Pool Nation
- October 18, 2013
- Cherry Pop Games
- 9h median play time
Are you a fan of pool? Pool Nation will not disappoint.
Get on SteamPool Nation is a realistic pool simulation game with stunning graphics and detailed environments. It features various game modes such as 8-ball, 9-ball, and snooker, as well as trick shots and challenges. With its realistic physics and online multiplayer mode, Pool Nation provides a great pool experience for both casual and hardcore players.
Reviews
- Great graphics and physics that provide a realistic pool experience.
- Offers a variety of game modes, including 8-ball, 9-ball, and trick shots.
- Fun and addictive gameplay, making it easy to pick up and play.
- No resolution settings, leading to poor visuals on modern displays.
- Controls can be awkward and unintuitive, especially with mouse and keyboard.
- Limited online multiplayer community, making it hard to find matches.
- graphics254 mentions
- 74 % positive mentions
- 24 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals, realistic physics, and vibrant colors, often described as shiny and polished. Many players appreciate the attention to detail, including reflections and the overall aesthetic, which enhances the immersive experience of playing pool. However, some users noted minor issues with excessive glossiness and a lack of advanced graphical options, but overall, the graphics are considered top-notch for a pool simulation.
“The graphics are stunning and the physics are lifelike.”
“The graphics are gorgeous and the music is very zen.”
“A sparkling beautiful graphics engine combined with an impressive realistic physics engine all to send shiny balls flying around a table.”
“As far as the presentation goes, to be honest, the graphics look like something that came out 5 years ago.”
“This game has terrible graphics; all the balls are doubled, so you can't determine which one to shoot at.”
“The graphics are so bad you cannot even read the direction of how to play.”
- music100 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as relaxing and soothing, complementing the gameplay well, though opinions vary on its quality and variety. While some players appreciate the chill atmosphere it creates, others find the soundtrack repetitive or bland, leading them to prefer their own playlists. Overall, the music enhances the game's ambiance, but many players express a desire for a broader selection or the ability to customize their music experience.
“This is one of the most accurate and realistic pool sims I have ever played. The music is very calm and soothing, the graphics are great, and the controls are tight.”
“If you are looking for a great pool game with a gorgeous environment and peaceful background music, I have to say this game is exactly what you want!”
“As others have said, Pool Nation is a very relaxing experience if you allow it to be, as it's accompanied with a charming soundtrack, sweet visuals, and spot-on sound effects.”
“The music is also pretty bland.”
“The music gets on my nerves after a while though, but that's where Pandora saves the day.”
“I ended up turning the music off entirely within the first hour and I just play music in the background via iTunes.”
- gameplay91 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Pool Nation" is generally praised for its solid mechanics, realistic physics, and enjoyable modes, making it a fun experience for both single and multiplayer sessions. However, some users noted issues with camera angles, clunky controls, and a lack of variety in gameplay options, which detracted from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, many players appreciate the game's graphics and the depth of gameplay available, indicating it is a worthwhile pool simulation.
“Gameplay is fun with a decent game path to follow.”
“The physics is amazing and gameplay is very smooth.”
“Fantastic physics, great textures, great gameplay.”
“Wonky camera mechanics and controls.”
“Sadly, you can't change how you shoot (which is weird); the whole mechanic of moving your mouse and pressing the space bar doesn't really make it enjoyable to play.”
“The only negative thing I can come to think of is that the port (it was originally released on console) didn't really manage to get the 'select ball and pocket' mechanic to work with a mouse-and-keyboard setup, which feels kind of strange since it should be easier with a mouse than with a controller.”
- humor15 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding it genuinely funny and entertaining, particularly in the character bios and interactions, while others describe it as hit-or-miss or even painful at times. The visuals and character artwork contribute positively to the comedic experience, with some characters eliciting laughter. Overall, it serves as a lighthearted distraction, especially in multiplayer settings.
“Funny game if you need a break from studying for 5 minutes (like myself ^^)”
“The opponents are a little goofy, but the descriptions are funny.”
“I have had endless fun with this funny and entertaining game!”
- stability13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 77 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag; while it runs well on platforms like the Steam Deck and older PCs, many users report significant bugs, including crashes, glitches, and issues with controls, particularly when using a mouse. Despite some players enjoying the gameplay, a notable number have experienced frustrating technical problems that hinder their experience.
“Positives would be intuitive controls with controller support, runs great on Steam Deck, and provides plenty of gameplay for pool game enthusiasts.”
“This game brings back memories; it's very realistic and runs great.”
“Best of all, it runs great on my old-as-dirt PC.”
“I have tried every single troubleshooting method, suggested workaround, and support option that I can possibly find about this, but it simply will not load and play.”
“Your controls get worse as the game progresses and there are glitches that will force you to lose the game.”
