Virtual Pool is a 3D, first-person sports simulation video game released by Interplay Productions in 1995. It is the first of the Virtual Pool franchise of computer simulations of pool games developed by Celeris.

The Story Behind Virtual Pool

Most critics found that the graphics, being largely identical to those of the PC version, were outdated by the time the game was released on PlayStation. The game was successfully released worldwide for PlayStation and Mac in 1997, after the release of Virtual Snooker. However, the planned Saturn release was eventually cancelled, for unknown reasons.

The heavy slowdown was also criticized, and some critics recommended players buy the PlayStation Mouse for the game, saying that the control is unacceptably imprecise with the standard gamepad. Virtual Pool is an accurate simulation of straight pool, eight-ball, nine-ball, and rotation pool. Some time after the release of the sequel Virtual Pool 2, both games were re-packaged as a two-in-one CD jewel case edition (i.e., a bargain bin version without a box), called the "Virtual Pool 1 / Virtual Pool 2 Bundle" Before the release of Virtual Pool 2, the game sold over 2 million copies.

How Virtual Pool Plays

The editors wrote, "For weeks after its release, the sounds of pool balls clacking together and dropping into the pockets was about all we heard in the PC Gamer office, and Virtual Pool is still a big hit around here." Entertainment Weekly gave the game a perfect score, stating "with its first-person perspective and true-to-life physics, Virtual Pool is one of the rare simulations that may actually improve your real game." GameSpot said the interface was "elegant and responsive", and that the player can "almost feel the contact with the ball." Next Generation reviewed the PC version of the game, and stated that "Interplay has dressed Virtual Pool up with some multimedia chrome - videos on the history and theory of the game - but it could just as easily have left it out The core of Virtual Pool, the game itself, is as close to perfect as a PC game can get." Virtual Pool was named the 57th best computer game ever by PC Gamer UK in 1997. As with later games in the Virtual Pool series, the game is played with keyboard, and mouse, with shots being played by moving the mouse forwards, to simulate moving the . Josh Smith of GameSpot concluded that these elements, and the wide range of possible viewpoints, are enough to make the game enjoyable.

It is the first of the Virtual Pool franchise of computer simulations of pool games developed by Celeris. The control scheme devised for the game would be the same one that would be continued through the Virtual Pool series. This title also allows players to take an overhead view from above, something unavailable in a real pool game.

Why Players Still Load It Up

The game was also awarded best simulation of 1995 from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, best Sports Game of 1995 from PC Gamer magazine and Best VR Game of 1995 from Computer Player magazine. Virtual Pool is an accurate simulation of straight pool, eight-ball, nine-ball, and rotation pool. PC Gamer US named Virtual Pool the "Best Sports Game" of 1995.

According to Interplay, global sales of Virtual Pool surpassed 250,000 copies by June 1998. Butera will teach players over 30 famous trick shots the player can practice on their computer screen and then implement on a real table. Most critics found that the graphics, being largely identical to those of the PC version, were outdated by the time the game was released on PlayStation.

Virtual Pool — Frequently Asked Questions