Pool of Madness Steam Early Access billiards roguelike, Digi Mart USA News: A new game called Pool of Madness turns games of billiards into rituals for dark powers, leaving little of the traditional sport intact. Players still strike the cue ball, aiming to pocket a set number of target balls each round.
Hitting one of the red balls drains the player’s sanity, and once that runs out the run is over. PC Gamer, which tried the demo, said it came away largely impressed by the game’s mix of mechanics.
As with Balatro, the game combines its core gameplay with upgrades and unusual effects. Players can make balls explode or stop the cue ball at the press of a button, though not every effect works in their favor.
In the demo, dead fish even ended up on the table, and the hands-on report does not explain why.
A shotgun can clear these threats quickly, but ammunition is limited, and it remains unclear what else players might need to use it against. Both the shotgun and the cue can be upgraded with roguelike-style improvements that persist between runs.
PC Gamer writer Robin Valentine praised the unusual concept and the tactical possibilities of the upgrades. He also found the opening somewhat confusing, with some effects not explained clearly enough.
The game launches in Early Access on November 13 at 7 PM, and the Early Access period is expected to last around a year. The developers are aiming for a full release in the third quarter of 2027.
