Virtual Snooker: The Ultimate 3D Snooker Simulator

Published by Interplay Productions, March, 1996. 17922 Fitch Avenue, Irvine, CA 92714, USA Phone: 714-553-6655; FAX: 714-252-2820


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Contents

 Snooker is the UK version of US billiards, or pool. It is designed to improve snooker-playing skills. It relies on the use of the mouse as an integral part of the game as well as the visual illusion of being in a snooker parlor room. This game offers a very realistic practice and playing opportunity for the novice player. The main menu include an introduction, instructions, rules, practice and various levels for the more experienced player.

After spending some time with this game, I ventured to a pool hall and observed pool players and their playing strategies. It was quite fascinating to understand the complexitites of snooker as it compares to pool. The idea is to make the most point s while attempting to keep your opponent from being able to make a move, which is the meaning of snooker. Its an added dimension of strategic planning that the billiard game lacks.

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Special Features

 This version demonstrates real action play with friction, cushion resonse, and cue ball spin. The graphics present realistic perspectives and angles while interacting with the game, (except when you manage to turn the snooker table upside down as I mana ged to do several times!). The mouse allows for the user to move about the snooker table viewing it from various kperspecttives. Fine tuning the cueing movement and making precision plays is also a repeatable alternative in this 3D game.

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Ease of Use and Audience

 As a beginner and playing for approximately two hours, I found the game quite engaging. Yet the manipulation of the mouse as well as remembering which keys manipulate the cue, view and movement of the ball was extrememly frustrating.

The labeling on the outside of the box noted two different beginning ages. The front of the outer box states ages 6+ and the back of the same outer box states ages 13 and up. The reviewers' guide, that was enclosed with the game, lists the target au dience as 12 and older. Anyone with enough patience and tolerance to continually look up the necessary keys in the manual will undoubtedly enjoy learning and working to improve their snooker-playing skills.

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Installation Details

 Installation requirements include:

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Other Reviews

 No other reviews could be found at this time.

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Reviewed by Laura K. Alfaro, a graduate student at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Texas at Austin.

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6/20/96