Realistic online billiards with competitive multiplayer modes, unlockable cues, and high-stakes chip-based matches
Realistic online billiards with competitive multiplayer modes, unlockable cues, and high-stakes chip-based matches
8 Ball Pool is a fun billiards game that offers players the opportunity to play against other real players in a number of different game modes. The game is surprisingly realistic compared to actual billiards, and it offers players a number of ways to advance and win even larger sums of in-game chips.
When players first start in the game, they will receive a small number of chips via the included mini-games that break up the gameplay of the actual billiards. These include scratch-offs and wheel spins, which is fairly standard in terms of awarding free in-game currency. The real way to get more chips, though, is through challenging other players. The game operates by using tiered match types that require a buy-in from each opponent. Earlier tiers require very little chips to buy in, and each game is winner-take-all. As the tiers become more advanced, not only does the buy-in become larger, but the rules for the games become more stringent.
Like most mobile games, 8 Ball Pool is entirely free to play, but there is a premium currency in the game that can be purchased with real-world money. Ironically enough, that currency is mere digital dollars that are only good in the game. They can be used to buy speciality cues, avatars, and chat packs. The primary currency in the game, however, are the chips that can be won with every game. Those chips can also be used to buy certain premium elements of the game, like better cues and more individualistic avatars.
The gameplay itself is surprisingly realistic. Every ball on the table reacts as it would in an actual game, so the physics of the game are obviously quite complex. The table is viewed from the top down, and players rotate their cue around the cue ball to line up their shot. It is a bit strange that the game doesn't take into account the physical player in the game, so some shots that are easy in the game would be impossible in real life thanks to the alignment of the balls on the table and the player's inability to avoid knocking them while shooting. Beyond that small detail, there is very little difference between playing this game and playing a real game of pool.
One of the only downsides to the game is the amount of raw luck that is often required and used by subpar players to win. Experienced players are often bested by new players simply because of the mechanics of the game, so it's hard to determine if the playability of the game can survive for very long. However, once players break past a certain chip count, they can reach levels where the new players can't reach, so their skills become more important. Of course, at that level, players will have to put up huge buy-ins for just a single game.
Pros
- Realistic Gameplay
- Tons of Unlockable Content
Cons
- Some Lagging Issues
8 Ball Pool is an app-based game that allows users to play classic pool. The game is easy to learn, making it perfect for kids and adults both. Users can play games against the computer, giving them a challenge while allowing them to pull off the shots they wish they could play in real life.
The gameplay is quite realistic, as players control both the velocity of their shot and the direction by clicking on their pool cue. Skilled players can build up points as they continue to win over time. While it's not quite the real thing, it's an intuitive iOS and Android-based game suitable for all.
Sink each ball in one of the pockets on the table to win the game.
This is a classic game with the same rules that would apply if you were to play a normal game of pool. When you break at the beginning of the game, you'll see whether you're stripes or solids. Position your cue stick at just the right angle in order to get the balls that you hit into the desired pockets. There are a few hints and tips on making just the right shot so that you get better at the game whether playing alone or with someone else online.
Pros
- Show off your skills in pool
- Play people across the world
Cons
- Getting better equipment often means spending money
- Spins need upgraded
Compete in a fun game of pool either alone or with others online.
The graphics are animated to a point with a few details that you would find on a real pool table. Begin the game by breaking the balls. Whatever ball ends up in a pocket is the pattern that you will work with in the game. It could be solids or stripes. In 8 Ball Pool, you have an advantage of zooming in so that you can get your shot aimed in just the right way for a better chance of sinking your shot.
You can play with friends in 8 Ball Pool, even those who are not on your contacts list. There is also an option to practice your shots or play against the computer. If you play the computer, then you need to make sure your shots are close to perfect as it's hard to get ahead. When you enter tournaments, you can win trophies that you can display on your wall. There are also better cues that you can win or buy with the points and coins that you win in the games.
Pros
- Show off your skills in pool
- Play people across the world
Cons
- Getting better equipment often means spending money
- Spins need upgraded
Pros
- Play against people across the world
- Win coins for upgrades
- Tournaments offer big money
Cons
- Does tend to be about making money from players
- Physics aren't as realistic
Play a rousing game of 8 Ball Pool against the computer or against others online.
There are practice rounds that let you brush up on your skills so that you can defeat the computer or your opponent. You can play against one of the many people who are playing the game at any time of the day, and there's a chat feature so that you can communicate while playing. The game has a carton quality with the colors instead of a realistic appearance. However, it's a fun game that takes up a good bit of time. The music and the sound effects are also good to listen to while you're playing.
Close-up shots in 8 Ball Pool allow you to easily view where you want to hit the cue ball. This allows you to gently turn the pool stick so that you can guide the cue ball to where it should go in the hopes of hitting the designated ball in the intended pocket. The finger is used to aim the cue and hit the ball in any direction. If you win games, then you can win coins that can be exchanged for better cues that are made with materials other than wood and in different colors.
Pros
- Play against people across the world
- Win coins for upgrades
- Tournaments offer big money
Cons
- Does tend to be about making money from players
- Physics aren't as realistic
