Arcade Pool

About this game

Arcade Pool is a DOS-based billiards game released in the mid-1990s, developed by Stingray Studios and published by Eidos Interactive. It was a popular game for its time, providing players with an arcade-style experience of pool and offering a range of game modes. Arcade Pool stood out due to its realistic physics, smooth controls, and variety of pool game options, making it one of the best billiards games of the era. Variety of Game Modes: 8-Ball: The classic pool game where the goal is to pocket either all the solid-colored balls (1-7) or striped balls (9-15), and then the 8-ball to win. 9-Ball: A faster-paced variation where the goal is to pocket the 9-ball in a specific order. Straight Pool: Players aim to pocket any ball on the table, with the objective being to score a specific number of points. Other Arcade Modes: The game also offers more arcade-like modes, such as timed challenges or mini-games that involve more creative and fun pool-based challenges. Single Player Mode: In single-player mode, you can play against AI-controlled opponents. The AI varies in difficulty, offering challenges for both beginners and experienced players. This mode includes the ability to practice shots or take on a set series of opponents with increasing difficulty. Multiplayer Mode: Arcade Pool also offers local multiplayer, allowing two players to face off against each other in head-to-head competition. The local multiplayer mode was a big draw, as it allowed friends to play together, taking turns at the pool table in an exciting, competitive environment. Realistic Physics: One of the standout features of Arcade Pool was its physics engine. The game accurately replicated the physics of real pool, including the motion of balls after being hit by the cue ball, ball spin, collision angles, and ball-pocketing mechanics. This gave the game a more realistic and immersive feel compared to other arcade-style billiard games of the time. Controls: The controls were simple but effective. Players used the keyboard or a mouse to aim and take shots. The mouse controlled the cue stick, allowing players to line up their shots and apply spin (English) to the cue ball. The left mouse button was used to shoot, with a power meter to adjust the force of the shot. The controls allowed for precision aiming and adjustments in shot strength, which was essential for advanced players trying to make trick shots or strategic plays. Graphics and Sound: The game featured a 2D top-down view of the pool table. The graphics were relatively simple for the time, with realistic representations of the pool balls, the cue stick, and the table. The visuals were clear and functional, providing players with all the necessary information for aiming and making shots. While not as sophisticated as modern 3D games, Arcade Pools visual design was charming and easy to navigate, with clear table layouts and easy-to-read cues. Sound effects included the clinking of balls as they hit each other and the cue ball, as well as ambient noise from the environment. The sound design was functional but not overly complex. Customization: Players could choose from various cue sticks, which affected the speed and accuracy of the shots. There was a range of different tables and backgrounds to choose from, adding variety and a sense of customization to the game. Power Meter for Shots: A power meter was featured, allowing players to adjust the strength of their shots. This added a layer of strategy to the game, as players could decide whether to go for a soft shot with minimal force or take a risky, powerful shot.

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