8 Ball
- March 25, 2018
- One Buck
Get on Steam"8 Ball" is a pool simulation game where players can compete in casual or ranked matches against AI or human opponents. It features realistic physics and easy-to-use controls, allowing players to perform various shots and tricks. The game also offers customization options for the tables and cues, as well as various game modes such as 8-ball and 9-ball.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- 8 Ball offers a profound examination of life's struggles and the burden of choice, making it a unique emotional experience.
- The minimalist design and lack of hand-holding tutorials encourage introspection and contemplation, enhancing the overall journey.
- The game serves as a meditation on the human experience, emphasizing that progress is often measured in small, frustrating movements rather than grand leaps.
- The game suffers from poor technical execution, including clunky controls, low-quality graphics, and a lack of customization options.
- Many players find the gameplay frustrating due to imprecise jumping mechanics and the absence of checkpoints, leading to a tedious experience.
- Despite its sincere intentions, the game is perceived as an amateur project that fails to meet the standards expected from modern PC games.
- gameplay14 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews are mixed, with some players criticizing the controls as stiff and imprecise, leading to a janky experience that detracts from enjoyment. However, others praise the engaging mechanics and diverse content, particularly in games like "8 ball," which offers immersive gameplay and excellent replayability despite technical shortcomings. Overall, while some aspects may feel underdeveloped, the core gameplay can still shine through in certain titles.
“The gameplay truly stands on its own.”
“The core of any billiards game is its gameplay, and '8 Ball' certainly delivers in this department.”
“'8 Ball' is a delightful virtual billiards experience that offers engaging gameplay, diverse content, and excellent replayability.”
“It's janky and unsatisfying to play... and any experienced gamer will tell you, the handling, responsiveness, and general gameplay feel of the control scheme must be well polished for this kind of game to succeed.”
“Unfortunately, this is something the developer seems to have phoned in, with little to no apparent gameplay testing.”
“Having to play this with 8-12 fps easily gave me the most heart-wrenching gameplay I've ever experienced.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of "8 ball" receive mixed reviews, with some players praising their realism and immersive quality, while others criticize the lack of resolution options and overall design. Although the game does not push graphical boundaries, it compensates with engaging gameplay and detailed backgrounds. Overall, while not universally acclaimed, the graphics contribute to the game's immersive experience for many players.
“The graphics were so realistic it felt like I was there, inside the game, living my best life.”
“The graphics rival any other game out there and the sound design really draws me in!”
“There is no story, as a story would distract from the amazing graphics and the insanely detailed background.”
“There's no option to change the resolution and no useful graphics tweaks.”
“The graphics and game designs are terrible; it's the worst game I've played. Whoever made this should not make video games anymore. Plus, the characters look ridiculous with little sticks for legs.”
“While '8 ball' doesn't push the boundaries of graphical prowess, it's important to note that it doesn't need to.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's music elicits mixed reactions, with some players appreciating the introspective quietness while others criticize the generic and repetitive nature of the soundtrack, likening it to background music found in public spaces. Many feel that a greater variety in the music would better complement the diverse environments within the game.
“The music flowed into my ears like butterflies in a garden.”
“It would have been nice to see more variety in the soundtrack to match the diverse locations in the game.”
“The quietness of the game world—no background music to guide your emotions—encourages introspection.”
“The generic music that blasts throughout the many levels reminds me of the generic music played in public places such as malls, elevators, and even gyms.”
“However, the background music can become repetitive after a while.”
- story5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's story is perceived as initially lacking but is enriched through implied lore, allowing for a dynamic and personalized experience for players. While some reviewers found the narrative emotionally impactful and engaging, others felt that the absence of a traditional story allowed the stunning graphics and detailed environments to take center stage.
“The story is as dynamic as can be, with everyone having a unique experience of their own.”
“This game has made me cry, laugh, and watch in awe as the story of this brave 8-ball conqueror unfolds and defeats all the mishaps.”
“10/10 - story”
“The story is lacking at first, but it is sprinkled in through the implied lore of this world.”
“There is no story, as a story would distract from the amazing graphics and the insanely detailed background.”
“This game has made me cry, laugh, and watch with awe as the story of this brave 8-ball conqueror unfolds and defeats all the mishaps.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game "8 ball" transcends traditional gameplay, offering an emotional journey that reflects the complexities of life through its challenging levels. Players report experiencing a wide range of emotions, from laughter to tears, as they navigate the game's poignant narrative and the struggles of its protagonist. The combination of its sparse design and low frame rate enhances the emotional impact, making for a deeply resonant experience.
“8 Ball is not just a game—it is an emotional pilgrimage wrapped in the guise of a 2D platformer.”
“The levels themselves, sparse and unforgiving, mirror the emotional landscapes we traverse every day: full of unexpected gaps, moments of freefall, and the occasional bump into walls we never saw coming.”
“This game has made me cry, laugh, and watch with awe as the story of this brave 8-ball conquers life and defeats all the mishaps.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is highly praised, with users noting it as a significant strength. "8 ball" provides an engaging virtual billiards experience, featuring diverse content that encourages repeated play. Overall, it scores a solid 9/10 in this aspect.
“The game's replayability is a significant plus.”
“"8 Ball" is a delightful virtual billiards experience that offers engaging gameplay, diverse content, and excellent replayability.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game has been widely criticized for its instability, with numerous users reporting significant bugs and issues, leading to a high volume of negative feedback.
“Everything is buggy... thousands of thumbs down.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I experience constant lag and glitches that ruin the experience.”
