Pure Pool does exactly what a game of billiards should do. The developer, VooFoo Studios, has cleverly held back from flooding Pure Pool with wacky mechanics and exaggerated physics, focusing instead on realism, delivering a compelling experience to say the least. The game has been available on other platforms since 2014, but if you're a snooker fan and own Nintendo Switch, it's worth buying. The price is also super competitive: 13,99 euros.
The main attraction of the game is represented by the Career mode; Here you will be able to face a number of CPU-governed opponents in a sort of tournament-style layout. You can take part in events 8-ball, 9-ball and Snooker, each of which is divided into difficulties Amateur, Pro and Master. In addition to the main events, you will also have the opportunity to participate in additional challenges, such as that Killer where you and an opponent will alternate at the table, each having three lives at their disposal. If you miss a shot you will lose a life while if you pocket more than one ball at the same time, you will gain an extra life. It is an extremely simple yet surprisingly engaging mechanic in practice.
The game itself is pretty straightforward, especially if you've played these kinds of iterations before. You simply need to adjust the camera to point the cue in the direction you think is most suitable. Pulling the right analog stick back and forth allows you to execute the shot, with a faster movement that equates to a more powerful shot. Adding effects to the ball is very simple and is often the key to winning games. Just like in chess, you will need to carefully weigh your move, trying to figure out where the white ball might end up once you hit it. There is an initial tutorial that will help you familiarize yourself with the mechanics, but while not tackling it and throwing yourself directly into the competition, it won't take long to master the basics.
The essential gameplay is in line with the rest of the game and the experience certainly benefits from it. The menus are simple, but as a result incredibly intuitive to navigate. Even the images, sharp and surprisingly realistic, are limited to the essential; there are no flashy footage, no exaggerated celebratory sequences. It's just you and the table.
Final comment
If you enjoy playing pool from time to time, you will love Pure Pool. A simple but extremely engaging title, nothing more and nothing less. The tournaments and modes available as well as the stylistic choices are convincing. So if you have Switch, give the VooFoo Studios game a chance, you won't regret it.
