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Wait, stop, don't...don't turn off the review. I know games like this tend to be boring,
to be honest. But I'm telling you, if you turn away now, you'll be missing out on one
of the best billiards video games, I've ever played in my life.
I can't even believe that sentence just came out of my mouth.
It's Pool Nation for the PlayStation 3.
So this game was developed by a studio called Cherry Pop. Which is fitting, because when
it comes to pool games, they're about to pop your...never mind. Point is this game is freakin'
unbelievable. So good that even *** innuendo seems like a waste of time. Cherry Pop? I
say...what, like Cherikee Red?
A delicious and G-rated beverage for a delicious and G-rated pool game.
Well, except for Peaches. Peaches doesn't look like she drinks Cherikee Red.
So, I mean...there's not much to describe here. Pool Nation is a pool game. And the
thing that makes it so much fun is its gameplay. Honestly, this is some of the tightest, most
realistic pool you'll find without being in a disgusting bar, with these disgusting reprobates.
You don't want any part of that.
You buy a case of Yoohoo, you fire up Pool Nation.
Maybe throw on some Anthrax. That just sounds like trouble.
You know, Pool Nation plays so well, it's hard to even describe it. The ball physics
are just perfect. They do exactly what you expect them to. Unless, like, you play a lot
of pool on freaking Neptune, or something...and the balls, shatter into pieces, because they're
frozen. If that's what you're expecting, you'll probably hate this game.
This *** Earthling game.
That realism extends into the presentation, too. I mean, the balls glisten, and reflect
light. And listen, there's nothing better than a set of glistening balls. Pool Nation
looks almost as good as it plays, and it also packs in the content. There's a campaign,
with this path to billiards glory...and you get to play against some surprisingly awesome
characters, too. I mean, it's just an icon and a profile, but...it's kinda cool.
The characters actually manage to add a lot of...
Character.
In addition to the campaign, there's a ton of other ways to play. There's 8-ball, 9-ball,
straight pool, speed play, this crazy endurance mode...and across them all, you have lots
of customization options. You can unlock different pool cues, lots of new table designs, colorful
balls...you can unlock colorful balls.
Boy, this just keeps getting better.
But you know, I think what surprised me most about Pool Nation—uh, aside from its stellar
gameplay—is just how polished and well-thought-out the game is. I mean, it's just really well-made.
From the subtlety you can apply to your shots, to the way you can just swap through camera
angles and get your aim down to the pixel.
Pool Nation lets you do everything your instincts tell you to do.
Except for...calling Peaches. You can't call Peaches.
Otherwise, great freaking pool game. It's Pool Nation for the PlayStation 3.