered one of the best in the backrooms universe, offering a unique and interesting experience within this genre.
Importance
14%
Fun Achievements and Side Quests
Description
The game includes fun achievements and side quests that reward curiosity and add to the overall enjoyment.
Importance
14%
Adjustable Movement Speeds
Description
Players can adjust the speeds for running, walking, and moving in water, providing customizable control over their movement.
Importance
13%