POOL

GAME NAME: POOL HUSTLER

ESRB RATING: E for Everyone. Content suitable for those 6 years or older.

THEME: Pool

PLAYERS: 1 to 6

DEVELOPED BY: ASK

PUBLISHED BY: Activision

COMMENTS: Quite simply, this is the best pool game available. The graphics are superb, the physics (a necessity in a pool game) perfect down to the last millimeter of ball roll. And the sounds are great. Now, it doesn’t have four-player competition like Backstreet Billiards, but it is loaded with games. Hustler’s modes include two player, practice, nine-ball, eight-ball, and others.

Can any game improve your pool shooting in the real world? Hustler may be the one to accomplish that feat. The physics are so good it drives home the hopelessness of hopeless shots. Plus, the lessons in games like Nine-Ball are priceless for those who learned only Eight-Ball.

Also, this is a game that you don’t mind playing by yourself. There’s a story line of sorts that has players traveling from pool hall to pool hall trying to work their way up to the best player. As you win games, Hustler opens new venues for you, so single play never gets boring.

Strategy:

As in real pool, you don’t want to shoot aimlessly into groups of balls. Chances are, you’ll scratch. To get the most out of the game, assume the physics are accurate, right down to the bank and combination shots.

Code:

Secret Game: Pool Hustler includes a secret game called Bowlliard, which is a combination of pool and bowling. To access the game, go to the Title screen and enter: Up, Up, Down, Triangle, Triangle, X, X, Left, Right, Square, Circle. Then go to Menu screen and you’ll see Bowlliard as an option.