Video Pool


by James Hutchby
Oxford Computer Publishing
1985
Your Spectrum Issue 17, Aug 1985   page(s) 42

Roger: As much as I deeply hate the infestation of most of my favourite liquid recreation facilities with 8-ball pool tables, used by cretins who waste good drinking time, I found myself appalled by a distinct liking for this game - evidenced by the fact that I sat playing it for hours. Apart from a slight aberration in that the Speccy version only appears to have six balls, content is generally faithful to the real thing.

The computer gives you a choice of large or small pockets before starting and then frame up the balls, which are marked with values that multiply with the marked values on the pockets. Sighting is done by moving a target crosshair around the border of the table and the force beyond your stroke is self-governed by a simple system of letting an on-screen scale rise whilst holding the 'fire' key down. Releasing it wallops the ball with the appropriate amount of oof.

Beyond this basic game, which can be played by two people and continue for frame after frame as long as the three 'lives' aren't lost through foul shots or stuffing the black down an orifice, variations are available to experts, like potting balls in a set order. There is also an 'edit' facility, allowing superstars to 'set up' interesting problems on the table.

It could put the breweries out of business... 4/5 HIT

Ross: "Oh no, not another pool game", I hear you say. Well, you're in for a surprise - there are lots of nice graphics and a darn good game of pool, with all the usual options plus a great 'Edit the Table' feature. MISS

Dave: If you're on the market for a pool game, then this is the one for you. 3/5 MISS


Dave: 3/5
Roger: 4/5

Transcript by Chris Bourne

All information in this page is provided by ZXSR instead of ZXDB