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 and the need for optimization, particularly on the Steam Deck.

The game's story is largely absent or open to interpretation, with many players noting that it lacks traditional narrative elements, dialogue, or clear objectives. Instead, it relies on atmospheric exploration and visual storytelling, allowing players to create their own interpretations of the environment and themes presented. While some find this approach intriguing and immersive, others express a desire for a more concrete 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 meditative experience, others criticize the lack of engaging gameplay elements, noting that it can feel tedious and overly simplistic. Overall, it appeals to those who enjoy immersive environments and abstract storytelling, but may not satisfy players seeking more interactive or action-oriented gameplay.

The game's music is minimal, with most of the experience relying on ambient sounds and sparse musical elements that enhance the atmosphere rather than distract from it. While some players appreciate the calming and meditative quality of the sound design, others express a desire for more melodic music to accompany their exploration. Overall, the soundscape is praised for its ability to create tension and intrigue, though opinions vary on the effectiveness of the occasional music that does appear.

Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some players noting significant performance improvements following updates, particularly on the Steam Deck. However, many still feel that the game is demanding on hardware and lacks sufficient optimization, especially in certain areas like map transitions and visual settings. While the graphics are praised for their quality, concerns about high GPU utilization and stuttering persist, indicating that further optimization is needed.

The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its potential for exploration and achievement collection, while others feel that once completed, there is little incentive to revisit. Many appreciate the stunning visuals and atmospheric sound design, which enhance the experience, but opinions vary widely, with some citing low replay value due to a lack of new content upon subsequent playthroughs. Overall, it seems that while there are elements that encourage replay, the experience may not be compelling enough for everyone to return.

The emotional experience of "Pools" is characterized by a blend of despondency and relaxation, evoking feelings of loneliness and muted wonder through its atmospheric design. Players report moments of genuine fear and discomfort, with some experiencing tears during gameplay, highlighting the game's ability to engage emotionally without relying on traditional horror elements like jump scares. Overall, it resonates deeply with those intrigued by liminal spaces and psychological experiences, making it a compelling choice for players seeking more than mere entertainment.

Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while many players report a smooth experience with no significant bugs, some have encountered minor glitches, particularly related to lighting and rendering issues. The game performs well on the Steam Deck, but certain graphical settings can lead to visual problems. Despite these issues, the game's atmosphere and visuals are generally praised, contributing to a positive experience.

The humor in the game is described as a blend of absurdity and silliness, often eliciting laughter through its quirky elements and unexpected scenarios, such as a nonsensical ending. Players find it both funny and creepy, making it a unique experience that balances tension with lighthearted moments, particularly in a relaxed, exploratory setting. Overall, the game is appreciated for its ability to provoke laughter while maintaining a spooky atmosphere.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and slow, often detracting from the overall experience. While some appreciate the realism of the slow movement, many feel it transforms enjoyable exploration into a monotonous task, leading to frustration rather than engagement. Overall, the grinding is seen as a significant drawback, with some suggesting it requires an excessive time investment.

The monetization aspect of the game has drawn criticism for being perceived as a cash grab that capitalizes on the liminal space trend, with players feeling misled by advertising that emphasizes a spooky atmosphere without delivering genuine content or scares. Many reviewers express disappointment over the lack of meaningful gameplay, likening it to low-effort titles and highlighting the need for more transparency in marketing.