Anytime Pool

Do you love playing pool but suffer the intolerable cruelty that is only being able to watch it as someone else hogs the table down your local? Well you’re definitely not alone – but fortunately for you, my friend, Anytime Pool’s come to your rescue!

As the name suggests, this game’s intended to be a very powerful and enjoyable pool game in the palm of your hand. Unlike many of the other titles I could think of which promise something similar, this game actually delivers exactly what it promises to.

Whatever your skill level is, there’s a setting just for you. If you like to just knock the balls around the table, then you can play at an amateur level, should you be a little more advanced then there’s a setting for this, and if you’re a bit of a hustler then you can give yourself a test in the professional setting. The main difference between the settings is how good your opponent is and how much assistance you get in your aiming e.g. lines showing the direction your ball will travel.

When it comes to spin and ball control this game’s totally unbeatable and presents arguably some of the best cueing action that would terrify Steve Davis! Refreshingly this game evolves as you play. For example, when a ball or cushion obstructs you from hitting a part of the cue-ball, the zone’s greyed out. However, should you wish to attempt the shot you can and you’ll end up chipping or swerving the ball which can impact on the accuracy – making it one the most realistic attempts of simulating the pool game I’ve ever seen!

Another thing I liked about the game was that it was set in a pub setting which adds another lovingly restored factor to the game. In truth I think the only thing that’s missing are the dodgy guy who rambles away to himself and anyone nearby and the queue at the bar! (And, yes, before you ask, this is a good thing!) Sorry, I digress…

Should you want a bit more of a challenge than a quick game then you can play single or double player modes. In single setting you get to pick from ‘practice’, ‘world tour’ or ‘challenge’ modes. In this setting you also will have the assistance of Brooke who’s a helpful tutor who’ll help guide you through the game and develop your skills to become the top pool player.

And of course if you’re a little tired at being beaten (or beating) the AI, you can enjoy playing the two player mode and take it in turns to become the king or queen of the pool table in this virtual world.

Ultimately, this game’s superbly recreated a totally realistic and enjoyable pool game which can be played at anytime, anyplace – either by yourself or with anyone else! If there’s any slight downside to the game, the accuracy is a little awkward to master as a tap on the control will change the angle quite a bit rather than by a degree. That being said though, the rest of this game truly makes it just as good as the real thing – or possibly even better?!

Rating 95%

Positives

Great graphics and nice replay mode and the camera even moves to get the best angle

You can chip, screw, spin to your hearts content with the best cue control ever seen

8 ball UK/US rules and US 9 ball pool to play and enjoy

Various settings of difficulty

Trick shots and challenges help keep the game entertaining

Negatives

Lining up your shot can be quite a bit of hit-and-hope at times – doubtful you’ll sink all balls in one setting (but that’s much like the real thing)