JadeDragon's
reviews and playing tips: Pocket PC games
Virtual
Pool Mobile by Celeris, Price:
$24.95 Reviewed June 2004 by Tony Peak
Virtual Pool 3 for the desktop PC has long
been considered by many to be the best desktop pool made,
so it’s with great anticipation many of us have awaited
Virtual Pool Mobile. VPMobile isn’t just a cheap port
of its desktop based older bother, but a powerful and in
many cases improved game of its own.
Pool is about more than just pocketing
a few balls against nameless, faceless opponents. VPMobile
knows this and has a solution. Career mode will take you
through a whirlwind tour of pool halls, placing bets and
taking on the best along the way to your ultimate goal: playing
against a pool champ named Curly for a high stakes bet up
to $1,000,000. And seriously, what’s a sports game
if you can’t start as the unheard of underdog and topple
the champ?
Using pretty much the same physics as the
desktop version, Virtual Pool Mobile is smooth, smooth, smooth.
Every fraction of a degree counts, there’s no rough
guessing here. Billed as “The only pool simulation
so real it’s guaranteed to improve your game in the
pool hall”, I can’t help but completely agree.
The only limit of this game’s psychics is your talent
at pool. And don’t worry about the AI being left in
the dust or leaving you in the dust. With over 128 computer
opponents, the AI can play with the best of them as well
as with the complete beginner on even terms.
The graphics aren’t without their
flaws, but overall it’s amazing how clear and smooth
Virtual Pool Mobile looks on the Pocket PC. The tables are
a little jaggy, the rooms are rather blurry, and the ball
textures can sometimes be a bit rough depending on angle.
Also, the camera can do some really weird stuff sometimes,
such as spin 360-1080+ before each turn in single player.
But strange tidbits aside, this is one gorgeous pocket pc
game. The pool balls themselves are perfectly smooth, the
textures are great, the camera moves wonderfully, and the
whole game just shines. I believe I can honestly say it’s
the best looking and well implemented 3D title to date on
the Pocket PC.
Sound is a lot more than I was expecting
for the PPC port, as not only does all the standard clanks
and clacks make the jump but the unique background tracks
for each pool hall and even the full video and voice of the
movies. Unlike so many companies who cut the video out of
the PPC versions of their titles, Celeris took up the challenge.
The acting and voice really gives the game that extra edge.
It’s only been four short years since
Virtual Pool 3, though it seems a lot longer. While a few
of the desktop features are missing, like snooker or training
videos, Virtual Pool Mobile improves on Virtual Pool 3 across
the board. The annoying background sound effects have been
removed, the lighting is better, the sound effects seem a
lot better (VP3 sounded like Mini Golf to me), the balls
no longer go flying off the pool table so often (if at all),
and the confusing keyboard interface has been made clean
and clear. A showcase title for your Pocket PC, and a heck
of a lot of fun to boot.
Playing Hints and Tips
Be sure to play a lot of practice games
to get the hang of it. Load up the practice setups and master
the shots.
Don’t be afraid to set the difficult
of Career mode to easy in the beginning, and try playing 6 ball
so you don’t get bogged down in details.
Using English is a simple as moving the
tip of the cue. Don’t be afraid to make full use of it,
the game’s engine will keep up just fine.
Use the trajectory lines in practice mode
to visualize shots ahead of time.
I recommend you get some kind of screen
protector if you plan on playing this game a lot, and you will
be. I’ve unfortunately managed to scratch a rather ugly
path right down the stroke path on my Pocket PC.
Ratings (scale of 1 to 5):
Graphics
Simply stunning. Some jaggy issues and
a few camera quirks, but side by side against the desktop version
I fully believe the lighting is better, the camera moves smoother,
and it’s just far more functional. I can’t think
of a better compliment to a pocket pc title.
Sound
Several very nice tracks not usually
seen on the pocket pc. This isn’t just your standard
techno midi background music, but a full range of sounds
featuring electric guitars and more.
Fun Meter
So easy to pick up and play its ridiculous,
I personally love a quick game of 6 ball. Career mode really
makes the game though. Easy enough for a novice to pick up
and play, powerful and subtle enough for the pros.
Addictivity
Career mode will take a good bit of
time to get through, and the AI should be able to keep up
with even a seasoned player. With a full career mode, quick
play, and game modes featuring 6, 8, 9, 10 ball, rotation,
and straight, there’s something for everyone here.
The game’s psychics should never feel like they’re
holding back your game.
