Backrooms-inspired experience POOLS recently received a new VR mode, bringing an immersive new dimension to the liminal world. You can read the complete review below.
When not playing VR games, I enjoy other titles on my Legion Go portable console. Before Tensori added headset support, I had unlocked the entire POOLS game on my Legion Go handheld console. It’s fun to walk around the halls and find stuff I missed in previous runs. What is it? :
Platforms: ,
(reviewed on PC using Quest 3)SteamRelease Date: PlayStation VR2Out now (Steam), 2025 (PS VR2)
Developer: Tensori
Price: $9.79
With POOLS VR, that walking simulator becomes a lot darker. You’ll need to explore the halls filled with strangely positioned slides, watery pools, and twisted buildings to reach the exit. It is stated that there are no scares in this game, and I confirm it’s true. However, the sound effects you will hear during the entire experience may make you question whether you were lied to. The reverb will make your heavy steps echo through the hallways. You will quickly become frightened of looking behind you. The PC VR screenshot was captured by Quest 3POOLSVR places the player waist deep in a pool with a start menu. The trigger button on the Quest 3 controllers caused my character to run while pressing down on my joystick on my right side made me crouch. The game does not have a jumping mechanic. However, there is no death screen. The game will fade to black if you walk in an abyss on any map point. You’ll be placed next to the place you fell. Add a tunneling scene and use the slider to adjust its size. There are also options to skip the water slide, get help with climbing, and fade out any mechanics in mid-air (like a jump to doom). There is also a fade to black for optional snap turning.
Other features include adjusting the height for standing, sitting, and crouching. Change your movement mode, your turn method, and your position offset. You can also change how quickly you run, swim, or walk in the game. Or if you want to simply teleport. Escher level that will quickly change your perspective and tilt the environment around you. The PC VR screenshot was captured by Quest 3
Typically, you will get lost. When I first put my VR headset on, I was sure I understood a certain level. POOLS VR is perfect for those who like to explore while listening to music they enjoy or have time to think about things. You can explore while listening to your favorite music or think about it. POOLS VR had moments where I was so uneasy that I almost wanted to quit. One chapter, I was running down the stairs and saw different apartments through several of the windows. I stopped for a few seconds to look back and then kept moving. As soon as I reached the halfway point of the staircase, I realized that the duck could make a great picture.
By the time I returned up the stairs, the duck had disappeared. The duck was gone by the time I got back up. This game was evaluated using the Quest 3 head-set connected via Virtual Desktop to my PC.
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When things start appearing in POOLS where they previously weren’t, that’s when bad things happen. On one level, towards the end chapter, I saw mannequins in the hall behind me when I glanced over my shoulders. Rubber duckies appeared on shelves as they stared at me. There are still no jump-scares but plenty of scenes that make you flutter as you run. I don’t think POOLS VR is scary, but there are some strange issues that you may encounter. The water is currently having a strange visual problem. I didn’t experience many issues with POOLS VR, though there are some odd reflections. My temporary fix is to turn them off.
When level transitions occur, the screen that is meant to hide my view does not cover enough of my headset. The occlusion filtering is also too strict, causing me to notice textures disappearing from the wall as soon as my head turns. I’m hoping Tensori can resolve these issues in a future update.
POOLS VR – Final Verdict
