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Pool Nation FX Lite

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.
Pool Nation FX Lite Game Cover
60%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
stability, optimization
69% User Score Based on 1,016 reviews
Critic Score 20%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

Xbox Series X|SPCXbox OneXboxWindows
Pool Nation FX Lite Game Cover

About

Pool Nation FX Lite is a single player and multiplayer casual sport game. It was developed by Cherry Pop Games and was released on December 7, 2015. It received negative reviews from critics and mostly positive reviews from players.

"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.

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69%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,016 reviews
graphics99 positive mentions
stability10 negative mentions

  • Great graphics and realistic physics enhance the overall gameplay experience.
  • Offers a variety of game modes including 8-ball, 9-ball, and snooker, providing plenty of content for players.
  • Fun and addictive gameplay, making it a good choice for casual players and pool enthusiasts alike.
  • Frequent crashes and bugs significantly hinder the gameplay experience.
  • Many features and game modes are locked behind paywalls, making it frustrating for free-to-play users.
  • Controls can be clunky and difficult to master, leading to a less enjoyable experience for some players.
  • graphics
    159 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game receive a mixed but generally positive reception, with many users praising the stunning visuals, realistic textures, and impressive physics that enhance the overall experience. However, some players report issues with blurriness, clunky controls, and performance problems, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, while the graphics are often described as beautiful and immersive, there are concerns about optimization and consistency across different hardware setups.

    • “The game’s graphics are nothing short of insane, with lifelike textures and lighting that bring the pool hall experience right to your screen.”
    • “Absolutely stunning visuals and great physics engine!”
    • “The graphics are amazing, it almost appears real life.”
    • “The graphics are blurry and the controls are clunky.”
    • “Good luck playing this game while doing anything else on your computer, because the graphics settings are more sensitive than any game I've played.”
    • “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.”
  • gameplay
    66 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Pool Nation FX is characterized by a mix of solid mechanics and stunning graphics, offering a variety of modes and customization options that keep the experience engaging. However, players have reported issues such as bugs, crashes, and clunky controls that can disrupt the flow of play. While many find the gameplay enjoyable and relaxing, others feel it lacks depth and can be frustrating at times, particularly for those unfamiliar with the mechanics.

    • “Whether I want to play classic 8-ball, 9-ball, snooker, or one of the many creative trick shot challenges, Pool Nation FX offers a wide range of options that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.”
    • “The core gameplay had me raging and laughing with a friend for way more hours than 10€ normally buy me, so I'm pretty happy with my purchase!”
    • “I loved Pool Nation's gameplay and controls, physics, and the possibility to perform awesome tricks.”
    • “The game does have its share of bugs and glitches, which can sometimes affect the gameplay experience.”
    • “How these guys managed to take a great couch co-op game found in the 'original' Pool Nation and butcher the gameplay experience this badly is shocking to me.”
    • “Outside of that, my only negative comment would be the game randomly crashes during gameplay, making it frustrating and sometimes difficult to play.”
  • music
    32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the calming soundtrack and ambiance that enhances the overall experience, while others criticize it as generic or irritating. Many users express a desire for custom music options, as the existing tracks are often described as repetitive or lacking in quality. Overall, while the music contributes to the atmosphere, it seems to fall short for a significant portion of the player base.

    • “The music...the venues....everything just adds to the overall experience.”
    • “The game has progression, for noobs to pros, amazing real-looking graphics and a good calm soundtrack with great audio effects.”
    • “Overall, I would recommend this game; it also has its own in-game music that plays randomly, and all music is instrumental only, but still awesome.”
    • “Fun, soundtrack/ambiance loop is terrible.”
    • “Music sucks ass, so far this is my only complaint, but I'll add more cons as I play this more.”
    • “Music is just terrible; from here, my ears started to bleed.”
  • stability
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is heavily criticized, with numerous reports of bugs and glitches that significantly impact gameplay. While some players note that it runs well on certain platforms, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized and often unplayable, leading to calls for urgent fixes from the developers.

    • “Runs great on deck.”
    • “Of course, Pool Nation FX isn't bug-free, but hey, it's stable enough for enjoyable gameplay.”
    • “The game does have its share of bugs and glitches, which can sometimes affect the gameplay experience.”
    • “So buggy and badly optimized it's barely playable.”
    • “However, since the game is buggy, I cannot recommend the game.”
  • optimization
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users experiencing significant performance issues such as lag and frame drops, while others report smooth gameplay even on lower-end hardware. Many players suggest that the game requires tweaking of graphics settings to achieve optimal performance, and there are concerns about its overall optimization compared to similar titles. Overall, the performance seems to vary widely based on individual system specifications.

