This game is one of hundreds of pool games. Prior to playing this I had a personal favourite in “Hustler” from Bubble Bus released on the Commodore 64. My new favourite is definitely Super Pool.
A straightforward Pool game, we all know the rules. And for 8bit graphical experiences a Pool game is well enough with what the 8bit machines offer.
What I like most about Super Pool is the steering and the aiming that is so simple to handle and smooth to move around. I also like that down counting clock making you have to decide now.
For each game you handle you will be facing new rules. As an example, on the first level you can put any ball in any pocket. On level two the same play needs to be done in numbering order.
If you like the game of pool, Super Pool is worth playing with your family in 2022.
In the Magazines
HAVE you ever sneered when Steve Davis missed a shot and announced to all and sundry “Even I wouldn’t have missed that”? I know I have. Well here’s your chance to put your cue where your mouth is, because Software Invasion is giving you the opportunity to play Superpool.
Although not quite in the style or atmosphere of the Crucible Theatre, the game represents a pretty accurate simulation of a game of pool, with six balls, coloured and numbered, and a plan view of a pool table. All these go to make an attractive and uncomplicated display, with the scoreboard along the top edge of your screen. You sight your cue ball by moving an indicator along the cushion, and this is where the ball will strike, provided, of course, that there is not a ball in between, which in fact is your aim. You select the strength of your shot, press Fire and, if you’re like me, the white ball then goes into a pocket.
Of course a coloured ball should go in, but then I don’t need to explain the rules to you, I’m sure. In the first frame it’s made easy, and you can pot any ball in any order. In the second frame you have to pot the balls in number order. In both these frames it doesn’t matter if you hit any other ball, but in the third frame you may only hit and pot the balls in number order, There are keyboard or joystick options, and your shot is on a timed basis — run out of time and you lose a life. All in all this is a very good game, but some things I found offputting. I would have liked the option to remove the timer, because it is not always appreciated, especially in the beginner’s game.
I was also a bit dubious about where the balls ended up when certain strengths were selected, and they also have a tendency to suddenly speed up when no other balls are involved. Taking everything into consideration the pros outweigh the cons, and if you want a game that will keep you interested for hours on end you have to go far to find one better than this.
From Electron User April 1985 – by Adam Young
From the Covers
What does the cover tell us? At first glimpse it looks to me like a Jedi warrior ready for a game of pool with his lightsaber. The glowing ball is hot, and as hot as turning his hand into a boiling point. His suite is by the book even though his bow tie is out of place. Could it be a pint or so late into the game? Who knows, we are focused as the player himself and ready to win.
A nice cover with typical Software Invasion characteristics, the main part of the cover is surrounded by blury colours going into eachother. For the 80s this must have been an appealing front initiating the buy signal.
Well Done Software Invasion.
