06-13-2004, 12:00 PM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,060
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Virtual Pool Mobile Reviewed By PDA Corps
I've tried a couple of pool games for the Pocket PC lately, but I haven't tried Virtual Pool Mobile from Celeris yet. Luckily, Ben over at PDA Corps has, and he's written a pretty thorough overview of the game.
"Virtual Pool Mobile is a brand new pool simulation for the Pocket PC. It has a PC history though - one which has gained the respect and loyalty of a lot of pool fans, and deservedly so. You could say I'm starting this review from a somewhat biased viewpoint when I tell you that I already own Virtual Pool 2, Virtual Pool 3 and Virtual Pool Hall for the PC. In my defence, I argue that I am destined to be frustrated with the implementation of Virtual Pool for the Pocket PC, as the current state of Pocket PC hardware just isn't going to handle a comparable piece of software. Or so I thought..."
Ben's put together an EXCELLENT overview of Virtual Pool Mobile and his article is a great read. Be sure to read through the whole piece, though, because I think you'll be surprised at what his "Hot and Not" analysis looks like.
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06-13-2004, 07:13 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 7
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I agree. This game is a great pool game. Ever since it was in beta, other pool games started dropping their prices, they new their days were numbered. I'v been a Virtual Pool junkie since v1 and this title really deserves to be included in the franchise. The play, graphics, and physics are excellent. It's a little spendy, but as the reviewer said, it has high replay. Give the trial a try.
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06-14-2004, 02:20 AM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 541
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Eep! Crank up the JPEG quality a bit on those pics!
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06-14-2004, 04:57 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 119
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Kudos, always a pleasure to find a ppc exclusive gem like this.
Much respect to the dev for the level of polishing and beta testing they went through. Although pricey, this level of development doesn't come cheap and is perfectly justified in the end result.
Reminds me of Blizzard in many ways, catering more to their niche audience and delivering pure satisfaction across the boards as a result.
x999x
Console Industry Insider since '96
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06-14-2004, 07:58 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 485
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This is an excellent application that does exactly what it says on the tin!
The physics seems to be very well modelled and the balls make a satisfying clunk when they strike each other. I don't normally enable sound for any games, but I leave it on for this one.
It is also a good game for 2 people to play.
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06-14-2004, 10:57 AM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 3
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Another huge thumbs up for Virtual Pool Mobile from me!
There are however two glaring things wrong with the game from my perspective.
Firstly, the game engine doesn't prevent you from playing impossible shots (it doesn't take into account the position of balls nor the cushions when you cue). This is quite a surprising oversight given the pedigree of the Virtual Pool series on the PC.
Secondly, it's a real shame that there's no option to flip the screen. I've got an Ipaq 5550, and because of the way the backlight operates, the screen looks far better if you turn the PPC through 180 degrees (try it yourself, and the difference is very obvious - especially when you're at certain angles to the screen, such as lying down in bed playing!).
The major difference between this and the PC versions is that it seems that the physics engine only works in 2D. Hopefully they'll fix this in a new version in the future.
Apart from that though, it's a great game, and highly recommended.
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06-14-2004, 03:24 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 113
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I also love this game from playing the beta.  I agree with Gerald that the game seems to not take into account the position of other balls and cushons near the cue, and lets you hit as if they weren't in the way.
I would buy this game, but the price is a little steep for me. 
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06-14-2004, 03:59 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 49
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I, too, have enjoyed this game since beta. The developers have done an awesome job. I agree that it is a bit unrealistic as far as cueing the ball goes when other balls or bumpers are in the way, however, this probably increases my enjoyment of the game, rather than decreasing it :wink: . The only other complaint I have with this title has to do with the difficulty levels. The only difference, initially, between the easiest skill level and the hardest seemed to be the amount of money the opponents were willing to bet. I decided to start on the hardest skill level, "Good Luck", and it was just tedious trying to work up to the second lowest "bet level", which was about $1000 by playing the lone low better for $50 games. Once you reach that level, it isn't so tedious. I'm now on the "Deep Pockets" room and I doubt I'll ever beat the boss since if I miss a single shot, he sinks all the rest!
All in all, a great game, even if you've never played any of the other virtual pool titles. I'm certainly addicted!
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06-15-2004, 01:37 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 135
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I've been enjoying the game since it was in beta and find that I'm far too addicted to it! It is nice that I can pull it out and play while waiting to pick up my wife from work.
I do feel that the opponents choke too much when shooting the corner shots, especially the nine ball when playing nine ball.That makes for an easy win.
I also think that there is a little too much backspin response. I don't think I have ever put enough backspin on a ball in real life to hit three rails, especially running th elength of the table.
I also found a bug in eight ball where calling the eight ball causes you to loose because apparently the pocket you call is opposite what the game believes you call. They told me there would be a fix soon, and for all I know it is available now.
All in all it is a great game.
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Linear Mode
