I’m really not the man to make this steve davis snooker review. To start with i’m really not fond of the game of snooker.
I prefer pool as a game even though it also challenges my ability to concentrate for a longer time. But then this is ofcours my preference and do understand that some of you will feel the opposite.
The game is as an ordinary version of any similar game labeled snooker. The controls in this ZX Sinclair spectrum version are ok and you learn to aim quite fast with a good result – but thats it.
The game was originally released by CDS and re-released under the Blue Ribbon Label. There is really not much more to find in this game than a boring setup if you are not that big fan of the game.
My advice to you is to skip this one and spend the time playing the game live instead. I believe the the number of versions of games simulating the game of snooker is enourmus. Though I believe this is the only one i’ve seen having a poster name to it.
Many of the CDS titles were re-released under the Blue Ribbon label – look in the gallery for more examples.
In the Magazines
COMPUTERS being, supposedly, very good at mathematics, it is not surprising that a plethora of Pool and Snooker simulations have been produced. Capitalising on the rent-a-star concept behind Daley Thompson’s Decathlon, CDS Micro Systems has released Steve Davis Snooker, complete with a cassette insert portraying the wonder sizing up a likely pot.
The game is not at all bad. The screen displays an overhead view of the table. To play a shot, you move a crosshair sight to a point on the table through which you want the white ball to pass the point does not have to be next to another ball, giving scope for several styles of lining up shots. You then set the power, and indicate on a large picture of the white ball where you wish to strike it, allowing the player to use spin shots if desired. The geometry of the program, and the way in which spin is taken into account, is more realistic.
It will take about as long to line up your shot as it takes Cliff Thorburn to play a simple stroke, but then snooker is not the fastest sport around anyway. On average a frame should take half an hour, about the same as in real life. Problems occur however with foul shots. Although the correct penalties are awarded and the option to take the shot or put the player who fouled in again is there, there is no provision for a free ball. Nor does there appear to be any recognition of a touching ball. The pockets are large, although that does not mean you will find it particularly easy to build large breaks. Positioning of the cursor can be done by keyboard or joystick, and there is an acceleration factor so that one can make fine adjustments without taking ages to move the cursor from one side of the screen to the other.
By Chris Bourne for Sinclair User Issue 35 February 1985
From the Covers
Steve Davis Snooker is the ultimate simulation for all home computers. Packed with features, and endorsed by the World No. 1 himself. A must for all sports fans.
Features include: Variable speed, joystick option, one/two player game, short/long game, accurately definable spin and retake last shot.
Also released on
You can also find a version of this game on the, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, Atari 800XL/130XE, BBC Micro, Commodore C16/Plus4, MSX, Commodore Amiga and Atari ST.
Other releases
For more similar content
For more similar Zx Sinclair Spectrum content please visit the belowe gallery.
