Hobbies And Interests
Trick Blast Billiards
Trick Blast Billiards is strange trick pool game available at Billiards Arcade (see References). There are several balls on each table that you must get off the table as quickly as possible. Each ball is actually a bomb, counting down from 99 seconds. Careful consideration of the angles and crafting trick shots is essential to knocking each ball in before the timer runs down. If you leave even one ball on the table, it will explode, ending your game. This game is incredibly tense and exciting when you manage to tame the controls. The controls are difficult. You use the mouse to drag the pool stick around the table and rotate it in a 360-degree angle. The rotation is touchy, and it's difficult to be precise. It's a top-down view with colorful graphics. This game is a strange way to test your trick pool playing ability.
Plunk Pool
Plunk Pool, available at Arcade Bomb (see References) is a well-designed game that rewards careful thinking. This game isn't a strict pool game in that the holes and boards change with each stage, but it uses pool physics to create trick shots, creating a billiards-style game play. You use the mouse to control the angle of your shot against other balls. Hold the cursor further away from your ball for more power. Use angles to knock your balls against bumpers and into holes. You have a limited number of shots each board, so use them wisely. You can often knock every ball into every hole with one shot if you plan carefully enough. This game is easy to control with great graphics. It isn't exactly pool, but the physics and tricks learned in this game can help you with other pool games.
Pool Sharks
Pool Sharks is in many ways the finest trick shot game online. Available at Candy Stand (see References) this game features simulations of real pool games including nine-ball and eight-ball as well as a listing of trick shots. You can create your own trick shots and test them to fine-tune how well they work. You can then save them on the game database for others to view. It also has two views, with an attractive 3D view getting you closer to the balls while the top-down view lets you see the whole table. This variety and adaptability makes this a fine game, but there are some drawbacks. The control is difficult and non-intuitive. Instead of dragging your pool stick in a circle, you must click a "rotate" button to get it into position. It can't be dragged over balls, which make it difficult to line up shots. Practice mastering the controls can make this a rewarding game.