- Wander through spotless corridors and tranquil pools
- Stroll amidst the vast emptiness
- Apparently, no one is observing you
This might just be the final remnants of Halloween spirit still lingering with me, but Pools feels like an exceptionally fitting release for mobile this week—primarily because it captures that persistent sense of dread where you can never quite be sure what’s lurking.
With a title as simple as "Pools," you might wonder what makes such an artificial body of water so unnervingly creepy. The key lies in the unsettling void that accompanies you throughout the entire exploration, sending shivers down anyone's spine (including mine).
Finnish developer Tensori has released this surreal experience on iOS today, following its announcement last month. It offers ample liminal spaces to explore if you’re eager to creep yourself out while queuing for ramen or settling in for bed—and hoping for some nightmares. The game aims to evoke the feeling of being "forever stuck at 3AM, forever abandoned," which I find terrifying beyond measure. My deep-seated fear of sea creatures and vast waters likely amplifies this effect.
While there are no monstrous fiends or undead legions attacking here, the atmosphere remains equally chilling. To learn more about the developers, you can follow their community on Instagram for the latest updates. Visit the official website for further details on this supposedly "meditative" journey through empty hallways and unending stillness.
Incidentally, the official press release advises players to "bring headphones. Stay a while. And don’t worry - there’s no one watching you here."
Take that as you wish.
