HomeGames & TechPure Pool review

Pure Pool review

Pure Pool is a pool simulation developed by VooFoo Studios (Hustle Kings) with Ripstone handling the publishing. We’ve been putting the PC version through its paces but the game is also available for Xbox One and PS4.

An empty pool table is hard to resist and it’s one of those games that everyone seems to think they can play (especially after a few drinks!). Hitting the white ball as hard as you can and hoping for the best can produce some surprising results but there’s a lot more to it. Try your luck against an experienced player and you’re certain to fail unless you learn the different types of shots and strategies available to you.

When you load the game up you are presented with a free pot mode where you can practice your skills. Here you can just mess around for as long as you like and get a good feel for the game.

Pure Pool Xbox One screenshot (4)

The controls are well thought out and lining up your shots gives you helper lines (if turned on) to show where each ball will head. Taking a shot takes practice as you are in control of how much power to give. The action is viewed as though you were actually playing the game but you can choose to stand and walk around the table as well. There is no overhead view though like some pool games have.

As well as the simulation of the game the developers have done a great job of providing a suitable atmosphere. The pool table is set in a swanky bar and you can hear the chatter of people in the background. Although the focus is on the table you can see people walking about and sitting around at the bar. This isn’t distracting as objects in the distance are blurred out and it’s just a lovely touch.

When you’re ready to play you can select the career mode and work your way through a variety of tournaments of increasing difficulties. Alternatively you can play a quick-game against an online opponent. Playing real people is better than the CPU and you can play multiple games against an opponent if you both agree.

Pure Pool Xbox One screenshot (3)

In addition to the main game of pool against opponents the game features a variety of fun challenges. These can be attempted at different difficulties – Amateur, Pro and Master. The challenges on offer are Speed Pot, Checkpoint, Perfect Potter and Royal Rumble.

In Speed Pot your challenge is to pot a defined amount of balls as fast as possible. Checkpoint is a race to pot as many balls as you can before the time runs out. Perfect Potter tasks you to pot as many consecutive balls as you can without missing a shot. Finally Royal Rumble has you try to clear the table as quickly as possible while new balls are added at regular intervals.

Graphically the game looks rather gorgeous and it’s clear the developers have spent a lot of time making it all as realistic as possible. You can see the weave of the tablecloth and the balls are lovely and shiny reflecting the lighting of the room perfectly.

The physics feel great and you can sense the weight of the balls as they collide and move around the table. The selection of music is pleasant enough but the best use of audio is the sound of the balls as they hit each other, thud into the cushions and fall into the pockets.

Pure Pool is a great simulation of the sport and a game you can relax with and easily lose hours playing. Pulling off a shot can be immensely satisfying but beating friends is better. If you enjoy pool then we strongly suggest checking Pure Pool out.

Greg Ellwood
Greg Ellwoodhttps://8ce250469d.nxcli.io
Greg is the Deputy Editor of Entertainment Focus. He writes about Games, Tech and TV. You can find him on Xbox/PSN/Steam as Tahllian.
Previous article
Next article

Must Read

Advertisement