Obviously, the best part of Pools is also the most apparent thing about Pools, being the genuinely stunning art style. While a lot of games do the 'dream' aesthetic, I'm not sure I can remember a single one that actually replicates what a dream looks and feels like better than Pools. The sound design too is just absolutely stellar, from the varying breathing, to the 'barefoot' mode actually working, to the just general ambience, Pools is audiovisual wizardry.

And that's pretty much it. There are some semblances of a story, including whatever is happening in the last 30 seconds, but, in general, Pools, at least until the final chapter, is perfectly comfortable just letting you walk around. And while the level design is sneakily impressive, giving off the vibe of nonlinearity while also being somewhat difficult to actually get lost in, there's pretty much nothing from a story or gameplay perspective here, and more so just a collection of cool moments.

But those moments are pretty stinkin' cool.

9/10
Game #31 of 2024, May 31th