Bankshot Billiards Review

No matter what type of pool you like to shoot, Bankshot Billiards has something for everyone.

Bankshot Billiards is a surprisingly versatile game that offers not only a wide variety of game types, but different control schemes, a good array of AI difficulty levels, and even multiplayer action. The game offers nine different game types, including standard 8-ball and 9-ball, cutthroat, and even trick-shot challenges and a unique game called golf. You can play most of the game types against the AI, which ranges in skill from something like a cross-eyed drunk all the way up to someone like Minnesota Fats. No matter what your game is, you'll find a skill level that suits you, or you can just play against a friend.

The best part of the game might be the array of different control schemes. You can use meters to manually dial in shot power, spin, and English on the ball, or you can take a more manual route, using the mouse to draw the cue stick back and strike. Handy arrows show you the path the ball will take after it's hit, which can make single rail shots too easy, though multirail shots are still a challenge. Though the presentation doesn't quite match the quality of the physics and gameplay, Bankshot Billiards is still easy to recommend for any pool fan.

The Good

  • Great variety of game types
  • Multiplayer action available
  • Offers different control schemes
  • Good variability in AI skill levels

The Bad

  • Music isn't so great
  • Graphics are basic

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