Pool Nation (Video Game Review)

Pool Nation is now available for PC via Steam. The new version of the game includes plenty of new features not seen in the original Xbox LIVE Arcade release, and if players act now, they can find the game on sale for only $2.99 during its weekly sale. There has never been a better time to purchase the game, and if you're a fan of the sport of pool, you're guaranteed to love Pool Nation.

Pool Nation features a lengthy single player experience that begins with the game's tutorial that does a good job of explaining all of the intricate maneuvers that make up the game's controls. Once players feel comfortable with the game's controls, 8 Ball and 9 Ball Tours can be accessed. There are 42 different challengers in each tour that offer increasing difficulty, and up to three stars can be earned for winning and completing certain challenges associated with the particular challenger. There isn't much of a storyline for these two game modes, but players always have something to do even when multiplayer isn't an option.

There are multiple other modes included in Pool Nation including versus modes against AI or a local player and Endurance mode. The game's Endurance mode is a challenging race against the clock to try so sink all balls before time runs out. The Box of Tricks DLC is also coming soon to the Steam version of the game as a free update. The DLC is already available on other platforms and allows players to create custom trickshots with a variety of helpful tools to get the job done.

There are eleven game modes included in Pool Nation, nine of which are available to play online. Of course, standard 8 Ball and 9 Ball are available to play online, but pool fans should already fully understand the rules of this game mode. Speed Pool is another option that forces players to quickly sink shots to clear the table and beat the clock. The mode is a lot of fun in multiplayer and turns what is normally basic sport into a chaotic event. Pool Nation already seems to have a nice following on Steam that allows players to quickly connect to a game online and play a game with very little latency.

Pool Nation makes playing pool a blast with plenty of unlockables and customization options for each game mode and different ball sets, pool cues and tables as well. Pool Nation is a great looking game that features bright and shiny graphics that makes each game, literally, feel new and different. There are some good themes on the game's soundtrack, and though the game's controls look difficult to use, they aren't difficult to learn. There are also options that can be easily turned on or off to give players assists in a game including arrows that point at the next balls that need to be hit or arrows that show where a ball will travel when hit. All of these features combine to make an excellent presentation for Pool Nation.

CLOSING COMMENTS
Pool Nation is a fantastic game if you're a fan of pool, and why wouldn't you be? The game is easy to pick up and play and features the best pool gameplay experience on PC. Exciting multiplayer combines with a strong multiplayer experience to give players a variety of ways to enjoy classic pool or create their own ridiculous trick shots with ramps, jumps and balls and then share them with friends. Pool Nation is a great game available at a low price that should be added to your Steam library today!

Pool Nation is now available for PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE Arcade and Steam and can be purchased for $9.99. Pool Nation is rated E for Everyone. For more information on the game, check out the official Pool Nation website.

Game Features:

• Online Multiplayer 1-2
• 11 Game Modes
• Free DLC Support
• Steam Trading Card Support
• Achievement/Trophy Support

Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Cherry Pop Games
Platforms: PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE Arcade & Steam (reviewed)
Release Date: October 18, 2013

Score: 9 out of 10
Pros:

• Easy pick-up-and-play experience
• Strong multiplayer
• Tons of game modes

Cons: 

• Difficult controls