Customer Reviews

American Billiards

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A great collection of bilard games in 3D to help you refine your eye and geometery skils.

The Good:
Control of shot variables- You first set direction, power, and english independently, then "click" to shoot, as opposed to simulations combining power and the action of taking the shot with a single "swoosh" of the mouse (the latter makes it more realistic for some, however I find moving a mouse to be so far removed from the motion of a pool cue anyways, that I'd just assume have the greater control/convenience provided by this way).

"Camera Angles" are good- some 3-D simulations don't have a great range of view (must "click" from overhead to table level view), but this one lets you smoothly PAN from table level to about a 60 degree+ above view, which is one facet of realism that is a must in a 3-D pool game, else I'd just assume it be 2-D.

Graphics- Actually average, but not a top priority for me, and I had no complaints. Everything's relatively clean, OK rooms. If looks are real important to you, I'd probably skip this one.

Music- Again, not important to me, but they actually have a good variety and decent quality music on this one (and best of all you can turn it off).


The Bad:
Physics- Probably the worst physics out of any simulation I've played. The ball movement is so bad, they might as well "cut scenes" from the pre-shot to post-shot of the table. The balls accomplish ridiculous feats like rattle and pop out of one pocket, only to shoot right into another pocket and rattle and pop out of it in the same shot. The balls go from 100 to 0 mph almost instantly. It just doesn't feel like you are playing, as it does with some simulations. You can adjust friction of the table, and size of the balls, but nothing helps the realism at all.

Rules- It might be "American" billiards, but they are definitely not using the BCA rule book. Anything goes on combinations, no ball-in-hand on 8 ball, and other quirks that don't take much to get used to.

Buggy- as mentioned by the first reviewer, there is a problem with this software that results in "memory failure" and the program closing. I thought it was my computer until I read others have the same problem.


The Funny:
Everything has an Asian feel, from the rooms, to the tables, even the half dozen different ball styles available- none will be similar to what you find in American pool-halls or homes. Not that it matters, just ironic that the most foreign styled billiards game I've ever played is "American" Billiards.


This game has so many problems as a billiards "simulation", I wouldn't even recommend it as such. But it's still a good game you can get into, has a steady learning curve, good computer "opponents", and features like "alternative" tables (triangle and cross shapes) that add some variety. Overall it's fun, and that's ultimately what I judge a game by. However, if you seek realistic simulation- skip this one. For the best simulation, GrandBilliards (dotcom) is the closest thing to playing on a real table I've ever seen, but unfortunately you can only play it online.