Exploration meets unease in POOLS, a walking simulator that dabbles in horror, where you wander through aquatic, maze-like environments trying to find an exit. The game is coming to PS5 and PS VR2 this November, and some versions get an upgrade without extra cost.
The version with VR support leans into unsettling visuals — mannequins, odd objects, and uncanny movements shape the mood. If you’ve played the flatscreen variant, expect more tension in VR, plus a few trade-offs given the hardware.
What’s Different in the PS5 / PS VR2 Version
POOLS is being ported to PS5 and PS VR2 on November 25. The PS5 version includes the Chapter 0 expansion, and owners of that version will receive the PS VR2 build at no extra cost. That says a lot about the developer’s confidence in offering cross-platform value.
The VR mode aims to heighten immersion: navigating through corridors, aquatic chambers, and strange rooms will feel more intense. Environmental details like lighting, sound cues, and spatial scale are leveraged to enhance disorientation, which is essential to the game’s mood.
Why It Matters and Things to Keep in Mind
Walking simulators with horror elements tend to rely heavily on atmosphere rather than action. In VR, that’s a double-edged sword: great tension is possible, but so is motion sickness or discomfort if movement and visuals aren’t handled carefully.
Another point is the free upgrade for PS5 owners. It reduces friction for players who might be uncertain about committing to the VR version. That kind of cross-version goodwill is a nice gesture, especially in VR where hardware cost can be a barrier.
With POOLS coming to PS VR2, the game joins a growing set of indie titles choosing to lean hard into mood, environment, and psychological unease. Whether it settles into its niche or becomes a standout depends a lot on how well the VR version balances atmosphere, comfort, and visual fidelity.
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