Real Pool is a collection of six different pool games: Straight, Eight Ball, Nine Ball, Rotation, Spanish and Bumper. The game explains the rules for each variant very well, and a key reference is kept handy to make it easier for the beginner. The program also has a function that shows where you should hit the ball. The only problem is, several times when playing Eight ball I was told to hit the other player's ball. Each game is unique and the combination of having all these makes up for a good variety. You are able to pick from two players alternating on the same computer, against the computer or against a friend over the Internet. You are able to pick your computer opponent from several different choices, which allows everyone to play against an opponent at their skill level. Gameplay is good and the physics are an accurate reproduction of real life. My only complaint is that the interface was slightly cluttered and very slow.

The graphics are quite good for a pool game. There are some neat lighting effects and it is displayed in high resolution. The balls and stick look real and are well shaded in real-time. The main problem is that the game plays at your desktop resolution. Meaning that if you have a high-resolution desktop you will be playing the game in a very beautiful, but small window.

The sound is mediocre. There are the standard sounds of balls hitting other balls and the bumpers, as well as a satisfying noise as the ball drops into the pocket. After that, there are no other sounds except for an annoying cheering noise when you win. The sound seems to hark back to a day when digital audio in games was first used and game developers would use wave files whenever possible just because they were new. There is also a disturbing lack of music. If the game had come bundled with CD audio on the disc, I'm sure it would be much more enjoyable to play.

Multiplayer is done through TCP/IP only and is fun but not really that captivating. If the program were able to run windowed it would be much more appealing, as you could have a chat window open on the side or something similar.

Overall, I found this game to be a faithful reproduction of pool. The slow loading, lack of music, as well as the poor sounds hurt my opinion of it greatly. I did like the graphics, and the table did look realistic, but it failed to suck me in as much as Virtual Pool did when I first played it. Real Pool is a good game to play when you want to kill time, but if you want to improve your pool skills I would recommend finding one of the Virtual Pool series.

Graphics: 15 / 20
Sound: 8 / 15
Gameplay: 20 / 30
Fun Factor: 9 / 20
Multiplayer 2 / 5
Overall Impression: 5 / 10

Overall Rating: 59 / 100

Relatively speaking, the graphics are better than Virtual Pool 2. What is better about it? Well for one, the shaded balls are not housed by non shaded tables. The overall setting is also more realistic and a pretty sight to see. Real Pool also included the overhead lights that shine on each half of the tables, just like the professional tables. The lights, however, quickly became an annoyance as you try and set up your shots. There is also no D3D support like Virtual Pool though. Overall, the graphics is a step up from Virtual Pool 2, the current standard in pool games (The only standard in pool games actually).

As far as sound goes, well not much is really found in any pool games. The standard clashing of the stick, the balls, and the bumper are found here. It was done relatively realistically. You can always put in your favorite CD's and pretend you are playing in a bar somewhere but the game itself does not include any music.

The gameplay was disturbing, and this is where Real Pool comes up short of Virtual Pool 2. There are two major flaws that GT Interactive seemed to have overlooked. First, the light on top of the tables is a real annoyance. I usually play out my angles from a bird's eye view. For the long shots, or any shots for that matter, the lights are almost always in the way, making it almost impossible to set up a good shot from an overhead perspective. The second flaw, well it's not really a major flaw, it has to do with the setup of the shots. Real Pool does not let you raise the end of the stick. This may not seem much, but for pool enthusiasts, it takes away a great looking trick shot called "masse". As for nagging flaws, they did not improve, the balls still seem to sink if they come anywhere near the hole, however, it plays a sinking animation instead of the disappearing balls found in Virtual Pool 2. This eliminates much of the hole defense setup used in mostly 8-Ball. On the up side, they did include little bios for each of the 18 characters along with their playing level. The physics the game carries are very realistic, and the claims of this being Real Pool are almost justified. The games included are Bumper Pool, Straight, 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Rotation, Carom (Spanish Billiards). The rules are also explained simply and clearly. All in all, it's a decent setup for a pool game, but it does not do a better job than Virtual Pool 2.

Despite the flaws, it is a fun game to play. The hard opponents are a real challenge to beat. Wendy Jivers is really becoming an impossible target to beat (A level 9'er.). Although, the lights really gets in the way of the game, especially in those have-to-make shots, but it doesn't detract all the fun of the game. The game is pool however, and those not interested in it will become bored of the game very quickly. Pool enthusiasts like myself will find this game enjoyable, although not as enjoyable as Virtual Pool 2.

Multiplayer aspects are included. Along with playing local, it supports the usual TCP/IP, although the webpage says that you need 32 Megs of RAM to use it.

My overall impression, this is a good pool game that easily takes the no. 2 spot from the original Virtual Pool. But pool games on the PC are a rarity, and besides the Virtual Pool series, what other choices do pool fans are there?

Graphics: 15 / 20
Sound: 10 / 15
Gameplay: 20 / 30
Fun Factor: 15 / 20
Multiplayer Play: 4 / 5
Overall Impression: 7 / 10