Pool Cleaning Simulator
- June 5, 2024
- FreeMind S.A.
- 8h median play time
"Pool Cleaning Simulator" is a single-player business simulation game that offers an intriguing story as you clean and maintain various pools. With realistic cleaning simulations, players will use a variety of tools to transform dirty pools into sparkling oases. However, the game is reportedly very grinding and full of bugs, affecting the overall experience.
Reviews
- The game offers a relaxing and satisfying experience, making it perfect for unwinding after a long day.
- It features realistic simulation mechanics and diverse environments, providing a unique and immersive cleaning experience.
- The developers are responsive to community feedback and actively work on updates and bug fixes, enhancing the overall gameplay.
- The game suffers from numerous bugs and performance issues, which can disrupt gameplay and lead to frustration.
- Some tasks can feel repetitive and tedious, particularly the rubber duck collection missions, which many players found excessive.
- The progression system is limited, with minimal upgrades or new tools to unlock, which may reduce long-term engagement.
- story80 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely centered around completing various cleaning missions, often involving quirky side quests like hunting for rubber duckies, which some players find tedious and frustrating due to bugs and unclear instructions. While there are interesting narratives tied to each job, many users express dissatisfaction with the lack of a cohesive overarching storyline and the frequent need to restart missions due to glitches. Overall, the game has potential but suffers from significant technical issues that detract from the storytelling experience.
“I liked that it had a story to each job, and dipping into murder and choices of how we complete a job was a nice touch.”
“The story for the maps is also pretty interesting and the last one was quite unexpected!”
“I'm enjoying the little story that comes with it!”
“The story for the maps is also pretty interesting, and the last one was quite unexpected!”
“This is completely over the top and tedious for literally no reason, and it's required to finish the mission.”
“Unfortunately, the game is unplayable after the first tutorial mission.”
- stability25 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting significant bugs, glitches, and performance issues that disrupt gameplay, including crashes and unresponsive controls. While some players noted improvements in stability after the full release and appreciated the developers' responsiveness to bug reports, many still found the game to be a frustrating experience due to its ongoing technical problems. Overall, the consensus suggests that the game requires further patches to address these stability concerns effectively.
“The game is very buggy, making some mundane tasks feel torturous.”
“Never made it to the first mission because I couldn't find the items needed to leave and the game constantly bugged. Maybe it will get patched with better instructions on how to play and not be buggy, but until then, sadly disappointed to not even make it to cleaning pools.”
“Save your money, the game is too buggy and lags.”
- gameplay23 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by realistic simulation mechanics that offer an authentic pool cleaning experience, requiring players to manage various tasks like scrubbing and chemical balancing. While the methodical and relaxing nature of the gameplay appeals to those seeking a calming experience, some players find the repetitive tasks can lead to monotony. Despite comparisons to similar games like Powerwash Simulator, the game features unique challenges and environments that keep the experience engaging, though some mechanics may feel limiting or frustrating.
“The game provides an authentic pool cleaning experience, requiring players to manage tasks such as scrubbing surfaces, balancing chemical levels, and removing debris.”
“The methodical nature of the tasks, combined with ambient soundscapes, creates a calming experience that appeals to players seeking a meditative and stress-relieving activity.”
“Each level offers unique challenges and environments, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.”
“Some players may find the core gameplay loop becomes monotonous over time, as the primary activities revolve around similar cleaning tasks without significant variation.”
“There are some really stupid mechanics in the game; you can only have one bottle of each chemical in your van at a time.”
“The game has a lot of issues and I feel like the gameplay is limited and boring.”
- graphics23 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 26 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the realistic and detailed environments, while others criticize the performance issues and lack of optimization, leading to poor frame rates even on lower settings. While certain aspects, like the design of levels and aesthetic appeal, are appreciated, many users report technical problems, including items appearing to float and crashes affecting their hardware. Overall, the graphics are seen as a highlight for some, but significant issues hinder the experience for others.
“Great game to play, gives a bit of a house flipper vibe, a lot of fun, great graphics.”
“The game also has a realistic and detailed graphics engine, which makes the pools and the environments look amazing.”
“The music and graphics are better than expected, and the jobs have a ton of variety with things hidden around the area.”
“Secondly, the graphics are subpar when you are having to carry items which appear to float in mid-air instead of actually being in your hands.”
“Even when set to the lowest graphical settings, it puts out garbage frame rates while still utilizing 40% CPU and 100% GPU.”
“A bit janky with the graphics and does seem like it lacks optimization, and there is no option to fix the field of view.”
- optimization14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users praising significant improvements and smooth performance, while others report persistent technical issues, including bugs, crashes, and high GPU usage that can lead to overheating. Many players suggest that the game still requires further optimization, especially for those with mid-range hardware, as performance dips and glitches continue to disrupt the experience. Overall, while some players enjoy a stable experience, others find the game's optimization lacking and in need of further refinement.
“The lag and performance issues I encountered before are practically gone.”
“The improved optimization, user-friendly interface, new levels, and impressive water physics make it a standout in the simulation genre.”
“Good game overall, I had no performance issues whatsoever; I would suggest playing on windowed full screen if you're encountering any FPS issues.”
“This game is in serious need of optimization as the game, as listed in the Steam store recommended specs, cannot and could not run this game on its best day.”
“On the 'school' mission, the game optimization still breaks and the game auto-closes.”
“A bit janky with the graphics and does seem like it lacks optimization, and there is no option to fix FOV.”
- grinding7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be largely tedious and repetitive, often feeling that certain tasks, like loading the van or cleaning, require excessive effort for minimal reward. While some appreciate the relaxing nature of these activities, many agree that the grind can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
“This is completely over the top and tedious for literally no reason, and it's required to finish the mission.”
“It’s a relaxing game, but it can get repetitive and tedious.”
“So, you can only collect one piece at a time, which can become tedious.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is hit or miss, with some players finding it genuinely funny due to the quirky client stories and amusing elements like ducks and Easter eggs, while others feel that certain jokes fall flat. Overall, the game's comedic approach is appreciated for its creativity and variety, though it may not resonate with everyone.
“Before playing, I thought, why would I want to clean a swimming pool? But it's really funny, and the gameplay knows how to make this job entertaining.”
“Very funny idea to incorporate different clients' stories and personalities.”
“I love the ducks and the funny Easter eggs.”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's music is praised for its unique and calming qualities, enhancing the overall experience alongside impressive graphics and varied gameplay. However, some players express frustration over the inability to adjust sound effects without affecting the music volume. Overall, the ambient soundtrack complements the game's atmosphere, making it enjoyable for casual play.
“I love the music of the game; it is unique and really calm.”
“The music and graphics are better than expected, and the jobs have a ton of variety with things hidden around the area.”
“Amazing water physics, great hidden tasks, and all of this accompanied by chill ambient music played through the radio.”
“They should add more sound effects and music, like footsteps in water or mud.”
“The music and graphics are better than expected, but the variety of jobs could use improvement.”
“While the ambient music is nice, it often feels repetitive and lacks variety.”