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Pool Nation (Video Game Review)

Pool games have a mixed reputation with as many good releases as terrible simulations, but developer CherryPop Games and publisher Mastertronic Group Ltd. have managed to bring the sport out of the stone age to produce the best looking pool game to date. With Pool Nation, you'll encounter what are easily the best graphics ever created in a pool game and plenty of ways to play the timeless sport. From offline career modes and challenges to competitive multiplayer matches and online tournaments, Pool Nation is the best way to get your pool fix on any platform ever, and even if you're not a huge fan of the genre, there's something to say about a game that manages to dominate its respective field the way Pool Nation does for fans of the sport.



Of course, Pool Nation features a single-player career mode that allows you to work your way up the professional ladder of pool experts on your way to prove you're the best in the world. Pool Nation is a fun game to play alone with nothing but challenging AI players to keep you company, and the arcade pool experience has never been done better with a fantastic physics engine running the show. As your progress through your career, you'll earn plenty of unlockables including new balls, locations, cue sticks and more, and a sophisticated replay system allows you to efficiently save and watch replays of your best shots again and again. Pool Nation's high quality presentation is rounded out with a fun soundtrack and realistic sound effects that keep you focused on the task at hand.

If you grow tired of playing through your career in Pool Nation, you can head over to the innovative Endurance Mode where you'll be challenged to clear tables as fast as possible in rapid succession. This addictive mode is plenty of fun and can easily hook you on its marathon matches. A special list of challenges exist in Pool Nation too, and completing these can earn even more unlockables for use in-game, and more replayability exists as you seek out the game's elusive achievements. There are plenty of multiplayer modes featured in Pool Nation as well. A variety of rules mean you can compete against a friend in 8-Ball, 9-Ball and more. Pool Nation features online multiplayer modes as well; go head to head with friends, or enter or setup a tournament to prove you're the best in the world. There are plenty of ways to play Pool Nation, which ensures there is something for every gamer in this title.



Pool used to be the sport of kings, and Pool Nation is a video game fit for royalty. The game packs plenty of modes to ensure you never grow tired of the game, and the game's graphics and physics are some of the best around. Pool tables have never looked more authentic and each game is played with your choice of a shiny new ball set. Pool Nation is the premiere pool game for Xbox LIVE Arcade, and CherryPop Games seems to have a bright future in game development with this first successful venture into the industry. Check out Pool Nation today and play pool the way it was meant to be played!

Pool Nation is now available exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade and can be purchased for 800 Microsoft Points. Pool Nation is rated E by the ESRB. For more information on Pool Nation, check out the official Xbox 360 website.

Game Features:
  • Online Multiplayer 1-2
  • 9 Game Modes
  • Online Leaderboards
  • DLC Support
  • Achievement Support


    • Game Information:
    Developer: CherryPop Games
    Publisher: Mastertronic Group Ltd.
    Available exclusively for Xbox LIVE Arcade
    Release Date: October 31, 2012

    Score: 9 out of 10

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