Pool Nation FX
- November 15, 2013
- Cherry Pop Games
- 2h median play time
Pool Nation FX is hugely disappointing. While the trickshot creator is impressive, allowing you to use apparatus and make trickshots that defy the laws of gravity, the game fails to get the basics right and is absolutely littered with bugs. After the generally high-quality action of Pool Nation on Xbox 360, we expected an enjoyable game with addictive game modes and beautiful visuals. The visuals are generally up there - there really are some stellar scenes and outstanding lighting effects to gaze upon - but when you can't exert any real degree of reliable control in a pool game because the cloth randomly turns to sand between shots and the cue ball rolls differently to the other balls on the table, there's a problem. When games from 15 years ago managed to master the basics of the sport better than your brand new game, there's a problem. Not only that, but when a game is free and yet isn't even worth your time to play it, there's a problem.
Get on Steam"Pool Nation FX" is a realistic pool simulation game with stunning graphics and accurate physics. It features various modes such as online multiplayer, single player challenges, and a level editor to create and share custom tables. With its crisp visuals and intense gameplay, it's a must-play for pool enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Linux
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Great graphics and immersive environments that enhance the gameplay experience.
- Offers a variety of customizable gameplay options and game modes, including snooker and trick shots.
- Fun and engaging multiplayer experience, making it enjoyable to play with friends online.
- The game suffers from numerous bugs and crashes, impacting overall playability.
- AI behavior can be frustratingly unrealistic, leading to unfair gameplay experiences.
- Many features and content are locked behind paywalls, limiting access to the full game experience without additional purchases.
- graphics51 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning visuals and impressive physics engine, particularly when utilizing the Unreal Engine, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. However, some users noted issues with graininess at lower zoom levels and performance problems on lower-end machines, suggesting that graphical settings may require adjustment for optimal play. Overall, while the graphics are a highlight, they can be hampered by technical issues that affect gameplay fluidity.
“Absolutely stunning visuals and great physics engine!”
“The graphics are stunning, and the mechanics are, for the most part, solid.”
“The graphics and gameplay are beautiful and second to none.”
“The graphics look kind of grainy/muddy when zoomed out.”
“If the devs would only optimize this game so it didn't run like a sloth on mogadon, then it might be okay, but as it is, the completely pointless animations and graphics going on behind the table really slow the game down on higher settings; and even on lower settings there's no real fluidity to the ball physics.”
“The visuals are generally up there - there really are some stellar scenes and outstanding lighting effects to gaze upon - but when you can't exert any real degree of reliable control in a pool game because the cloth randomly turns to sand between shots and the cue ball rolls differently to the other balls on the table, there's a problem.”
- gameplay27 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its fun mechanics, stunning graphics, and customization options, making it enjoyable for players. However, some users find it somewhat superficial and lacking depth, with frustrations arising from dated mechanics and occasional crashes. Overall, while the gameplay experience is solid and addictive, it may feel repetitive for those familiar with earlier titles in the series.
“Great graphics, usability, and gameplay!”
“The gameplay is a lot of fun.”
“I loved Pool Nation's gameplay and controls, physics, and the possibility to perform awesome tricks.”
“This game's mechanics are starting to frustrate me.”
“Outside of that, my only negative comment would be the game randomly crashes in gameplay, making it frustrating and sometimes difficult to play.”
“Overall, aside from the crashes, it's fully functional and featured like the previous but hollow in depth and gameplay elements, which will hopefully change as it's updated in its early access status.”
- music13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the relaxing soundtrack and improved quality over the original, while others find it generic and uninspiring, likening it to "elevator music." Many users express a desire for a custom soundtrack option to enhance their gaming experience, as the default tracks can become repetitive and distracting. Overall, while the music contributes to the ambiance, it is not a standout feature and leaves room for improvement.
“Great soundtrack.”
“The real experience is buying the full game with everything unlocked, at which point you have a great sandbox of pool and snooker with loads of gorgeous locations to play, relaxing music and satisfying physics.”
