Cue Club is a realistic and exciting pool game that lets you test your skills against opponents in a variety of games ranging from 8-ball to snooker. Several modes let you face off against the computer, go head-to-head against a friend, or hone your skills and practice trick shots. Realistic play and physics adds the need for some strategy and planning of shots. You have control over the rules of the game and the type of shot you take. Don't hesitate to play and see just what kind of amazing trick shots you can make.
Basic Gameplay
While the way you play will change depending on which type of pool or snooker you're playing, there are a few common basics. You must try to pocket balls into pockets on the pool table by hitting them with a cue ball. You hit the cue ball itself with a cue stick, and you have a good deal of control over how you hit the cue ball. You can adjust the position you hit the ball, the direction you hit the ball from, how hard you hit it, and the angle you hit it at. You've got to use the correct combination of options to hit the cue ball into the other balls and knock them into the pockets. Additionally, you'll have other options available to you like watching replays of earlier shots or applying chalk to the cue stick to give more spin to the cue ball when hit.
Several Pool Variations
Cue Club offers several different game types to choose from. You can play US or European 8-ball, 9-ball, snooker, mini-snooker, speed ball, and killer. Each game type brings its own unique rules that you must follow. For example, killer requires you to pocket a ball on every shot you make or you lose a life (lose three and you lose the game) while speed ball just requires you to pocket all the balls as fast as possible.
Additionally, many of these games can be played against one or more opponents. You can play with anywhere from 1-7 computer controlled opponents or 1-7 friends on your computer depending on the game type. All the different games to choose from add a lot of variety and ensure that Cue Club offers something for everyone.
Several Game Modes
On top of the different types of games, there are several modes choose from as well. A Quick Game will let you start a game right away against a computer opponent, while a Two-Player Game will let you face off against a friend. Virtual Chat Rooms allow you to go into chat rooms filled with computer opponents and challenge them. While having computer opponents simulate a chat room is an interesting idea, it really doesn't add anything or serve any sort of purpose. The Tournaments mode allows you to compete in a tournament for trophies. There's a Practice mode as well where you can practice shots and hone your skills.
You also have the option to play the SLAM! mode, which allows you to move and slam balls together with just the mouse. Despite all the choices and options, there is no online allowing you to play against other players. The ability to play online would have been a great addition to this game.
Difficulty Adjustments Are Nice
Cue Club lets you customize the difficulty level to find games and opponents that match up to your skill. Not only can you directly adjust the difficulty level of the computer opponents, but you can also change the rules of the various game types to makes mistakes less punishing or add in tougher requirements. The game does a good job of providing enough options for players to find something that's right for them.
Helps for New Players
The game also does a decent job of providing enough information and explanation for new players (or players unfamiliar with pool/snooker altogether). There is a Player's Guide that outlines the basics of how to play the game, how to do some trick shots using these controls, the different game rules, and hints for each game type. It's mainly text and takes a while to get through, but it comes in handy when you don't know or forget how to do trick shots or the rules of a game.
Cue Club has a solid presentation as well. The graphics are good for a game of this type, and don't really detract from the play in any way. The sound effects are realistic and spot on. The only real problem with this aspect of the game is that absence of any music for the downloaded version of the game. Not having the music keeps the download small, but music would be a nice replacement for much of the silence through the game.
Good Replayability
The huge variety of game modes and different options helps keep this game fresh and interesting. In the mood for some traditional pool action? 8-ball is your game. Feel like something quick? Speed ball will let you get your pool fix in no time. Just want to mess around? SLAM! or Practice mode will let you do whatever you want. There's a lot to keep you playing and coming back again and again.
Conclusion - Variety and Good Basics Make This a Winner
Overall, Cue Club is an excellent game with only a few flaws that have more to do with what the game could use than what is wrong with it. This game is a perfect choice for anyone interested in pool games or looking for a fun, realistic pool experience.
You have several modes and game types that add a ton of options to what you can play and how you play it. There''s strategy involved in correctly lining up shots and what kind of shots you take. You have a great deal of control over how you can shoot. You can save and watch replays of shots by you or others. There's no reason not to give Cue Club a try today.
