POOLS

The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning realism and immersive quality, with many players praising the attention to detail and the ability to create an eerie atmosphere without relying on jump scares. The visuals are described as breathtaking, with a strong emphasis on the liminal space aesthetic, making exploration a visually rewarding experience. However, some users noted performance issues on lower-end hardware, particularly on the Steam Deck, which can detract from the overall experience.

The game's story is largely absent or open to interpretation, with many players noting that it lacks traditional narrative elements such as dialogue, lore, or clear objectives. Instead, it relies on atmospheric exploration and visual storytelling, allowing players to construct their own meanings from the surreal environments. While some appreciate the ambiguity and the opportunity for personal interpretation, others express a desire for a more defined storyline to enhance the experience.

The gameplay of this indie title is primarily a walking simulator, focusing on exploration rather than traditional mechanics like combat or puzzles. While some players appreciate the atmospheric and immersive experience, others criticize the lack of engaging gameplay elements, describing it as tedious and overly simplistic. Overall, it appeals to those seeking a unique, meditative experience in liminal spaces, but may not satisfy players looking for more interactive or action-oriented gameplay.

The game's music is minimal, with a focus on ambient sounds that create a calming and meditative atmosphere, often enhancing the player's experience rather than inducing tension. While some players appreciate the sparse use of music, finding it effective in maintaining intrigue and immersion, others express a desire for more melodic elements to complement the ambient noise. Overall, the sound design is praised for its quality and ability to evoke a dream-like quality, though opinions vary on the absence of a more prominent soundtrack.

Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews. While some players appreciate the visual quality and report improved performance following updates, others note persistent issues such as high GPU utilization, stuttering, and a need for further optimization, particularly on the Steam Deck. Despite these concerns, many believe that ongoing updates could address the remaining performance issues.

The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its potential for exploration and achievement hunting, while others feel that once completed, the experience lacks incentive to revisit. Many appreciate the atmospheric design and hidden elements that encourage multiple playthroughs, but some argue that the overall replay value is limited, making the price feel high for a shorter experience. Overall, it offers a blend of replayable elements, particularly for fans of its genre, but may not satisfy those seeking extensive replayability.

The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a blend of despondency and relaxation, evoking feelings of loneliness and muted wonder through its atmospheric design. Players report experiencing a range of emotions, from discomfort and chills to moments of profound engagement, often without traditional horror elements like jump scares. Overall, the game resonates deeply with those intrigued by liminal spaces and seeks to provide a meaningful emotional journey.

Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many users reporting no significant bugs or glitches, particularly on the Steam Deck. However, some players experienced minor visual issues, such as lighting glitches and occasional game-breaking bugs that required restarts. While the game runs smoothly for most, a few users noted that disabling certain graphical settings could lead to rendering problems.

The humor in the game is described as a blend of absurdity and silliness, often eliciting laughter through its quirky elements and unexpected scenarios. Players find the combination of creepy atmospheres with comedic moments, such as ridiculous endings and playful interactions, to be both entertaining and oddly relaxing. Overall, it offers a unique experience that balances tension with humor, making it enjoyable for those seeking a lighthearted take on horror.

Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is often perceived as tedious and slow, with some players finding the realistic movement through water to be a hindrance to enjoyment. While it may appeal to fans of surreal exploration games, many feel that the experience shifts from engaging exploration to a monotonous grind, detracting from overall fun.

The monetization aspect of the game has drawn criticism for being misleading in its advertising, as it promotes a spooky experience without delivering any real scares or content. Reviewers describe it as a cash grab that capitalizes on the liminal space trend, likening it unfavorably to other low-effort games. Overall, players feel disappointed by the lack of genuine content and the game's failure to meet expectations.