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POOLS

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2024

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Quick resume

Walking simulator. Explore, admire and listen. Uncanny. Relaxing. Unnerving. Eerie. Immersive. No monsters chasing you or jumping towards at your screen, but can feel oppressive at times by invoking fears of getting lost, the dark, tight spaces and liminal space architecture. Inspired by backrooms.

Global score

95/100

Genres

Adventure

Pros

  • Exceptional atmosphere and sound design
  • Unique liminal space exploration
  • No jump scares or monsters
  • Immersive and creative level design
  • Good optimization and graphics

Cons

  • Short game length
  • Limited gameplay mechanics
  • Some repetitive areas
  • Minor bugs and technical issues
  • Lack of multiplayer or social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players freely explore the maze-like liminal spaces at their own pace with no forced linearity or scripted events."

  • Competence
    -2

    "Gameplay mainly involves exploration and navigation without skill-based challenges or complex mechanics."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements, multiplayer, or leaderboards; focus is on solo experience."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players express desire to replay for atmosphere and exploration, though game length is short."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Creative level design with surreal, non-Euclidean architecture and atmospheric storytelling."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control over others; experience is personal and introspective."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strongly focused on immersion in a surreal, unsettling environment to escape reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in liminal spaces and atmosphere, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Exploration of unusual environments and discovery of hidden areas encourages experimentation."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Core gameplay is about discovering new areas, secrets, and navigating maze-like spaces."

  • Expression
    2

    "Some customization options for graphics and gameplay settings allow personal expression."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Surreal, dreamlike, and uncanny environments create an imaginative fictional experience."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; experience is solitary."

  • Growth
    -3

    "Limited learning curve; mostly familiar exploration without skill development."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to explore and navigate; not a background or idle game."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social interactions or relationship building; solitary experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements."

  • Progression
    1

    "Some achievements and collectibles exist but no significant item or power accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Atmosphere balances tension and calm; some players find it relaxing despite unease."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Strong sensory stimulation through visuals, sound design, and immersive environment."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    2

    "Narrative is subtle and environmental, relying on player interpretation rather than explicit plot."

  • Strategy
    -3

    "Minimal problem solving; navigation through maze-like levels is the main cognitive challenge."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Psychological suspense and unease create a subtle thrill without jump scares or direct threats."

  • Value
    2

    "Players feel the game offers good value for its unique atmosphere and experience despite short length."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violence or combat; focus on exploration and atmosphere."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival mechanics or threats; safe exploration environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026