I didn’t grow up with a table but I recommend teens learn the game simply because it’s a great way to meet people in College. I liked the minimalist take on Pool, or “billiards” if you’re snooty, in Wii Play, and I’ve noticed a few Pool games out there for Wii, I never bought one. Well, publisher Playlogic sent me their newest one and I took it for a “insert pool pun here.”

There’s not much you can add to Pool but they added a character creator and a way to spend money on your “crib” – I just wanted to rack them up so, like Madden and countless other games, I ignored this component entirely. The key to Pool, obviously is the physics. I’m no shark but I know my way around the 8-ball and the physics here are very sound. The ball does what you’d expect. You can bank correctly, slam a ball to vibrate into the pocket, give it a soft touch when needed, and find the perfect angle and force to sink a few after a break. While it’s weird drawing a Wii-mote back to simulate the cue, it becomes second nature and soon – and this is the real test of a Wii simulation, I think – you’ll find the game reflecting your own faults. Nice.

There’s a bit of a learning curve, but it’s a wonderful way to learn the game. It’s also a pretty good one to haul out at a party. It gathers spectators, applause and dirision exactly the same way a real table does. After playing Pool on the Wii, you won’t be able to play it anywhere else (‘cept real life) and while the price is a bit steep for what you get, it’s a lot cheaper than a real table, a rack of balls and a couple cues. Oh and there’s no blue chalk needed, unless you want to pretend to use it on your virtual cue.

If you’re into the green felt or want to get someone else into it without breaking the bank, know that this is the best Wii Pool game I’ve played outside of Wii Play (this is better, naturally). It’s also the only one. PR, if you’ve got a Pool game I’ll happily check it out. Just use the email link on this page.

Tags: Game Reviews