The Black Pool, a new indie roguelike title, has debuted on Steam via Early Access.The 3D action game from indie studio Smug Marmot began welcoming players on August 29. Its Early Access launch came months after developers held an Open Beta test.
We are ready for the volume of feedback and suggestions that can only be achieved through Early Access,
developers said.
The Black Pool tells the story of four friends exploring a forest outside town. There, they discover the titular and mysterious black pool, which transports them to an unknown world. The gameplay then kicks off when players realize they need to escape it.
They need to make their way across a number of diverse and randomized worlds. And each has different enemies, challenges, and secrets. Along the way, players will also discover and master supernatural elemental abilities.
The Black Pool can be played solo or with up to three friends in co-op mode. For its Early Access version, players can access its entire playthrough sequence. They can also explore eight worlds and 29 procedurally generated levels.
Early Access also contained two multi-tier endgame challenge modes, the developers said. Smug Marmot, the two-person development team from Oregon, promised to deliver more assets for The Black Pool's Early Access period.
These included additional levels, enemies, abilities, upgrades, and music tracks. Developers said they would bring more features, such as cosmetic drops and ability augments.
However, they disclosed to gamers that they have yet to determine a definite timeline for the game's full launch.
The ultimate release goal is to have the game feeling like it is full and complete, where we would still continue to develop additional content and functionality,
Smug Marmot explained.
The Black Pool is currently priced at $19.99.