“When I first purchased the game, it indeed was buggy; there were severe slowdowns during gameplay and the occasional crash as well.”
- atmosphere12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is generally praised for its engaging graphics, enjoyable soundtrack, and laid-back vibe, creating a colorful and realistic experience. However, some players feel it lacks the authentic old-time pool-hall ambiance, which diminishes the overall allure of the setting. While many appreciate the atmosphere, there are calls for more variety in music and a stronger bar-like environment.
“The sounds of cue action combined with jazzy muzak in the background create a laid-back atmosphere.”
“A wonderful soundtrack, great headphone support, and beautiful graphics create an engaging, colorful, and realistic atmosphere.”
“Played a single game and totally fell for the atmosphere and intuitiveness of the gameplay.”
“It lacks a bit of the old-time sleazy pool-hall atmosphere, which, to me, is a big part of the game.”
“But part of the allure of playing at the bar or hall is the atmosphere, and the game is lacking in that regard.”
“Also, I wouldn't mind a bit more variety in music as well as atmosphere.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game offers exceptional replayability, with users highlighting its realistic physics, diverse game modes, and online multiplayer options. Many reviewers note the endless challenges and unlockables that enhance the experience, making it one of the most addictive games available. Overall, it is praised for its infinite replay value, making it a worthwhile purchase.
“Overall, good fun with infinite replayability.”
“Infinite replay value!”
“Possibly one of the most addictive games I've ever played, Pool Nation emulates real-world billiards perfectly and has plenty of different game modes and unlockables to increase the replay value.”
“Possibly one of the most addictive games I've ever played. Pool Nation emulates real-world billiards perfectly and has plenty of different game modes and unlockables to increase the replay value.”
“And with tons and tons of replayability and a technically sound engine, this is worth a pick up.”
“Each opponent has 3 stars you can collect as an added challenge, which can be completed for extra replayability.”
- optimization9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game varies significantly among users; while some report excellent performance even on older systems, others experience severe stuttering and unplayability on decent gaming PCs. Additionally, the interface is primarily optimized for controller use, leading to confusion for mouse and keyboard players. Overall, the game's graphics are praised, but inconsistent performance issues detract from the experience for some players.
“Unlike many other games on Steam, this game is optimized extremely well.”
“Graphics performance - 10 (runs really smooth on my old laptop (2006) on high settings)”
“Graphics couldn't be any better and runs smoothly.”
“But now, despite trying multiple fixes and a lack of optimization for modern systems, the game is unplayable.”
“The best (being the only) contemporary pool simulator on Steam, Pool Nation is a reasonable sports simulation marred by controls that vacillate between twitchy and unresponsive, constant hiccups and stuttering, and a borderless windowed mode that locks the mouse to the window.”
“Lots of stuttering, and I'm on a decent gaming PC.”
- story7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users finding the story mode too short and lacking depth. While some appreciate the variety of game modes and customization options, there is a consensus that the narrative needs significant improvement, including more character background and engaging storytelling elements. Overall, the story is seen as a weak point, with ratings reflecting dissatisfaction.
“Pretty, has quite a few game modes, a lot of skins for everything, story mode, even some trickshot sandbox.”
“Cool missions, cool unlockables and the graphics are really pristine and nice to look at.”
“The game needs some investment from the developers to add in more character background, maybe even a good story mode.”
“Story mode is too short.”
“Story: -/10.”
“Now for a story.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn mixed reactions, with some users expressing disappointment over the shift to a free model supported by microtransactions, particularly after initial promises of free updates. While advertising highlighted exciting features, the implementation has left players feeling misled.
“I didn't think it was physically possible to be disappointed by a game specifically about playing pool, and then to have it replaced by another game that's free with microtransactions.”
“I bought this before they knew how they were going to implement their 'box of tricks' but were already advertising what it would look like and all the cool things you could do with it, saying it would be a free update.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, particularly in the offline 8- and 9-ball tournaments, which can become repetitive over time. However, the game's realistic physics and engaging challenge modes provide some enjoyment, even if a few of them also feel monotonous.
“That limits playability for the most part to the offline 8- & 9-ball tournaments, which start to get a little tedious towards the end.”
“I've been an eight-ball player for a good 12 years now and have seen many attempts at creating a decent computerized version of the real thing. Normally, they are as tedious as an eight on the break (best sit down because you're not going to play that game), but this game has the physics of an actual table. I can take what I've learned from the table, implement it in this game, and vice versa.”
“I also found I enjoyed most of the challenge modes that are unlocked during the tour play, although a couple get a little tedious and boring.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While "Pool Nation" is praised for its engaging gameplay and impressive graphics, it lacks a strong emotional impact, focusing more on providing a simple and enjoyable gaming experience rather than evoking deep feelings or connections.