    • “Performance-wise, I slid everything up to max and I still get a silky smooth experience on my toaster-like laptop (5200u + 840m).”
    • “The graphics factor is nice; I especially like the performance side of it, but I must say that you probably need a graphics card even to run on the lowest settings, considering the storage factor of the game (around 1.5GB).”
    • “(If you can run Witcher 3 on medium, you will be able to see all the beauties of Pool Nation FX. People complaining about performance should go and update their PCs at last.)”
    • “Horrible performance--irrespective of settings (random lag bursts and inexplicable loss to shot power regardless of what the power graph displays).”
    • “Performance is shocking, a light years behind the last game whilst looking worse.”
    • “I have a PC that has the requirements above the minimum requirements, but in the middle of a match the game often loses FPS and makes the graphics look stuttery, but overall this game is great for a free-to-play game.”
  • humor
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is derived from its poor localization, graphical glitches, and the overall absurdity of its arcade-style gameplay, which combines bad physics with impressive visuals. Players find themselves laughing at both the game's quirks and the entertaining interactions it fosters, making it a source of enjoyment beyond just competitive play. Overall, the comedic elements contribute significantly to the game's charm and replayability.

    • “Sometimes the ball slams into the pocket with an obvious graphical glitch, which is actually kind of humorous.”
    • “Pnfx is not a simulation - it is a funny sports arcade game with poor physics but awesome graphics, shiny balls, and good-looking locations.”
    • “The core gameplay had me raging and laughing with a friend for way more hours than 10€ normally buys me, so I'm pretty happy with my purchase!”
  • atmosphere
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its cozy and immersive qualities, with players appreciating the relaxing yet competitive environment created by the sound design and room decorations. However, some reviewers feel that while the atmosphere is a strong point, it could benefit from more dynamic elements and deeper career features to enhance the overall experience.

    • “My favorite thing about this game is the atmosphere; the rooms are decorated amazingly, and I've never said this before, but I'm very surprised this was free.”
    • “Great physics and atmosphere.”
    • “From the moment you sink your first shot, you're transported into a world where the clack of balls and the gentle hum of conversation create an atmosphere of relaxation and competition.”
    • “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, experienced a few mid-game crashes; however, atmosphere, career depth, and consequences still need fleshing out.”
  • grinding
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be significant, with many items costing thousands of in-game currency, leading to extended play sessions to unlock them. While some appreciate the balance in point accumulation, frustrations arise from game crashes that can result in lost progress after long grinding sessions, and the necessity to grind or pay to access multiplayer features. Overall, grinding is a prominent and often tedious part of the gameplay experience.

    • “Most players only play for $25 per game, and a lot of things here cost $8,000 or more (game modes, cues, balls, etc.), so you'll be grinding for a while.”
    • “Game crashed after grinding 4 hours earning the hardest achievements... I load the game back up... all gone.”
    • “Spending 4 days of grinding to unlock a single pool stick?”
  • monetization
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization in this game is widely criticized, with users labeling it as overpriced and heavily reliant on microtransactions, which detracts from the overall experience. Many feel that the game appears to be a cash grab, leading some to consider purchasing the full version to bypass these issues.

    • “The game offers a fair balance in its monetization, allowing players to enjoy the experience without feeling pressured to spend.”
    • “I appreciate that the microtransactions are optional and don't hinder gameplay for those who choose not to spend.”
    • “The monetization model is transparent, making it easy to understand what you're paying for and why.”
    • “Not a very good pool game, horrible and overpriced monetization waiting for you the moment you launch this game.”
    • “Microtransactions to do anything.”
    • “This game came off as a cash grab.”
  • story
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews highlight a nostalgic connection to pool games, with one user reminiscing about a memorable night playing pool, while another mentions the game's engaging features and a whimsical narrative that begins in a biblical garden. Overall, the story aspect seems to blend personal experiences with a lighthearted, imaginative backdrop.

    • “For this price point (approx 8-9 USD in my region), you get a pretty pool game graphic-wise, both offline and online experience, daily quests, and the standard controller support, Steam cloud + achievements + cards.”
    • “The pool love story all began in the biblical garden.”
  • replayability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players note that while unlocking components may not appeal to everyone, it can enhance replayability for some by providing incentives. Overall, the game is considered highly enjoyable with friends, contributing to its strong replayability value.

    • “Very fun with friends and extremely good replayability value.”
    • “I don't personally especially care for having to unlock components before I can choose/use them (to be fair to the devs, it may offer some players incentives and increase replayability).”
    • “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.”
    • “After completing the game once, I found little motivation to play again. The lack of meaningful choices and consequences made the experience feel repetitive.”
    • “The game offers a linear experience that doesn't change much with subsequent playthroughs, which really diminishes its replayability.”
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7h Median play time
16h Average play time
2-12h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 6 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Pool Nation FX Lite is a casual sport game.

Pool Nation FX Lite is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox One, Windows and others.

On average players spend around 16 hours playing Pool Nation FX Lite.

Pool Nation FX Lite was released on December 7, 2015.

Pool Nation FX Lite was developed by Cherry Pop Games.

Pool Nation FX Lite has received negative reviews from players and negative reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its graphics but disliked it for its stability.

Pool Nation FX Lite is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Pool Nation, Pure Pool, PGA TOUR 2K21, Virtual Pool 4, Cue Club 2 and others.