Pool of Madness brings Lovecraftian horror to billiards on Steam

Pool of Madness, a unique roguelike title that reimagines billiards through a lens of Lovecraftian horror, officially launches on Steam today, November 13, at 7 PM. While the core objective remains pocketing target balls, the game introduces a sanity mechanic where hitting red balls drains the player's resources, ending the run if depleted. The gameplay loop draws clear inspiration from the popular title Balatro, incorporating strategic upgrades and unpredictable environmental effects.

Players can utilize various tools to navigate the table, including the ability to detonate balls or stop the cue ball instantly. The game features an upgrade system for both the cue and a shotgun, which serves to clear obstacles like dead fish that occasionally appear on the table. Despite the unconventional mechanics, the experience is framed by a cosmic, nightmarish setting that promises further challenges beyond the initial demo.

Early impressions suggest the game offers deep tactical potential, though some players may find the introductory phase lacks sufficient clarity regarding its various effects. The developers have scheduled an Early Access period lasting approximately one year, with a full commercial release targeted for the third quarter of 2027. Should you buy it? If you enjoy high-stakes roguelikes with experimental mechanics, this title is worth monitoring as it evolves through its development cycle.