FooBillard

Reviewed by: DeathDude

Positive Points: Faithful representation of Pool
Sound effects all present
Different games of pool available 

Negative Points: No music
Lots of controls to memorize

Genre: Simulation

Size: 1.37 MB

Requirements: Windows 98+ (DirectX 7) 700 Mhz CPU, 3d Video card

Questionable Content: None

Editor rating: 4

Homepage: http://foobillard.sunsite.dk/

Download location: http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=48206&package_id=41287&release_id=233070

Sometimes it’s just easier to play a game of pool on the computer rather than having to go down somewhere to play the game, pay some more of your own cash for the table, setting it up and such. Not to say that the real thing is not enjoyable, it is very much so, nothing can beat the whole experience of playing. However, sometimes there’s nothing like a little game on the computer. So what we have here with this game, is a really good representation of the game, and it contains much for the experienced billiard player to see and try, with all the pool sound effects there and as well many different games besides 8-Ball to try, this is a pretty complete package.

First off it would be very wise to view the controls for the game. Press F1 when you first start to game to see the controls. The reason why I say this is because there is a lot to memorize. From changing the power of your shot, to placing the cue ball, to even different camera angles, there is a lot to remember so do yourself a favor first off and see it for yourself. 

Graphically the game looks great. Using the power of OpenGL powered graphics, the pool table and all the graphics look very realistic, superb job on this end. If you wish to tweak some more such as the size of the table, or if you want reflections and more you can do so in the option menu, you have to press the esc button to reach it but it’s an option. It is a drain on your system though so be warned. The whole game though is faithfully represented nicely. From the opening break, to the end of the game if you get the 8-Ball in one of the holes, before sinking all your assigned colours, the rules are all present. The rules are enforced in the game, so if you don’t have too much knowledge of the rules, you may want to check them out first, if you do then your set. You can also ask for help from the computer on shots if you would like some advice on how to approach a situation. All the sound effects you would expect during a pool game are all present thankfully, have seen a few of these games where there was no sound effects at all. 

Finally there are different types of games you can try if you don’t want to play 8-Ball. There is 9-Ball, Snooker and a few others so for the pool enthusiast who may have a preference you have options.

There is unfortunately no music in the game which was disappointing. Still since the game runs in a window, you can have no problems running your own while playing. The other is that the controls will take some time to get used to. There is a lot and I’m not exaggerating on this, so it may seem daunting for some gamers, but if you stick to it you will learn them and soon be on your way.

Overall this was a great game, minus the amount of controls which made the experience bit difficult at first. Still if you’re interested in pool, this is the perfect game to check out and see for yourself.