Ultimate Pool PPC 1.1
Game Review

Ultimate Pool PPC 1.1
Company: Quarter Note Software
Shareware: $20.00
http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~jhs/shareware

The Macintosh platform has always been lacking good sports simulators. Besides Links Pro and NASCAR Racing, I can’t really think of too many off the top of my head. As for sports shareware games, there aren’t too many attempts, and the attempts that are made are usually a joke. One exception: Ultimate Pool. It’s no joke. Ultimate Pool is one awesome game. The detailed graphics and the hefty load of features make for a high level of realism and a very fun time.

Make it Simple
Ultimate Pool can be as simple or as advanced to play as you want it to be. All it takes is a click of the mouse, and you can shoot the cue ball at another ball and try to knock it in a pocket (the concept of the game, obviously). Once you get the hang of the game, you can start using more advanced features such as english/spin control, where you can apply spin to the cue ball.

Game time
In the registered version, you can choose from 9 different games: Stripes & Solids, House 8-Ball, Tournament 8-Ball, House 9-Ball, Tournament 9-Ball, House 14.1 Continuous, Tournament 14.1 Continuous, Cutthroat, and House Rotation. Each game provides different challenges. In some, you have to call the ball and/or pocket, which is done by simply clicking the ball and/or pocket.

To start the game, you first choose a starting player, naming them, and selecting a picture. There are two pictures, one man, one woman. After that, you select an opponent. You can choose from 6 opponents, each with varying levels of difficulty, from beginner to pro. A description and a picture of each player is also given. You can also start a 2-player game, and choose a human opponent. Just like choosing a starting player, you name him and choose his picture.

When playing, you can rack the balls, shoot, undo a shot, choose spin, and place the cue ball where you want it, if the opponent scratched (hit the cue ball into a pocket). Some of the players seem to have a sense of humor, as comments pop up after they shoot.

Requirements/Availability
Ultimate Pool requires a Macintosh with a PowerPC processor, system 7.0 or greater, a monitor supporting 256 colors or greys, a screen resolution of 640 x 480, Sound Manager 3.0 or greater, 5.5 MB of available RAM, and 4 MB of free hard disk space. Ultimate Pool is available from Quarter Note Software’s home page: http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~jhs/shareware, or from the My Mac Software Library, at https://www.mymac.com/software.

The Summary
I am delighted with Ultimate Pool. I’m not a pool fan, and I hardly ever play pool, but I have come to enjoy the game, courtesy of Ultimate Pool. The selection of games, the variety of players, and the realistic spin control are testament to Quarter Note Software’s dedication to this game, a dedication that should not be overlooked. Download Ultimate Pool and give it a try. If you like it, pay the $20.00 shareware fee – it’s well worth it. I have thoroughly enjoyed Ultimate Pool, and chances are you will too.

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Adam Karneboge (webmaster@mymac.com)

Websites mentioned:
http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~jhs/shareware
https://www.mymac.com/software