CUE CLUB 2.2
Cue Club is an awesome game of virtual pool to play in your computer. About the game itself, it’s not that different to other pool games already seen, but the stuff around the game is what makes this game pretty unique. At the beginning of the game a scary message will warn users not to play if they suffer epilepsy, since the game uses strobe lights. So, if you are within that group, please don’t use this game.
The game provides extensive help to get the most out of Cue Club. The guide is split into four parts. Part one covers the fundamentals of Cue Club and how to access the main game features. Part two covers virtual chat rooms in greater depth. Part three is a collection of strategies and techniques for improving your game, and part four is a reference to the rules for each game.
When you start the game you will be presented with a login screen asking for some personal details. Do not fret – this information is required for the virtual chat rooms. It gives the computer players a little more information about you. After submitting your details you will be presented with the main menu and all the game options. To start a new game, click on the game option.
There are several game modes to know:
- Quick Game: this option selects a game against a computer opponent. The player will be picked at random from one of the currently available chat rooms, and their level of ability will be determined from your current preferences, either medium, easy or hard.
- Two Player: this option allows two human players to have a game. After entering your names and selecting your cues, choose your preferred rules to start the game.
- Chat Rooms: a unique feature of Cue Club is the simulation of internet chat rooms. Cue Club contains eight totally different chat rooms to uncover, each with a unique theme. When you first start playing the game only one chat room will be available.
- Tournaments: Cue Club has two quite separate parts to it. The first is the chat room games, the second is the tournaments. To complete the game you must uncover all of the chat rooms and complete all of the tournaments. Only by unlocking these will you be granted access to the grand final – the Cue Club tournament.
- Practice: to build up your skill level you will probably want to spend some time practicing your pots and ball control. The practice mode is an excellent environment to build up your skills in pool and snooker. With the ability to move all the balls around, it is possible to set up virtually any shot. Right click on any ball on the table to make it disappear. Left click on any ball in the stack to make it reappear on the table. Left click and hold to drag a ball around on the table.
- SLAM!: when patience is running dry and you need a little light relief boot up this baby for some instant gratification. The game has rid of the cue in this mode, leaving you with just the mouse to hurl the balls around. It’s not strictly a game as such, but it’s a lot of fun, and is a great way to check out the remarkable physics of Cue Club.
You can try this game for 60 minutes before you buy the licensed version. If you like it, you can buy this game for only 19.95 dollars, right from the Oberon Media Game Center, on the Web. There is a mobile version available as well.
About system requirements, here’s a list for you to check out:
- Windows XP/Vista
- Pentium 266 MHz
- Memory: 32 MB RAM
- 8 MB video card
- DirectX: 9.0
Review summary
Pros
- Comprehensive help information
- Affordable price
- You can play in several game modes
Cons
- Only available in English
- It can get complicated since it offers many configuration options
- The Internet chat rooms are simulated (virtual not real)
