Pools is shaping up to be a calm and contemplative addition to the VR lineup, offering players a chance to drift through eerily quiet swimming spaces. Unlike the fast-paced action of many VR titles, Pools is about slowing down, observing your surroundings, and getting lost in the serene environment. The game’s minimalist visuals and subtle soundscapes set the tone for a different kind of VR journey. It’s all about exploring these deserted pools at your own pace, focusing on small details and quiet moments.
Gameplay Focused On Exploration
There’s no combat or competitive element here. Instead, Pools leans into simple movement, letting players glide underwater and peer into the depths of these surreal spaces. The pools themselves are designed with clean lines and an almost unsettling stillness, drawing you deeper into the experience. This emphasis on atmosphere rather than action makes it a standout in the VR space, especially for those looking to unplug and unwind. Pools trades the intensity of typical VR gameplay for something more contemplative.
A Niche But Clear Visual Style
Pools uses a low-fi visual approach that sets it apart from other VR titles. The muted colors and straightforward textures give it a dreamlike quality, adding to the meditative vibe. Lighting and reflections are used sparingly, but effectively, to create an immersive sense of place. This stripped-back style helps reinforce the feeling of isolation in these empty pools. There’s nothing here to distract from the quiet water, the soft echo of your movements, and the feeling that you’re alone in a place frozen in time.
June Release And Platform Details
Pools is slated to launch on PC VR headsets in June, with no word yet on other platforms. This focus on PC VR means it’s likely to find an audience among players who appreciate experimental or atmospheric experiences.
As VR keeps evolving, titles like Pools show there’s still plenty of room for games that do something different. Rather than chase spectacle, Pools seems content to offer a space for players to explore at their own pace, one calm swim at a time.
Virtual Reality Explorer & Game Reviewer
Always the first to plug in. VRSCOUT dives head-first into the most immersive VR worlds, analyzing mechanics, comfort, innovation, and that elusive “presence” factor. If he says it’s worth it, it probably is.
