Ultimate 8 Ball

Synopsis

by Michael L. House

With Ultimate 8 Ball, the designers at Mirage Technologies have created an option-filled and comprehensive pool simulation with features ranging from pool rules (learning) to pool school (execution). Up to 16 players can compete in multi-player mode on a single computer (with human or computer opponents), a local area network or the Internet (human players).

Fourteen types of pool are offered with the majority of them supporting multiple players. Games include two versions of Eight Ball (UK and US rules), Nine Ball, Ten Ball, Six Ball, Three Ball, Straight Pool, Rotation, Speed Pool (single player), Killer, Ten Pin (a bowling format), Bank Pool, One Pocket and Cut Throat.

An additional option, Hustle, is a single player mode with three distinct difficulty settings in which the player competes against 15 computer controlled opponents. Winning against at least one opponent in each of four levels earns the player the chance to face the reigning computer champion, Joe Philly.

Ultimate 8 Ball offers several customizable gameplay options such as 3D acceleration, overhead (bird's eye) view, input choice between game pad, joystick or mouse and post-shot adjustable camera replays. Also provided is a comprehensive interactive tutorial, practice mode, extensive rules for all games and eight famous trick shots to master. Fifteen unique table sizes and shapes and ten specific environments round out this round-ball simulation.

Features

• Work your way up the ranks to become a pool-playing pro
• Fourteen different games include eight ball, nine ball, and bank pool
• Fifteen table sizes and shapes found throughout ten different locations

Extra Credits

by Michael L. House

The game of pool has its roots in the game of billiards which evolved from a lawn game, very similar to croquet. Developed in the 15th century in Northern Europe (possibly France), the action originally consisted of pushing the balls by hand. The cue stick was introduced to the game in the late 1600s.

The Industrial Revolution played a large part in the further development of billiards in the 19th century, offering such items as chalk to increase friction, the leather cue tip for applying side-spin (known as "English" in the US and "side" in most other countries), slate, vulcanized rubber and the two-piece cue. For an essay on the history of the game in both Europe and the United States, go to www.bca-pool.com/history/hist.htm.

Ultimate 8 Ball is a state of the art, unique pool game (circa 1999) with a vast number of features relating to the game itself. The computer gaming industry boasts many previous titles dedicated to simulated pool playing and by its very nature, this game's features resemble closely those found in the other products.

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