Get Started...
Android
iOS
Mac
Switch
Switch 2
PC
PS4
PS5
Xbox One
Xbox X|S
Please enter a valid email address
Please choose a platform
:
How does your child play this? Alone, with friends, with family? How did they discover it and what kept them coming back for more?
:
To verify your input please enter your email to create an account.
Email:
Play Overview
Pools (2024) is an adventure game where you explore and observe an abandoned swimming pool complex. Play involves walking, looking and listening to the detailed environments. It stands out for the world you explore being left to shine - without the usual backing music, enemies or need to make narrative decisions.
Unlike other walking simulator games, in Pools, there are no monsters chasing you or items to fetch and carry. There isn't even a branching narrative. The game stands or falls on the quality of its rich recreation of abandoned swimming pools. It offers spaces that feel oppressive not for some boogie man, but because you can easily get lost. It invites you to explore its dark, tight and liminal spaces.
As you progress you learn to take your time and linger in each area. It becomes as much an art gallery as a video game as you look around and listen to the sounds. There are very few things to solve, practically a few mazes. Sometimes the game can challenge your navigation skills. But mostly you're just... there.
The result is a game, inspired by internet phenomenons "Liminal Spaces", "Found footage" and "Backrooms" that offers a chance to step into a space that asks little of you. As you explore you not only discover a rich world of sound and vision, but also a chance to consider your own identity, history and relationships.
Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Pools 18 months ago. It was re-examined by Ollie Robertson and updated 7 months ago.
Unlike other walking simulator games, in Pools, there are no monsters chasing you or items to fetch and carry. There isn't even a branching narrative. The game stands or falls on the quality of its rich recreation of abandoned swimming pools. It offers spaces that feel oppressive not for some boogie man, but because you can easily get lost. It invites you to explore its dark, tight and liminal spaces.
As you progress you learn to take your time and linger in each area. It becomes as much an art gallery as a video game as you look around and listen to the sounds. There are very few things to solve, practically a few mazes. Sometimes the game can challenge your navigation skills. But mostly you're just... there.
The result is a game, inspired by internet phenomenons "Liminal Spaces", "Found footage" and "Backrooms" that offers a chance to step into a space that asks little of you. As you explore you not only discover a rich world of sound and vision, but also a chance to consider your own identity, history and relationships.
Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Pools 18 months ago. It was re-examined by Ollie Robertson and updated 7 months ago.
There are lots of games similar to Pools. Here are some we picked for you:
Play Style
Duration
Play Time: This game will take between 2 and a half hours and 4 hours to complete. There are six chapters, each taking 10 to 30 minutes to play.
Benefits
Age Ratings
Skill Level
7+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Although even young players should be able to get around the world, you need both patience and curiosity to get the most from the game.
Costs
Game Details
Release Date: 26/04/2024
Out Now: Mac and PC
Skill Rating: 7+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Adventure, Traversal (Narrative and Simulation)
Accessibility: 0 features documented (Tweet Developer )
Components: 3D First-Person
Developer: Tensori Ltd (@Tensori_Ltd)
 |
Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships. |
© 2025 Family Gaming Database