“If you liked Pool Nation, this is that, with a new engine, better graphics, new music, additional snooker mode that I know we wanted in the original.”
“The music is a little generic, but even if this were a paid game (practice mode, at least, is free), I can't say I'm disappointed one bit.”
“Music sucks ass, so far this is my only complaint, but I'll add more cons as I play this more.”
“Custom music playback folder selection needs to be implemented as the music that comes with the game is about as good as the best of elevator porn.”
- stability7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 71 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag; while it runs well on certain platforms and offers an enjoyable experience, users report significant bugs and UI glitches that can detract from gameplay. Some players find it barely playable due to optimization issues, indicating a need for improvements from the developers. Overall, while there are enjoyable elements, the stability concerns are notable.
“Runs great on deck.”
“Of course, Pool Nation FX isn't bug-free, but hey, it's stable enough for enjoyable gameplay.”
“So buggy and badly optimized it's barely playable.”
“What a buggy piece of crap.”
“Although, saying that, it's more buggy than the rainforests of Burma...”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its lighthearted, arcade-style approach, featuring amusing interactions and a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the experience. While the physics may be lacking, the game's appealing graphics and engaging settings contribute to its comedic charm, making it a fun choice for players seeking a humorous sports game.
“Pnfx is not a simulation - it is a funny sports arcade game with poor physics but awesome graphics, shiny balls, and good-looking locations.”
“When you play a funny sports arcade game with bad physics but good graphics, you should definitely purchase this game.”
“From people laughing and chatting in the background to the classy upscale tables you play at, it really immerses you for such a simple concept.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is described as nostalgic and personal, with a focus on the player's memorable experiences related to pool, blending real-life events with a whimsical narrative that traces the love for the game back to a biblical setting.
“The pool love story all began in the biblical garden.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's graphics and general performance are satisfactory, but players report that the interface and playability are lacking. Users note that some tinkering with the graphics settings is necessary for smoother gameplay, and the absence of match-specific challenges in the pause menu is seen as a minor drawback.
“The graphics are fine, the general performance is good, but the interface and playability need improvement.”
“Only two real problems with this game: you have to tinker a bit with the graphics to get it to run smoothly, and it would be nice if they listed the challenges for each particular match in the pause menu like they did in the original.”
“The graphics are fine, but the general performance is lacking; the interface and playability are terrible!”
“The game runs poorly on my system despite meeting the recommended requirements.”
“There are frequent frame drops and stuttering, making it hard to enjoy the gameplay.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
While Pool Nation FX improves on its predecessor with better gameplay elements like a proper snooker table and AI, reviewers feel it lacks a dynamic atmosphere and depth in career mode, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, some players have reported mid-game crashes, further impacting immersion.
“Definitely an improvement over the previous one, with snooker actually getting a proper table and AI playstyle. However, the atmosphere, career depth, and consequences still need fleshing out.”
“Pool Nation FX sticks to the down and dirty basics of pool, but it needs some dynamic atmosphere to really make it come alive.”
“Definitely an improvement over the previous one with snooker actually getting a proper table and AI playstyle. However, I experienced a few mid-game crashes, and the atmosphere, career depth, and consequences still need fleshing out.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers suggest that the game's monetization could benefit from increased advertising to attract a larger player base, which would enhance the online multiplayer experience.
“The monetization system feels overly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending money.”
“I feel like I'm constantly being pushed to buy in-game currency just to keep up with other players.”
“The game is fun, but the paywall is frustrating and takes away from the overall experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
While some players may find the unlocking of components to be a hindrance, others believe it adds an incentive that enhances the game's replayability.
“The variety of choices and paths you can take in the game really enhances its replayability.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh due to the different strategies and character builds you can explore.”
“The random events and dynamic world keep you coming back for more, as no two runs are ever the same.”
“I don't personally care for having to unlock components before I can choose or use them; while it may offer some players incentives, it ultimately decreases replayability for me.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices in different playthroughs, making it feel repetitive and diminishing its replayability.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there isn't much left to draw you back in, which severely limits the game's replayability.”
