Product Review

Pool sharks will enjoy the real-world physics of Billiards: Real Pool, as well as the ability to see every angle of the setup with complete 360-degree views. Beginners can use optic guidelines to help set up the shots. The 12 game modes include basic, eight ball, nine ball, rotation, carom, and such nontraditional pool games as five-nine and "bowliards." Tournament mode allows players to match skills with eight computer opponents--each with unique strengths and weaknesses. The 25 puzzle games take place on uniquely shaped tables, such as cloverleaf, star, triangle, and an H-shaped table. Players will have a specific number of shots in which to knock in a certain amount of "hit" balls on tables featuring obstacles. Billiards: Real Pool has competitive action for one to two players, and even allows them to choose their in-game music from the "jukebox."