''Pool'' is a 1983

video game A video game or computer game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface or input device (such as a joystick, game controller, controller, computer keyboard, keyboard, or motion sensing device) to generate visual fe ...

written by Mike Lamb and published by

CDS Micro Systems CDS Software (also known as CDS Micro Systems for its earlier titles) was an independent publisher and developer of computer game software based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK. History The company was founded by Ian Williams, a computer prog ...

for the 16K

ZX Spectrum The ZX Spectrum () is an 8-bit computing, 8-bit home computer developed and marketed by Sinclair Research. One of the most influential computers ever made and one of the all-time bestselling British computers, over five million units were sold. ...

. It was re-released later in 1983 on CDS's Blue Ribbon label, and re-released again in 1986 on their "2.99 Classic" label.

Gameplay

In ''Pool'', the table begins with six balls (three red and three blue), and each player gets three shots with the white ball. The goal is to pot all six balls. The cue ball is aimed by moving a target around the edge of the table and setting the strength of the shot. The number of shots remaining decreases for each shot made unless a ball is potted, upon which it is restored to three. Blue balls are worth 20 points, and red balls 10 points.

Reception

In '' Crash'' magazine's review, the reviewers noted that balls moved "accurately and smoothly" with "convincing" rebounds. It was considered to be the best Spectrum version of arcade pool and awarded an overall score of 77%. ''

Your Sinclair ''Your Sinclair'', originally ''Your Spectrum'' or ''YS'', is a discontinued British computer magazine for the Sinclair range of computers, mainly the ZX Spectrum. It was commercially published between 1984 and 1993. History The magazine was la ...

'' rated ''Pool'' 6 out of 10, finding it was "not the most imaginative of realisations" but "a pleasure to find a game where Euclid is of more use than blood-lust and whizzo reflexes". ''

Home Computing Weekly A home, or domicile, is a space used as a permanent or semi-permanent residence for one or more human occupants, and sometimes various companion animals. Homes provide sheltered spaces, for instance rooms, where domestic activity can be pe ...

'' gave the game 5 stars, saying "this is not the game I spent my misplaced youth on, but it's pretty close, and a good game too." However, they were less happy with the game's graphics.

References

External links

''Pool''
at World of Spectrum {{CDS Micro Systems series 1983 video games CDS Software games Multiplayer and single-player video games Pool video games Video games developed in the United Kingdom ZX Spectrum games ZX Spectrum-only games