Green
baize simulations have proved incredibly popular in a video game format over the
years, with many excellent offerings on the Amiga and the PC. Virtual Pool,
released eighteen months ago, is regarded as the best PC pool game available.
Virtual Pool is an accurate 3D physical model of the game and features a wealth
of camera angles with the option to alter the color of the table.
Virtual
Pool also includes an animated history of billiards in an encyclopedia format.
There is also a tutorial mode available which shows a major league pool player
displaying a huge selection of trick shots in glorious FMV. The game engine
will actually work out the angle calculations for each shot, taking into account
friction and spin transfer, while using precise cueing actions.
The
cue action is easy to control as you simply line up your shot, hold down the X
button and pull back the D-pad to gauge the strength.
There are three
versions of pool to play, so you can invite your mates around, open up a four
pack and choose between Straight Pool, 8-ball Pool, and 9-ball Pool.
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