I’m often found an the artsy end of the gaming spectrum but I rarely dive into “horror” games. Pools scratches a few very niche itches for me as its a walking simulator that dives into the psychological horror of liminal spaces. Overflowing mazes of swimming pools to be exact. As you explore a clinical but unsettlingly creepy world by wading through the water, you are left to your own thoughts in what is a very unique gaming experience.
Firstly, lets get the horror worries out the way. There are no jump scares or monsters chasing you around. Everything scary here is down to the environment. Its in the claustrophobic spaces, the dimly lit tunnels, the odd steam puff from the sauna or a floating rubber duck that always seems to be facing towards you. It isn’t scary, but more unsettling and oppressive. Nothing feels like a way out and as the game progresses across its six chapters, the swimming pools you navigate become more unhinged. Think the maze in Labyrinth where going around a curve shifts gravity. What was the wall is now the floor.
Whilst there are no jump scares or monsters, there is also no interaction, voice over, UI or overt puzzles. The entire game is a maze and whilst there is a puzzle element to work out how to progress, you’ll get there by picking off corridors one at a time. This minimalism will not be for everyone. Indeed, if the oppressive atmosphere doesn’t do anything for you, then Pools becomes a giant maze simulator. That minimalism really feeds into the loneliness of exploring liminal spaces though. The vast empty spaces devoid of life have a certain beauty and charm to them but they can also set in existential dread for others.
Whilst Pools had me utterly captivated on the journey with its beautiful architecture, lighting and at times impossible structures, I did have a few bumpy moments. The game has various slides to go down which are great but I’d have loved to have floated on the floats across the game. You can sit in some of the chairs in game but many of them. It felt like being in the space for extended periods of time should be part of the horror but instead I was rushing through because of the lack of interactivity. There is also a story that is hinted upon with various Easter eggs to undercover. It felt like Pools was building up to a cathartic end game but I must say the final scenes and ending didn’t really land with me.
Pools is more about the journey though. Frolicking around wading through water, diving off boards, sliding down chutes and feeling lost in the dark. It truly is a one of a kind experience, even if you aren’t part of the target audience that might find it creepy or unsettling. Some gamers will undoubtedly not understand why an empty game would be interesting. For me, its all about forcing yourself to be alone in that world and seeing where your thoughts take you. A fascinating experimental experience.
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