Xbox 360 Critic Reviews

By combining realistic physics and incredible detail, CherryPop Games have designed a surefire hit as a first project. Pool Nation makes every other pool game obsolete.

Overall, Cherry Pop Games's first endeavour has left us with a fantastic billiards game featuring stunning visuals, great audio and even better physics. The lengthy, albeit difficult career mode, will give you plenty of play time but perhaps for the wrong reasons. If you're looking for a realistic, stylish, and fun billiards game, Pool Nation is the crème of the crop.

On the execution side, Pool Nation is all hit. I absolutely feel that there is no more accurate representation of the game of pool, and was really impressed with all the extra features Cherry Pop Games added to the overall product.

Ultimately, Pool Nation is a fun, if a little bit austere, game. It lives up to its own "pixel perfect graphics" and "slo-mo replays so detailed you can see the chalk fly" hype. So if you're looking for something to sate your pool appetite, but were banned from the local dive bar for puking in the bartender's mouth, you should definitely give Pool Nation a look.

Overall, Pool Nation does nothing new for the genre, but it does play a good game of pool, that is easily accessible from your XBLA library. It is worth having for the Endurance mode alone, if you are a fan of pool, then this is a must own title and at 800 Microsoft Points, it is a bargain.

A top-notch physics-simulation engine convincingly handles even the most outlandish shots, while concise tutorials and cleverly rendered aiming aids help you get comfortable with everything from backspin to jump shots. You can even lock in how much power to use, or rewind time if you make a mess.

An entertaining, highly varied and technically excellent pool game, even if lacking in innovation or new elements for its genre.

A bright and shiny pool game with excellent physics and deep gameplay. Single-player suffers from too difficult AI, but multiplayer succeeds on every level. A solid choice for pool fans.

With Pool Nation you'll get a pooling experience that you've never had before. The simulator delivers several game modes and a lot of options to choose from. Every kind of shot that you can imagine is possible to make in the game and because of that you can truly speak of a great simulator. Another big plus are the graphics, which are truly stunning for a low budget title. If you want a great pooling experience without having to travel to a café, Pooling Nation is an offer you can't refuse.

Pool Nation isn't a perfect pool game, but it's a huge step up from what's come before. If you're not already a billiards fan, Pool Nation won't make you one. Conversely, for those dying to scratch the billiards itch, Pool Nation is sure to satisfy. It is the best pool game currently available on Xbox Live Arcade.