Pretty, Little, Pixels - POOLS, Tetris Forever, PowerWash Simulator, and Webfishing
POOLS is just a video game about swimming pools.
PRETTY, LITTLE, PIXELS is an indie newsletter about video games that are weird, different, pretty, and/or indie.
(*= code received from PR/Publisher)
Pretty, Little, Pixels will always be free but you can tip me if you want via venmo/cashapp @junostump.
« Contact me at juno.stump@gmail.com if you need someone with experience in mock reviews, copy editing/writing, PR work, etc »
Edits: Becca Stump and Nathan Miller
POOLS is just a game where you walk around and look at swimming pools. That’s it. There’s nothing else to see.
POOLS is as relaxing as it is unnerving—just like the gigantic rubber ducks you will see floating on your journey. Something is lurking, but then again, so are you, through all of these weird and quiet rooms.
I don’t hear anything and I really don’t think we’re being followed down these water slides, or through any of these back rooms.
Lush visuals and inviting sound effects round out this immersive and minimalist experience that all culminates into a satisfying and mysterious trip.
Take a dip and see.
POOLS is about ten bucks on Steam, Epic Games, and itch.io. The game can also be purchased on Nintendo Switch as well. A PlayStation 5 Version with VR capability has been announced.
Tetris Forever is an interactive museum that takes players through the history of Tetris, and how Alexey Pajitnov lined up the blocks and pixels that started it all.
Part of Digital Eclipse's Gold Master Series of interactive documentary video games, Tetris Forever is a treat for die-hard fans and gaming historians alike.
Consisting of interactive timelines, mini-documentaries, fourteen different games, Tetris Forever gives players a history lesson, while also taking them there, with authentic and sharp emulation.
Every included game is no doubt iconic, but there are some titles missing that are crushing to have missing from a collection like this, such as the Game Boy version of Tetris. It doesn’t even feel like a complete conversation without the most iconic version of Tetris.
Tetris Time Warp—which was created for Tetris Forever—blends the history and eras together in an exciting way that gamifies the history of the series.
Tetris Forever isn’t an ‘ultimate’ or ‘complete’ collection of the Tetris series but it is an exciting storybook of how the blocks were put together since the beginning—even if there are some big blocks missing. (Where is the Game Boy version of Tetris??)
Tetris Forever won’t replace any of your favorite block-busting games but if you’re looking for a museum theme park then you’ll enjoy your trip. However, if you’re just curious about another Tetris title then you will likely want to wait for a sale.
Tetris Forever is regularly priced at $35 on Steam and GOG. The title can also be purchased on Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms as well.
PowerWash Simulator is a dirty game already but there are even more layers to spray clean in the Shrek Special Pack DLC.
PowerWash Simulator was already a fantastic game to play while listening to podcasts and audiobooks, with its addictive but simple gameplay loop—but the fun is pushed ogre the line in this Shrek DLC.
The story is cute enough, with there being explanations and Shrek-specific story reasons for why the player is cleaning up the messes in each location, but how well the Shrek universe’s locations are recreated is where the game really shines.
“Water” you waiting for? PowerWash Simulator can be purchased for $25 on Steam. The Shrek DLC can be purchased for $8. The game—as well as its various DLC—can also be purchased on Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.
Webfishing is a cute and simple game that requires almost no explanation after hearing its title, which makes it a perfect multiplayer title.
Webfishing is requires very little hardware to run and is pick up and play, allowing everyone to easily connect in lobbies—custom and public—to fish and chat with friends.
The social and non-competitive nature of it is what makes it so special. The Animal Crossing-style graphics and fish collecting mechanic is what will keep everyone on the line.
It’s only five bucks for you and your friends to get hooked and start yapping in Webfishing.
I watched someone play Pools on YouTube and very unsettling vibes! Liked it though. Atmospheric. I'll have to check out the Tetris one. I'm a sucker for interactive media. Thanks for writing, Juno!