Pools review – A liminal hidden gem

Are you creeped out by liminal spaces; abandoned places devoid of life that appear eerie and surreal? If so, chances are you’re going to love Pools by Tensori, even though your progress might be made with trepidation.

Pools is something utterly unique. Some may find it relaxing. Others terrifying. Played from a first-person perspective, there are no enemies to worry about here. There are no complex mechanics, either, or puzzles to solves. More than anything, it’s a test of your navigation skills. You see, landing in a new environment in each of the game’s six chapters, all you have to do in each is find the exit.

It’s up to you how you play. You can take your time if you want, observing the scenery that you may either find eye-catching or terrifying. Occasionally you’ll come across sublimely modelled objects or works of art to admire, too. There’s not really any point to it. Nor is there any point in sitting in the numerous chairs you occasionally come across, but sometimes you might, just to take in the ambience.

For those what want to complete all six chapters and ‘complete’ Pools, however, the challenge will be in taking the right routes, remembering where you’ve been, and sometimes taking a chance on the unknown. In one chapter, for example, you can easily find yourself in an endless loop, the feeling that you’re trapped creeping in and causing you to panic.

In another chapter, there’s a wonderful section that seems inspired by Escher, with stairwells leading off in different angles and walkways that seemingly defy the laws of gravity. Such moments are mind-boggling, and an absolute joy to traverse. But that’s the pleasure provided by Pools on the whole; it’s unpredictable, ingenious and somewhat cerebral, nourishment for the brain as much as it is for the eye thanks to its photorealistic visuals.

Despite there being almost no music, audio design is on point here, too. Silence adds even more atmosphere to the locations you find yourself in. Though while you’re often only accompanied by the sounds of your feet tapping along, there is the occasional noise in the distance just to put you on edge. Or a flourish of music to set a scene.

You can run through all six chapters of Pools in around an hour if you’re switched on. Frequently get lost, however, and that time will grow. As already mentioned, some might want to pace themselves, too. And those who are into achievements will have to explore and fulfil various conditions if they want to unlock them all. Pools isn’t the biggest game in the world, then, but some will get plenty of enjoyment out of it. At just £8.50, it doesn’t break the bank, either.

Whether you find liminal spaces strangely appealing or unsettlingly eerie, we recommend you give Pools a try. We certainly haven’t played anything quite like it before. It may not be an action-packed experience with complex mechanics – hell, some might not even consider it a game at all – but it’s utterly compelling from beginning to end.

This review of Pools was facilitated by a code provided by the game’s publisher. It’s available on PC.