Virtual Pool 4

About

"Virtual Pool 4" is a realistic pool and billiards simulation game with 8 ball, 9 ball, and 10 ball modes. It features accurate physics, detailed graphics, and a variety of game modes and settings. Players can compete online, hone their skills in practice mode, or try their hand at trick shots in the included trick shot editor. With its realism and depth, "Virtual Pool 4" is a must-play for pool and billiards fans.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 854 reviews

graphics30 positive mentions

stability14 negative mentions

The physics are incredibly realistic, making it feel like a true pool simulation.
Offers a variety of game modes and options, catering to both beginners and experienced players.
The game provides valuable training aids and tutorials that can help improve real-life pool skills.

The AI is inconsistent, often making unrealistic shots while missing easy ones, which detracts from the overall experience.
The game requires a constant internet connection to play, limiting accessibility for offline users.
The user interface and graphics feel outdated, resembling games from the early 2000s.

graphics
88 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
55%
11%
The graphics in Virtual Pool 4 receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the polished visuals and realistic ball mechanics, while others criticize them as outdated and clunky compared to newer billiard simulators. Many agree that while the graphics are decent for a game of its type, they fall short of modern standards and could benefit from updates. Overall, gameplay is often deemed more important than graphics, with several users noting that the visuals do not detract significantly from the overall experience.
- “Great graphics, so realistic!”
- “The graphics are very polished, love the ball reflections and such.”
- “Great graphics, very realistic gameplay, and notably different AI players with their own playing personalities.”
- “Do not waste your money on this trash made game.. don't even get me started on the graphics, they're just as bad as the creator at real pool!”
- “On the other hand, the graphics are extremely dated, the UI is clunky and some of the design decisions are baffling.”
- “And besides that, the graphics are pretty outdated by today's or even 5-10 years standards. Though I know the graphics aren't necessarily that important compared to the gameplay, which is actually pretty good.”
gameplay
62 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
58%
6%
The gameplay in Virtual Pool 4 is praised for its realistic physics and intuitive mechanics, making it one of the best virtual pool experiences available. While the core gameplay is engaging and rewarding, many users note that the graphics and interface feel outdated, detracting from the overall presentation. Despite these visual shortcomings, the gameplay remains enjoyable, especially for those familiar with pool mechanics.
- “In addition to that, the software mechanics (I play keyboard and mouse, which I find absolutely fantastic!) are so easy to grasp and the physics are so very realistic that the enjoyment and sense of relaxation is spontaneous and absolutely priceless.”
- “Great physics, seamless gameplay; probably the best virtual pool and snooker game currently available.”
- “Once you learn to line up shots, it makes for a very satisfying gameplay loop.”
- “But, since it's a very old game, that shows in the menus and overall structure, outside the actual gameplay it's seriously outdated.”
- “The gameplay elements, however, might be a bit lacking for someone looking for more of an in-depth game, rather than just playing pool.”
- “Initially, I wasn't impressed as the gameplay seems a little slow.”
stability
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent crashes and freezes, particularly when alt-tabbing or changing resolution. Users report that these problems can lead to complete system freezes, requiring hard resets, and ineffective customer support has failed to provide meaningful solutions. Overall, the game is described as "buggy" and problematic on Windows 10 and above.
- “The game also has some technical issues on Windows 10 and above; alt-tabbing can lead to crashes and freezes.”
- “Controls are terrible, and the game crashes and freezes your entire computer if you minimize with alt+tab.”
- “The screen freezes, requiring a hard reset.”
story
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
25%
38%
The game's story is perceived as minimal and lacking depth, with players feeling that it does not significantly enhance the experience. Many users express that the narrative is either non-existent or too simplistic, often reducing it to a mere backdrop for gameplay rather than a compelling element.
- “This game has a story that resonates with me.”
- “The narrative is engaging and keeps you invested throughout.”
- “The story unfolds beautifully, making every moment feel significant.”
- “You want to learn the game, so you play the story on the easiest setting - which means nothing.”
- “End of story.”
- “Story time... once upon a time I was very excited about playing snooker for real.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
17%
50%
The monetization model of the game is generally viewed positively, as it is a one-time purchase rather than a subscription-based system, which some users find off-putting in other billiard games. However, there are concerns that the game feels like a cash grab given its age. Overall, players appreciate the straightforward payment structure compared to alternatives.
