Pure Pool Pro is the first pool game I’ve played in a long time. Therefore, I couldn’t wait to chalk my virtual cue and dive into the balls. This sequel to the fan favourite Pure Pool boasts some impressive claims. On PS5 and compatible PCs, it claims to natively support 4K action with 120 FPS. Moreover, there are intricate tables, realistic lighting, and hyper-realistic physics-based mechanics. This all sounds very impressive, but how does it stand up to scrutiny? In short, extremely well!
This pool simulation game was developed by Rockwater Games and published by Ripstone. It is a single-player, local multiplayer, or global cross-play experience. Moreover, there is an array of AI characters to challenge, daily objectives to complete, and plenty of mini-games if you wish to test your skills. In short, this pool game offers a lot of bang for your buck.
Pure Pool Pro lets the balls do the talking.
Although there is a career mode to get your teeth into, the developer didn’t push a central plot. Instead, it lets the balls do the talking. This was a little strange, as there could have been a fun sense of rivalry with the roster of AI characters on offer, but this didn’t happen. I think this was a missed opportunity, but I’m sure many people won’t care.
The action focuses on 8-ball and 9-ball pool game modes. Additionally, you have speed potting, checkpoint, accumulator, perfect potter, and royal rumble. Each of these mini-games offers a unique challenge that twists your approach to each match. However, it is the core career mode and the varied difficulty that make this thrive.
Improve your skills.
Pure Pool Pro does a great job of breaking you in nicely. You must first choose the amateur leagues regardless of your 8 or 9-ball preference. At first, you’ll tackle some reasonably easy opponents, but there are tasks to complete to keep things interesting. Whether it is winning a game, committing no fouls, long potting, and so forth, this will test your approach and pool abilities.
Once you gather enough stars, you can unlock new opponents and mini-games to enjoy. Here you can forget about the competitive side and have some fun against yourself. If that isn’t your thing, you can invite some friends to challenge you on one screen. Alternatively, when this is released, there will be the chance to play against other global PC or PlayStation players. Xbox players can join in the fun soon.
Realistic action.
Where Pure Pool Pro thrives is its ultra-realistic physics-based mechanics. The balls roll and glide as if they were real. Swerving the ball, moving the cue, and lining up your pots test your virtual and real-world knowledge. Although the entry-level settings offer you a guide, this can be removed if you want a harder challenge.
If you play the game as demanded, you’ll experience a generous and fun learning curve. This is helped by the realistic mechanics, as players learn by trial and error. Too much spin, not enough power, snookers, poor pots, and a reduction in visual aids make you better at the game. Subsequently, you can use Pure Pool Pro to assist your understanding of playing pool in the real world.
Pure Pool Pro looks incredible.
The claims of high-res gaming, incredible frame rates, realistic lighting, and amazing tables were all true. In short, Pure Pool Pro looks incredible. I love how seamless the transition from cinematic to hands-on action is. Moreover, the slow-motion black shot makes me smile every time. Furthermore, the lighting adds depth that makes lining up your shots much simpler. Therefore, the developer has considered every element to generate the most realistic pool game to date.
The audio wasn’t as memorable as I expected. However, it does its job extremely well. The sound of the cue hitting the white ball and the noise of the balls gliding across the cloth were a joy to listen to.
Exceptional controls.
I played this on PC, and I was impressed by the gamepad, and mouse and keyboard inputs. Either way, they were responsive, intuitive, and easy to remember. Subsequently, once you mastered the basics, you could focus on moving around the table and lining up your shots. I adore the use of the analogue stick for your power, as this gave you accuracy and a sense of realism.
Can a pool game have longevity? After all, you’re just hitting balls around a table, surely? Well, this is different! With daily objectives, a long and challenging career, and plenty of DLC on the horizon, Pure Pool Pro will offer plenty of depth and reasons to return as the game evolves.
Pure Pool Pro is a brilliant sim game.
This sports sim game is amazing. I’m not the best at pool, but I could waste hours smashing the balls around each table. I didn’t care if I played my friends or the AI players; I loved the challenge and the relaxing nature of each game. Moreover, it looks fantastic, and it feels right. Accordingly, it’s a no-brainer, and I recommend buying it here! Can you become a master of the pool table? Grab your cue, pick your poison, and sink every ball.
