 |
| OVERALL RATING |
4.0 |
| Presentation |
 |
4.0 |
| Control |
 |
4.5 |
| Gameplay |
|
4.0 |
| Fun factor |
|
4.0 |
| User Rating |
 |
3.0 |
 |
 |
Posted: January 27, 2005
Sitting in my 9th grade Geometry class wondering what in the world I was ever going to use this for, little did I know I would turn into the pool shark I am today. Learning about points, lines and angles opened an immense world of riches for me... well at least a couple of bucks for a burger, but nonetheless gave me a leg up on the competition at the local billiard hall. Now with the advent of mobile’s first 3D pool game, I can get the same real-life perspective and take my challenge to anyone.
3D Pool has four modes: Single, Two Player, Trick Shot and Practice. Single lets you take on eight different opponents, each unlocked after you’ve beaten the previous. Two Player is a hot-seat version of the game and Trick Shot tests your skills with specific challenges. Practice allows you to do just that. Genuine rules are in effect with the opening break shot demanding four balls to hit the cushions or be declared a foul. Scratching the ball will let your opposition shoot from the baulk line and sinking the 8 ball prior to sinking all the others will result in a lost game.
The game plays effortlessly with one-button controls and rotating views. A top-down view of the table will allow you to rotate your cue around the cue ball at swift speeds. Once you get a general overview of the table and direction, you can switch to the 3D perspective to tweak and line up the shot. Adjusting Spin (for a little bit of English) and Strength of the shot you will then take it, and if successful, you’ll be treated to a close-up of the pot.
In its top-down view the game looks rather simplistic and 2D with only solid colors and little detail, just like most other pool games currently available. However, once you switch to the 3D view, where most of you’re time will be spent, objects and shading become more dimensional and look much nicer, especially on the Java version. Just like the first 3D games in arcades and on consoles, there is a threshold as to what can be accomplished at this time on mobile. Either way, it’s a job well done in delivering the true-to-life experience. Remember, it’s a 3D game, on mobile nevertheless and the entire table will rotate in true 3D before your eyes! The sound is also superb. While there is no music, the sound effects are strikingly realistic.
