Finnish studio Tensori's distinctive walking simulation game, titled POOLS, which garnered an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' reception on Steam with nearly 3000 user reviews since its 2024 launch, is set to arrive on the Nintendo Switch platform on February 26th. The game, celebrated for its unsettling ambiance and sparse design, promises a unique experience for players seeking an alternative to typical gaming narratives.
This "liminal fever dream" distinguishes itself through its intentional lack of traditional game elements: there's no user interface, no dialogue, no background music, no conventional plot, no characters to encounter, no collectible notes, and no direct guidance. Crucially, it avoids jump scares or monster chases, instead cultivating an atmosphere of subtle unease through its visually minimal yet psychologically rich environments. The Switch version will include the original game along with the "Chapter 0" expansion, offering a comprehensive experience of its maze-like, white-tiled spaces where something is perpetually 'not quite right'.
Drawing inspiration from internet phenomena such as 'Liminal spaces', 'Found footage', and 'Backrooms', particularly 'Poolrooms', the game is designed to evolve as players progress. Each chapter introduces distinct visual and thematic changes, ensuring a continuous sense of discovery within its mysterious settings. A demo will be available on release day, priced at $9.79 / £8.50 / €9.75, allowing players to immerse themselves in its unique world and decide if its introspective journey into unsettling environments is for them.
POOLS invites players to embrace the unconventional, offering a contemplative and atmospheric journey that challenges traditional gaming expectations. It stands as a testament to the power of minimalist design, proving that profound experiences can emerge from absence, fostering an environment where imagination and internal reflection become central to gameplay. This title encourages a deeper engagement with its surreal landscapes, promising a thought-provoking escape into an eerily beautiful digital realm.
