Another cult hit PC title is making the jump to PS5 with POOLS, a strange, first-person exploration game.
Initially released earlier in 2024, the game has you wandering around liminal spaces containing swimming pools, a haunting silence, and nothing else.
While very minimal in terms of interactivity, the game has garnered an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' rating on Steam thanks to its unsettling atmosphere and creepy, twisting, tiled mazes.
As the Steam page says, it plays on fears of getting lost, the dark, bodies of water, and small spaces. While labelled as a horror experience, there are no monsters chasing you, and no jump scares to worry about.
There are no real objectives other than exploring each level and eventually finding the exit — it's mostly about existing in and absorbing the strange architecture of each pool.
If you've ever seen liminal space pictures of dimly lit or abandoned swimming pools, it's basically that but in game form.
The PS5 version can be played on your TV, but it also features full support for PSVR2, allowing you to immerse yourself even deeper into the game's uncanny world.
It's due for release sometime in 2025, and can be wishlisted on PS Store now. Will you be exploring POOLS when it arrives next year? Pop some goggles on in the comments section below.
Stephen has been part of the Push Square team for over six years, bringing boundless enthusiasm and a deep knowledge of video games to his role as Assistant Editor. Having grown up playing every PlayStation console to date, he's developed an eclectic taste, with particular passion for indie games, arcade racers, and puzzlers. He's also our go-to guy for Sonic-related matters, much to his delight/chagrin.
Love to see more games on the way for my new headset!
Creepy nightmare fuel in VR? Pretty cool.
Can't wait to play this on the PS5 together with my daughter.
She really likes these kinda games and this here looks fantastic.
Liminal space
I've got it on Steam and it's awesome, but I'm super
UPS
Pool
diving
swimming
pop
Love
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