World Championship Pool 2004

Even though the computer is cheap, the actual gameplay and physics are outstanding, and there are a ton of ways to play the game. And hello....online pool?

One of the better billiards outings released for consoles in quite a long time.

Despite the visuals, slow pacing, clunky camerawork, and somewhat unsatisfying controls, this is a generally solid pool game. [Jan 2004, p.79]

Sure, it has framerate issues and stiff animation, but it also has real-life players, solid physics, multiple game types, and a pretty easy learning curve. [Feb 2004, p.109]

Even the most polished, glitzy pool game would just be another pool game if it didn't bring some new challenge, so the fact that online play is included here counts as a large counterbalance to its presentation failings.

You have to endure some horrendously annoying and monotonous commentary and cue-ball control is patchy at best. Nevertheless, you do get plenty of game styles (including snooker) and a trick shot mode, to keep things fresh - for a while.

When playing against human opponents of varying skill levels on Xbox Live, the game becomes surprisingly fun and entertaining. [Mar 2004, p.101]