The Black Pool

Dope music. Crazy ability combos. Requires a lot of experimenting initially to learn the abilities.

UPDATED: Developer responded to my issues within a day and was able to use some information provided to find a specific engine error that was happening. They patched it hours after and it runs great now. 10/10 Smug Marmot for customer service and care. Game was unplayable for me. System is a 9800xt, 9070 and 32 gb ram but using any dark or decay ability caused 400ms frame times and shader issues that were blindingly green. My friend had a similar system with a 4070 and had no issues at all.

This is a really sick game made with heart. Offers some of the trippiest most unique visual experiences I've ever had in a game. Returnal vibes

A fun iteration of the rogue-like formula focusing on elemental powers. Core game loop involves clearing battle maps to secure an upgrade to your current suite of abilities, with each element causing different buffs to the player and debuffs to the enemies. Otherworldly setting serves the game-play well, with flying islands making for serviceable arenas. Definitely better if you have a friend or three to tag along in the experience with you, but would still be a good time solo. Reasonably priced for the experience and time you can expect to get out of it.

The Black Pool is often compared to games like Risk of Rain 2 and i personaly think that RoR is its own thing with its unique time mechanic and therefore should not be compared - they are too different. That said - this game has really good looking effects, is overall good looking with some exceptions like certain abilities but overall a pretty game. There are also cool enemy models in here with big bosses and great animations. In its core it is an action roguelike with in run and perma progression but its also not super polished and the ui serves its purpose - even though not that good. Performance wise the game is demanding! Most systems will require using dlss (which looks good here even at 1080p) but the game also runs very smooth even at locked 72 fps - it feels really good! My advice: dont make settings based on performance in the hub because it seems to be extremely demanding! When looking the game up on other platforms like youtube the content there is mostly outdated and not representing the current version - my review is based on the latest version 1.3. So by now you can guess that this game might not be for everyone (yet) but if you are looking for exactly this unique mix of great effects, good ue5 graphics and good robotic models with good animations to fight against while also being able to create your own build during runs and just having fun - i absolutely can recommend it - specialy on sale! The Developers are active on their discord and a new update is planned - for those to who this is important to know :-)

Uses AI generated "art" not talking about DLSS or TSR.

This game is really fun with friends. There are tons of engaging ways to build your character and support your group, which keeps every session feeling fresh and cooperative. I’m genuinely surprised it hasn’t gotten more attention — it’s one of those undiscovered gems that you can easily lose hours in. Sure, it could use a bit of polish and optimization, and the single-player experience isn’t nearly as strong. Sometimes your build doesn’t quite come together, and it takes a bit of time to experiment with what you like and what combinations actually work — but that’s part of the fun, right? Finding that perfect synergy with your team feels super rewarding once it clicks. When you jump into multiplayer — whether with friends or random players — it’s pure, chaotic magic. The group play is absolute chaos in the best way possible, and it’s honestly what makes the game shine. The only real downside is the small player base. It’s next to impossible to find a lobby unless you’ve got your own group ready to go, which is a shame for something that can be so fun. Hopefully it catches on one day, because it truly deserves a bigger audience.

Far from perfect but still a banger.

[h2]Danger, Will Robinson![/h2] Imagine if [u]Returnal[/u] had 4 player co-op, ran into [/u]Lost in Space[/u] at a Taco Bell drive-thru with [u]Stranger Things[/u] in the trunk and early 00's Sci-Fi music blaring through the stereo of a Toyota Camry. [b]The Black Pool[/b] is everything I love about Steam. This game is nearly two years old, I've never heard of it, and happen to discover it on April Fool's Day. Boy, do I feel like a clown for having not played this before. Every ounce of this gem oozes vibes of mystery and adventure. Surprisingly runs quite well for an Unreal Engine title, not the most breath taking visually, but certainly not an eye-sore. Gameplay feels a bit weightless and twitchy. While that may not sit well with everyone there is an audience for this type of game. The standard price of $19.99 is a smidge high, but $4.99 is a steal. The variety in biomes, enemies, and builds display the passion and love poured into this by the folks at Smug Marmot studios. The Black Pool is worth grabbing a few friends for a cannonball into the deep end, you won't be disappointed.

