Virtual Pool 64

Virtual Pool 64 is, unashamedly, a pool simulator through-and-through. There are no levels, challenges or unlockables here--it exists solely to provide a comprehensive and realistic pool experience. Hardcore fans of the sport will love this, whilst for casual and non-fans it tends to dull the overall experience.

The good news is that even casual fans like myself will thoroughly enjoy the gameplay. The controls are precise, making excellent use of the analog stick, and the physics are superb. Balls move, spin and collide realistically and appear as though they truly have weight to them. It's a far cry from the janky, simulated physics of Milo's Astro Lanes for example, also published by Crave Entertainment. There's also a seriously impressive amount of options and settings to tweak, from felt colour to stick sensitivity. The game's menus and presentation are pleasingly simple, but ugly and dated; the table, cue and balls make up for it, rendered beautifully as the focal point throughout. Similarly, the sound effects are great, but the two music tracks will have you pulling down the music volume slider in no time.

Virtual Pool 64 is apparently to this day regarded as one of the best pool simulators available, and it's not hard to see why. Steer clear if you dislike the sport, but if you're even a casual fan this is an N64 underdog worth owning.