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Pool is one of those distinctly unathletic games that people play in pubs - perhaps that's why the Zzap! team like it so much!

Remember the C64 version of 3D Pool? It was reviewed in Issue 52, getting a respectable 74%. The method of shot selection in the 16-bit version is unchanged: you have no cue - instead you rotate the table to aim your shot.

The one alteration is that here, the mouse is used to select icons to rotate, tilt and zoom into/out of the table and to select shot power and spin. Alternatively, these functions can be accessed by pressing either or both mouse buttons and a direction.

Play options include a tournament with eight computer opponents (including European pool champion 'Maltese' Joe Barbara), a two-player game, and trick shot with its own shot editor.

More detailed solid graphics allow the 3D perspective to be more accurate than in the C64 version.

Another improvement is that the computer players take less time to take their shots. Mouse control also speeds up play, allowing you to zip round the table faster than Alex Higgins! This is a playable, well programmed pool sin - it's just like being down the pub (Well, almost!).

While playing the real thing is best, this is a good sim which allows you to view the table from more angles than real life (unless you climb on tables!).

As with real life, waiting for someone (i.e. Phil) who takes ages to line up their shot can be irritating, but that's part of the game. Fortunately, the computer players are quite fast, but not as much fun to play. In short, if you're a pool fan get this; if not, it's still very much worth a look!

Presentation 80%
Good array of options.

Graphics 76%
Effective solid 3D.

Sound 40%
Ball 'clicks' and pathetic applause.

Hookability 75%
The rules of pool are easy to understand.

Lastability 80%
Eight opponents provide a lasting challenge.

Overall 78%
A first-rate pool sim.