Games Database
Xbox
Sport: Pool
| Also for: | PC, PS2 | ||
| Viewed: | 3D First-person | Genre: | Sport: Pool |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Blade | Soft. Co.: | Blade |
| Publishers: | Zoo Digital
(GB) |
Released: | 12 Nov 2004
(GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 12+ | ||
| Accessories: | Xbox Memory Unit | ||
| Connectivity: | Xbox Live | ||
Summary
In the absence of Jaleco's delayed World Championship Pool 2004, Pool Shark 2 is all that remains in the Christmas 2004 run-up for genre fanatics. But despite being aimed towards a traditionally niche audience, this is one game that's as much about the players as it is the sport they're playing.
Inhabited by a playable population of stereotypical pool veterans, skill and luck will not be the only deciding factors in this virtual pool game. A game with an attitude problem, players will find themselves being taunted, even goaded, into forfeiting their games. It's a game that not only tests a player's skill; it pushes their composure, patience and their ability to focus too.
But once you've mastered the ability to block out any in-game distractions, it's ultimately your responsibility to put the ball in the pocket. The play mechanic itself is rather simple, and sees the player taking charge of aim and power before sending the balls around the table. Judging angles and spin can be a little trickier, but it all becomes second nature within a few hours of play.
And where other games might raise the question pool's limited variety, Pool Shark 2 demonstrates not only a variety of locales, playing surfaces and game modes, it even plays host to more unconventional tables - some with more than four sides and six pockets.
Pool Shark 2 is remarkably diverse, and shows players how the virtual sport doesn't have to be just about hitting balls with sticks. As far as pool goes, it's all good.
Inhabited by a playable population of stereotypical pool veterans, skill and luck will not be the only deciding factors in this virtual pool game. A game with an attitude problem, players will find themselves being taunted, even goaded, into forfeiting their games. It's a game that not only tests a player's skill; it pushes their composure, patience and their ability to focus too.
But once you've mastered the ability to block out any in-game distractions, it's ultimately your responsibility to put the ball in the pocket. The play mechanic itself is rather simple, and sees the player taking charge of aim and power before sending the balls around the table. Judging angles and spin can be a little trickier, but it all becomes second nature within a few hours of play.
And where other games might raise the question pool's limited variety, Pool Shark 2 demonstrates not only a variety of locales, playing surfaces and game modes, it even plays host to more unconventional tables - some with more than four sides and six pockets.
Pool Shark 2 is remarkably diverse, and shows players how the virtual sport doesn't have to be just about hitting balls with sticks. As far as pool goes, it's all good.
Artwork
