Sky Sports 2-4-1 Champions Pack

There are many guys and indeed quite a few girls out there who love to unwind to a nice cool game of snooker or darts in their spare time – either as a participant or player. In either case I must recommend the fantastic Sky Sports 2-4-1 Champions Pack.

These two titles have been available as individual games before (Ronnie O’Sullivan Snooker 2008 and Phil Taylor’s Power Darts ’08). Now, however, the clever chaps at Sky Sports have combined these two fantastically detailed and realistic games in one very mind-blowing combo for everyone to enjoy.

First off, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Snooker ’08 title is a neat and very thoroughly meticulous game. Everything from how much chalk you wish to put on your cue’s tip, to the spin on the cue ball and power of your shot is emulated in precise detail. As you would expect from such a champion, he’s lended his name to something that you would be hard pressed to find better either available on the mobile or any other platform. If I was to be a little picky and point out a flaw (and yes, that’s what I’m here to do as much as praise) is the control of the actual direction of the cue ball. By moving your cue left or right, you seem to leap quite a few degrees and so you may hit the ball of your choice, but not at the angle you would be intending – which means for the chance of getting a flawless break, or even more than 1 point at times will seem somewhat more than a dream! I found that I would end up wanting to take interesting trick shot approaches for two reasons – little other alternative but in doing so, and for additional amusement.

You get to pick your opponent in a quick match scenario and fortunately you can pick them from their attributes, all fairly tame initially. For example some will be fairly inept at potting, others will prefer to play safety shots than take anything potable on. This will mean that winning is a little easier, but far from guaranteed than you playing some of the more decent players. Indeed, they will test your skills, getting out of snookers, potting and positioning your next shot. Another advantage is you’re able to determine how quick the game will be through choosing how many reds will be on the table – which means you can hopefully squeeze a game in your lunch break without too much difficulty.

Next up is Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor’s Power Darts ’08. It’s a little more lightweight than the other game in this pack but this is a nice thing. The games are still pretty difficult but the game largely revolves picking your target area and then hitting the OK button twice at the right time to deliver an accurate throw. You’ll know when you do this correctly due to the small vibration the handset delivers to confirm you’re in the zone.

You can pick between a ‘Test the Power’ quick game against variously skilled opponents (with equally amusing names) and a tournament. Additionally you can test your skills at 501, 301, ‘Around the Clock’ and ‘Golf’ matches.

Overall, this is a fantastic bargain for just one title but for both, it’s certainly worth the price! I have been more familiar and indeed preferred snooker in my years, but this I actually really enjoyed the darts game more just for its fun and addictiveness and for quicker game-play.

Rating 94%

Positives

Great double-bill of sports

Very realistic and great camera shots in snooker and animation in darts

Nice sounds

Fantastic value and perfectly complement each other

Negatives

Accuracy of shots in snooker a little fiddly and cumbersome

Play could last for ages – so make sure you’ve left your diary free for some time