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About Poolside Vigil
Poolside Vigil is a puzzle game set in shifting, physics-heavy pool environments. Developed by Glare Games, it drops you into a labyrinth of ever-changing water paths that reset between attempts. The story centers on a true incident involving phone addiction and a mysterious entity stalking you. Released on PC in late 2026, it combines environmental puzzles with tense survival elements. You’ll manipulate water levels, trigger mechanisms, and evade a relentless pursuer while solving each level’s unique configuration. The game’s challenge lies in its refusal to let you memorize routes, every playthrough is a fresh scramble.
Gameplay
You control a phone-carrying character navigating pools that reshape themselves dynamically. Puzzles rely on physics: displace water to uncover paths, adjust buoyancy to float debris, or trigger drain systems to create new routes. The entity chasing you adds urgency, you must solve puzzles before it closes in. Each death resets the level, forcing you to adapt strategies. Controls are precise but demanding, requiring quick reflexes and spatial awareness. Sessions often end in frustration as the pool’s layout shifts mid-progression. The lack of save points means you’re constantly balancing puzzle-solving with evasion, creating a high-tension loop of trial and error.
What Players Think
PlayPile community ratings average 4.2/5, with 72% of players calling it “addictive” despite its difficulty. Average playtime is 6 hours to 100% completion, though 78% of players finish the main story. Moods lean tense (45%) and frustrating (33%), with some calling it a “masterpiece of minimalist horror.” Critics praise the physics depth but note repetitive level design in later chapters. Achievement data shows 50 total milestones, with 42% of players hitting the 100% completion threshold. At $29.99, it’s seen as a mid-tier purchase, though frequent resets and short campaign length deter some.
PlayPile's Take
Poolside Vigil is for puzzle fans who thrive on challenge and horror enthusiasts who like their tension physical. The physics interactions are clever, but the lack of progress saves and repetitive pool layouts may wear thin. With a solid but not overwhelming achievement list, it’s a niche pick for those willing to pay $30 for a cerebral, stressful experience. It won’t convert casual players, but completionists will find value in its 6-hour grind.
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