Miniature Pool 1.2: Miniature Golf with a Cue? [Archive]

Steve Sharp

10-20-2004, 05:00 PM

<img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharps-20040923-mplogo" /> Product Category: Game Manufacturer: <a href="http://www.swordandspiritsoftware.com">Sword and Spirit Software</a> Where to Buy: <a href="http://www.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=14946">Pocket Gear</a> (Affiliate link) Price: $9.99 USD System Requirements: Works with Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 or greater. Requires 2 Megabytes of storage space and 4 - 8 Megabytes of RAM to execute, ARM processor, and Active Sync must be installed on the Pocket PC. The program can be stored and executed either from main or expansion memory. Pros:<li>Includes three different courses with 9 holes each; <li>The courses are unique and challenging; <li>Requires minimal Pocket PC storage space. Cons:<li>The power of the shots are limited by the cue ball’s proximity is to the rail; <li>The game only allows center, left, and right (no top or bottom) English; <li>The game only offers an overhead view of the table. Summary: Sword and Spirit Software's Miniature Pool 1.2 is an interesting combination of miniature golf and billiards. The playing surface has obstacles and angles that put a different wrinkle into shooting pool. The game features three nine-hole courses and each course has a different theme that is reflected in the types of obstacles and challenges posed to the player. The game is user-friendly and self-explanatory. Other than the sound of clicking billiard balls and an occasional voice-over, the game does not utilize much sound. The gameplay and animation is smooth, and the screens look professional. Read on for the full review!<!> <PAGEBREAK> Rack ‘em Up. . . Fore! I wasn’t sure what to expect and couldn’t see how a game maker would incorporate aspects of miniature golf and pool into a single game. The guys at Sword and Spirit Software have done it, and they were savvy enough to avoid naming the game “pocket pool” or come up with some weird, hybrid name such as “polf” or “gool.” Miniature Pool 1.2 uses a playing field is a modified pool table and four billiard balls that the player tries to pocket. Unlike a traditional pool table and more like a miniature golf course, however, the player is faced with sand traps, moving blocks, barriers, vats of acid, and water hazards, not to mention tables with uneven surfaces and pockets located in unlikely places. The hazards reflect the theme of the course being played. The player lines up the shot using the stylus, and can do some fine adjustments using the D-pad. There is a learning curve involved in getting a feel for using english, the strength of the shot, and reaction of the cue ball. <li>Miniature Pool allows the user save the game in at any point in the course; <li>Supports one-player, human versus computer, and two-player games; <li>Features optional aiming lines to help line up the shots.A Monkey On My Back I have to say that I’m a bit of a pool buff, and that may have contributed to my easily becoming addicted to Miniature Pool 1.2. The game shows the “par” score for each screen and, like miniature golf, this adds to the challenge to clear the table in the fewest shots possible. I particularly like the Tropical Vacation course, although the other two courses, Industrial Nightmare and Pool Hall Junkies, each have their own interesting twists, and the games are quite habit forming. Miniature Pool 1.2 is a good for those times when you have a bit of time to kill. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharps-20040923-mpjunkies" /> Figure 1: Pool Hall Junkies. Pool Hall Junkies is played on various pool tables with uneven surfaces, odd pocket locations, and stationary and moving obstacles to add an element of challenge to the task of sinking the balls. The course gets increasingly difficult and some of the holes are downright hairy. No matter how many times I play this course, I find that my success varies wildly—this contributes to the lure of the game; it’s not easy to master. Even for those who are sharks at conventional billiards, the game requires some creativity in negotiating obstacles and weird angles that the tables present. <!> <PAGEBREAK> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharps-20040923-mpparadise" /> Figure 2: Tropical Paradise. Tropical Paradise is my favorite of the three games included in Miniature Pool. Tropical Paradise uses interesting hazards and obstacles to make this an enjoyable and challenging course. Tropical Paradise uses sand traps, water traps, and moving obstacles to create a challenging course. The theme is interesting and contributes to the enjoyment of the gameplay, and there are a few surprises thrown in for good measure. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sharps-20040924-mpnightmare" /> Figure 3: Industrial Nightmare. Industrial Nightmare, as the name implies, is a very difficult course that incorporates moving obstacles, acid vats, and playing fields that will tax even the most proficient player. As is true with a golf course, it would seem unlikely that it is possible to master Industrial Nightmare. Like the others, this course gets increasingly difficult as the play progresses. Conclusions Miniature Pool 1.2 is not a precision pool-simulation game, nor is it intended to be. So, this game is probably not a good choice for the hardcore pool afficianado who wants absolute authenticity in a billiard game for their PPC. However, if you're looking for a game that poses an interesting and creative mixture of a fairly accurate rendition of billiards with the quirks and challenges of miniature golf. The game shows a good deal of imagination and that, combined with its reasonable price, small storage requirement, and entertainment value for dollars spent, is why I recommend this game. A free demo download is available from the manufacturer. Give it a try.