Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of American Pool on PlayStation

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo May 2003
Cover image of American Pool on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 3.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 06 May 2003
Genre: Sports/Simulation
Developer: Digicube
Publisher: Mud Duck Productions, Midas Interactive Entertainment

Introduction

Welcome, dear reader, to the mystical world of 'American Pool!' A title that nostalgically transports you back to the good old days of 2003, when phones were as thick as chocolate bars and social media was just a baby. Here we bring you a game that promises to train your inner hustler, or at least convince you that you're the next great billiards champion as you leisurely swat balls around a felt table. Spoiler alert: it's more fun with friends, and really less so when you’re in an empty room, staring at a screen.

Gameplay

Let’s break down the gameplay like a practice shot at your local pool hall. American Pool offers three game modes: Training Mode, where you flail about unsuccessfully trying to grip the controls, Pocket Game, where you can play against either the lifeless AI or a buddy (hey, who needs real-life interactions when you have digital opponents?), and Pool Contest, which is a tournament-style mode that allows you to create a character with special skills. So essentially, you can give yourself a digital makeover while dodging responsibility. But let’s get real; none of these modes is particularly groundbreaking or revolutionary. They feel more like swimming in a kiddie pool when you're hoping for the real Olympic experience. And speaking of experiences, the AI here plays like an awkward elephant at a ballet class. So, unless you’re a masochist, try to liven it up with some actual human competition.

Graphics

Now, talking about graphics. Okay, calling it 'dated' is being incredibly generous. Picture this: blurry textures, characters that look like they were pulled from the bargain bin, and a graininess that could only be achieved through copious doses of nostalgia. It’s as if the visual artists took one look at the PlayStation's potential and said, 'Nah, let’s keep it retro!' While piracy wasn’t exactly the theme here, watching those cue balls rolling might put you at risk of feeling haggard. It's not the vibrant arcade-pool environment you’d hope for, but hey, it gives you more time to focus on those terrible choices you made in life instead. But if you’re looking for a reminder of what gaming was like before groundbreaking graphics became the norm, American Pool serves it right up.

Conclusion

So, here we are at the end of this Critical Break. You might think of American Pool as the game equivalent of an overcooked hotdog — it’s there at the party and has its moments, but honestly, you’re probably not bringing it home to meet your parents. It’s a reclusive step back in time that tried to pass itself off as a sports simulation, but much like your last Tinder date, it won't leave a lasting impression. If you crave some pool action and a blast from the past with buddies, then grab your controller. Otherwise, maybe consider just hitting up a real pool hall instead. Your score may vary, but remember: it's all in fun. Это игра для фильма!

See Prices for American Pool on PlayStation on Ebay

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Astro Bot's Galactic Sweep at The Game Awards 2024'
Max Rathon - 13 Dec 2024
In a twist that left even the most cynical gamers doing a double-take, <em>Astro Bot</em> rocketed past the competition to snag th...
image for news article 'PlayStation's 30th Anniversary Events'
Hemal Harris - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, fellow gamers and button-mashers! As we commemorate three decades of PlayStation, it's time to dust off those memory ca...
image for news article 'Xbox Year in Review 2024: A Hilarious Recap'
Tanya Krane - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, esteemed gamers and joystick jesters! As 2024 takes its final bow, it's time to don our virtual party hats and revel in...
image for news article 'PS5 Pro: The Mega-Souped-Up Console That’ll Melt Your Brain (And Wallet)'
Hemal Harris - 10 Oct 2024
Alright, gamers. Ready for your wallet to cry? Say hello to the PS5 Pro, the next-gen beast that’s about to rock your gaming life ...
image for news article 'The Wacky History of Platform Games'
Chucky - 04 Oct 2024
Platform games - the genre that made us believe we could jump higher, run faster, and collect floating coins while avoiding spike ...
image for news article 'Xbox is turning 25!'
Gemma Looksby - 23 Sep 2024
So, Xbox and Halo are turning 25 soon, and Microsoft’s like, “Dude, we HAVE to party!”...
image for news article 'PS5 Disc Console vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Which One Should You Get?'
Jay Aborro - 20 Sep 2024
Compare the PS5 Disc Edition and PS5 Digital Edition, highlighting key differences such as price, physical media capability, and c...
image for news article 'PlayStation Turns 30!'
Chucky - 20 Sep 2024
Holy controller buttons, Batman! PlayStation has been rocking the gaming world for 30 whole years!...