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It's a whole new ballgame! Test out your cue skills to the limit.

This one's been knocking around for a fair while, but now that it's out on the budget label, it means that even more of you can have a crack at it.

From the very moment you start playing, this is a simulator with a difference. Instead of getting a cue action, all you see is an excellent 3D representation of the pool table, balls and all. Have a read through the manual and you'll see that playing the game isn't half as difficult as it looks. In fact, it's almost a doddle.

I say almost, because you never know quite where the balls are going to finish up after a shot, unless you're a pro, that is.

First things first and, if I were you, I'd try out the demo and practice modes first. Here, you can get a birds eye view of all the moves, as well as your potential opponents who are making them.

With a host of options at your fingertips, you can select any opponent to practice against, apart from the Supreme Champ Maltese Joe, of course. Playing the game itself, you enter a tournament in the quarter final stages, taking on a computer opponent, or a friend, in a best of three frames playoff.

Win that and you progress to the semis. If you have mastered the actions, you may even get through to the 'best of five' qualifying final. However, it doesn't stop there, as Maltese Joe awaits the winner for a head to head play-off, for the ultimate championship trophy.

All you need to do to get the high breaks, is line up the white ball with the ball you want to hit, using the joystick to gain the correct angle. After that, it's up to you to select any swerve and the position where you want to hit the cue ball. If all goes well, your colour should shoot down the pocket if not, then your turn is over.

Take care not to give away too many foul shots, as your opponents are usually pretty good, and try to think about where the white is going to end up, just in case you miss your shot.

All in all, this is pretty good stuff, particularly when you add the trick shot section on the end as well. Here, you must take on all manner of challenges, with an editor option to boot, giving you the chance to set up your own devilish tricks.

A good read through the manual is advisable before you go off creating but, that said, the rules are fairly easy to pick up. If you like a good game of Pool, then you are certainly going to like this offering. Well put together and featuring plenty of hidden extras, 3D Pool should keep you busy for hours.