POOLS Review - Dive Into the Deep End of Creepy
Alright, let's get this straight: if you're looking for a game to blast through with guns blazing and monsters to mow down, "POOLS" will just float right past you. But if you're into the kind of game that creeps up on you like a fog, thick and slow, where the scariest thing isn't what jumps out, but what might be lurking just out of sight, you’ll love pools.
It's All About the Mood, Baby
"POOLS" isn't here to serve up your typical horror game buffet. No, it's more like a tasting menu of unsettling vibes. The game grabs everyday places—y'know, pools, locker rooms, those slippery-when-wet bathrooms—and twists them into something that feels off. It's like walking into a room and forgetting why you went there, but for like, four hours straight.
And the visuals? Damn. It's like stepping into one of those ultra-HD dreams where everything is so crisp it's freaky. The game's got style, and even though it's mostly using premade assets, the devs have knitted them together into something that feels fresh. It's like watching a chef make a gourmet meal out of leftovers.
Soundwise, It's the Silence That Screams
Who knew emptiness could be so loud, right? The echoes of your own footsteps, the distant drips of a leaky faucet somewhere—this game uses sound like a freaking paintbrush. You'll find yourself turning up the volume, not to catch the booming bass of a soundtrack, but to hear the soft, sneaky whispers of the game's atmosphere drawing you deeper into its world.
Gameplay That’s Like Sneaking Into a Closed Pool at Night
Here's the real kicker: there's not much to do in "POOLS" other than walk, look, and occasionally interact with things. But that's the whole point. It’s not about solving puzzles or defeating enemies; it's about exploring and soaking in the creepiness. Each step is a story told through the environment, and if you’re patient, the narrative comes together in bits and pieces that stick with you longer than any jump scare could.
First Chapter Snooze, Second Chapter Boom
Not gonna lie, the first chapter feels like you're warming up at the kiddie pool—too safe, too bright. But push through to the second chapter, and boom, you’re in the deep end. The ambiance cranks up to eleven, and suddenly you're not just in a game, you're in an experience, wandering through a maze that feels both alien and eerily familiar.
For the Love of All That is Holy, Stick With It
If you bail after the first chapter, you’re missing out. The game hits its stride later on, delivering those 'oh sh-*' moments that are about eerie revelations, not cheap thrills. It’s a slow burn that builds into something worth the wait.
Final Verdict: A Dive Worth Taking
"POOLS" is a masterclass in atmospheric horror. It’s a game that asks you not to rush through but to stroll and ponder, to let the ambiance wash over you like cold pool water on a hot day. If you've got the patience for a game that’s more about the journey than the destination, then "POOLS" is your next plunge.
Rating: 8.5/10 – "POOLS" is for those who love their horror served with a side of introspection and a sprinkle of existential dread. Not perfect, but damn if it isn't a memorable swim in the dark.
We at NLM received a key for this game for free, this however didn’t impact our review in any way