Pool:Shark

January 1, 1999(27 years ago)·Full Release

Mirage

Publisher: Gremlin Interactive

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Genres: Sport

Platforms:PC PS1

Single player Multiplayer First personESRB

Summary

Actua Pool is a sports simulation video game created by the British studio Gremlin Interactive as part of their popular Actua Sports series from the mid-to-late 1990s. The game, which features pocket billiards, was first launched on Microsoft Windows and the Sony PlayStation home console in 1999. These editions were also released under the name Pool Shark. The title was widely acclaimed for its lifelike physics and tough AI competition, though its follow-up did not achieve the same level of success. In 2007, Actua Pool made its way to the Nintendo DS handheld console, where it was known as Underground Pool in North America.

Storyline

Actua Pool is a realistic pool simulation game featuring a wide variety of game modes, including eight-ball, nine-ball, three-ball, ten-ball, killer rules, cutthroat rules, bank rules, speed pool, one-pocket, international variations, and classic snooker. The game offers numerous locations, distinctive individual opponents, and even uniquely shaped and special tables to unlock. In the single-player mode, known as "Hustle Mode," the character must work their way through smoky bars, casinos, pool rooms, and nightclubs, aiming to defeat up to 18 increasingly skilled challengers on a range of challenging tables. An interactive tutorial is available for players who want guidance, and it teaches hundreds of trick shots. Each NPC opponent has a distinct look, voice, behavior, playing style, and difficulty level, and winning tournaments unlocks new characters and venues. The final challenge is facing the Devil himself in Hell on his custom pool table, where you play for your very soul. The game also includes standard two-player modes, as well as options for three, four, and more players. Up to 16 players can compete in tournaments, with the option to include AI opponents. Player characters can be fully customized, and in-game stats such as accuracy and number of balls potted track each player's performance.