Virtual Pool 3

Without a doubt, the closest thing I've ever seen to a game that approximates a real honest-to-goodness game of pool...There is honestly nothing that you could want in a pool game that you won't find here -- well, with the exception of stale cigarette smoke and a fistfight or two.

By far the best pool sim available on the PC. The statistics and player ranking system appear to be slightly flawed, and the sound department lacks consistency, but the accurate physics model, along with a wide variety of game modes, game types, and other various options, make Virtual Pool 3 a clear-cut winner.

Yes, Virtual Pool 3 really does improve your game, I'm living proof! Blatant commercialism aside, Interplay brings back the best of billiards with VP3.

The box says it's guaranteed to improve your real game. I believe it! [Mar 2001, p.83]

After conquering the human opponents, the toughest challenge is to move into tournament mode and take on Jeanette Lee. Better make sure you're at the top of your game, though, because she doesn't enjoy losing.

The best pure simulation of pool currently available for the PC, but it lacks much in the way of frills and simple user-friendliness and warmth.

The funny thing is that the makers of this game actually guarantee to improve your real pool game. Speaking from experience, their claim turns out to be true, and spending a good amount of time on VP3 is analogous to attending a billiards clinic.