- “Before buying this game, I checked other billiard games on Steam and concluded that this is the best one based on the reviews and how the monetization works. This is a one-time paid game, unlike another one that supposedly was good but had a horrible subscription model that you had to pay to keep playing.”
- “I honestly don't know what that other game is like, but purely based on the monetization model they use, I'm not going to even try it unless they change it.”
- “Feels like a cash grab for such an old game.”
- “Before buying this game, I checked other billiard games on Steam and concluded that this seemed to be the best one based on the reviews and how the monetization works. This is just a one-time paid game, unlike that other one that supposedly was good but had a horrible subscription you had to pay to keep playing.”
- “Besides that, I honestly don't know what that other game is like, but purely based on the monetization model they use, I'm not going to even try it unless they change it.”
optimization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
50%
17%
Players report that the game's optimization effectively translates to real-life pool skills, enhancing their performance through practice in a virtual environment. However, some users note that financial constraints and the need for a physical snooker table can limit their overall improvement.
- “Helps improve real life performance by practicing in game!”
- “If you play this game, it will actually improve your real-life pool performance.”
- “But having some limited financial possibilities and a snooker table being a must for top performance, I started to play virtual pool, hoping that it will improve my average game.”
music
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
33%
The music in the latest installment of the Virtual Pool franchise has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it annoying, while others appreciate the overall sound design, particularly the realistic sound of the balls. Despite the competition offering shinier graphics and better music, many still regard Virtual Pool as the superior billiards simulator. There is also a desire among players for the option to purchase the soundtrack.
- “Have the soundtrack for sale please”
- “The competition might have shinier graphics, better music, fancier looking menus, all kinds of DLC fluff, and overly complicated controls worthy of any detailed simulator, but at the end of the day they are all just pretenders to the throne when compared to the Virtual Pool franchise, which, with this, its fourth and latest incarnation, is still quite simply the best pool/snooker/billiards simulator bar none.”
- “The music is kind of annoying, but the graphics detail is great, and the sound of the balls is amazing.”
replayability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
75%
The game boasts high replayability due to its diverse gameplay options, varying skill levels of automated opponents, and the inherent unpredictability of the sport, ensuring that no two experiences are alike. Players find it consistently fresh and engaging, making it a title that can be enjoyed repeatedly.
- “There are so many different types of game and so many automated opponents of varying skill levels, coupled with the fact that by the very nature of the sport itself, no two shots are ever consecutively the same. This makes the game always fresh, unpredictable, and thus infinitely replayable.”
- “The game lacks meaningful choices, making replaying it feel like a chore rather than an adventure.”
- “Once you've completed the main storyline, there's little incentive to dive back in; the side quests are repetitive and uninspired.”
- “Despite its initial charm, the game offers very little in terms of new experiences on subsequent playthroughs.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's humor shines through its entertaining cutscenes and the comedic mishaps that occur during gameplay, such as players overconfidently miscuing shots and causing chaos. This blend of witty visuals and playful gameplay adds a lighthearted charm to the overall experience.
- “The cutscenes are hilarious to watch, and there is every type of cue sport imaginable from 6-ball to snooker; it's all there.”
- “The more you play, the better you get, and the more confident you become in imparting spin to your shots, sometimes leading to the inevitable overconfidence and hilariously miscueing the white off the table and into someone's pint.”
emotional
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to simulate the real-life experience of playing pool, evoking a sense of authenticity and immersion. However, some users feel that the AI's understanding of the game's nuances, particularly in terms of emotional engagement during gameplay, could be improved. Overall, the game successfully captures the technical precision of pool, but may lack in delivering a fully emotional experience.
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The atmosphere in vp4 is highly praised for its immersive design, capturing the essence of each venue and the unique aesthetics of the various tables, effectively translating the experience to the PC platform.
- “The atmosphere of each venue and the look and feel of the various tables available in VP4 bring the game to the PC in a way that is truly immersive.”
- “The ambiance created in each location enhances the overall gaming experience, making it feel as if you're really there.”
- “VP4 captures the essence of a real-life gaming environment, with its detailed settings and vibrant atmosphere.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly when it involves editing game files for customization. This repetitive task detracts from the overall enjoyment and can feel like a chore.