The Black Pool, developed and published by Smug Marmot Studios, is a kinetic and cooperative-focused action roguelike that builds its identity around speed, synergy, and the unpredictability of each run. It places players in a strange, otherworldly setting tied together by the mysterious titular pool, using that premise as a springboard for a loop centered on repeated attempts, gradual mastery, and evolving character builds. While the setup is familiar within the genre, the execution leans heavily into momentum and teamwork, giving the experience a distinct rhythm that separates it from more methodical roguelikes. Combat is the backbone of the game, and it is designed to be fast, reactive, and constantly demanding. Encounters unfold in rapid bursts, requiring players to stay mobile, read enemy patterns quickly, and make split-second decisions. There is little room for hesitation, as the game rewards aggressive play balanced with awareness of positioning and timing. This creates a sense of flow that can feel exhilarating once mastered, with each successful encounter reinforcing the player’s ability to maintain control amid chaos. The emphasis on movement and responsiveness gives the gameplay a sharp, energetic feel that keeps each run engaging. A key element that drives replayability is the game’s flexible ability system. Throughout each run, players acquire and upgrade powers that can be combined in a variety of ways, leading to builds that can differ dramatically from one session to the next. Rather than pushing players toward a single optimal strategy, the game encourages adaptation, asking players to work with what they are given and discover effective combinations on the fly. This constant variation adds depth to the experience, as understanding how abilities interact becomes just as important as mechanical skill. Over time, players develop a stronger sense of how to shape their builds, turning early uncertainty into deliberate experimentation. The cooperative aspect is where The Black Pool truly finds its strongest identity. Designed with multiplayer at its core, the game supports groups working together through each run, and many of its systems are built to reward coordination. Abilities can interact in ways that amplify their effectiveness when used in tandem, creating opportunities for teamwork that feel both intentional and impactful. This focus on synergy transforms the gameplay from an individual challenge into a shared experience, where communication and collaboration become central to success. While the game remains playable solo, it is clear that its full potential is realized when played with others. Progression follows a familiar roguelite structure, blending temporary, run-based upgrades with longer-term unlocks that persist between attempts. Each run contributes to a broader sense of growth, gradually expanding the player’s capabilities and options. This system helps maintain motivation even in failure, as progress is rarely lost entirely. At the same time, the balance between randomness and persistence ensures that no two runs feel exactly the same, preserving the sense of unpredictability that defines the genre. Visually, the game presents a vibrant and stylized world that supports its fast-paced design. The environments are varied and visually distinct, offering a sense of progression as players move through different areas. Effects are clear and readable, an essential quality given the intensity of combat, allowing players to track enemies and abilities without becoming overwhelmed. The presentation works in service of the gameplay, enhancing clarity and immersion without distracting from the action. However, the game does face some challenges that are common within the roguelike genre. The procedural structure, while providing variety, can also lead to moments of repetition, particularly during extended play sessions. Additionally, the lack of a robust onboarding experience may make the early stages feel somewhat opaque, as players are left to piece together systems and mechanics through trial and error. For solo players, the difficulty curve can feel steeper, as the game’s systems are clearly tuned with cooperative play in mind. Despite these limitations, The Black Pool succeeds in delivering a focused and engaging experience that thrives on its strengths. It captures the excitement of fast-paced combat while layering in meaningful build variety and cooperative interaction, creating a gameplay loop that feels both dynamic and rewarding. Its design encourages players to improve not just individually but as part of a team, reinforcing the importance of coordination and adaptability. In the end, The Black Pool stands out as a confident and energetic entry in the action roguelike space, offering a compelling mix of speed, strategy, and collaboration. While it may not completely avoid the repetition inherent to the genre, it provides enough depth and variety to keep players invested, particularly when shared with others. Rating: 8/10