1997 video game
1997 video game
Virtual Pool 2 (acronymed to VP2) is a 3D , first-person sports simulation video game developed by Celeris and released by VR Sports on behalf of Interplay Productions in 1997.[ 2] It is the third release of the Virtual Pool franchise of computer simulations of pool games developed by Celeris.[ 2] VP2 is the second main series title in the Virtual Pool series, and would later be released alongside Virtual Pool 1 .[ 3]
Gameplay
Player attempts to pot the "3" Ball in the corner pocket, using left hand english and follow
Virtual Pool 2 is a simulation of several different modes of pool . Like its predecessor, Virtual Pool , the game is viewed in first-person 3D perspective , in contrast to most earlier pool games, which featured a fixed overhead view.[ 4] As with all Virtual Pool games, Interplay offered a full refund for buyers of the game who did not see an improvement in their pool abilities within 45 days of purchase and returned the CD-ROM to the company.[ 5] [ 6]
In addition to the three pool game modes offered in Virtual Pool (nine ball , straight pool and eight ball ), Virtual Pool 2 includes different modes of eight-ball pool (APA rules, English pub or American bar variations), as well as other variants, such as three-ball , 10-ball , one-pocket and bank pool .[ 2] The game uses a higher frame rate and resolution of 16-bit graphics over the original.[ 2] The game was released for Microsoft Windows 95 , but was later patched to work on Windows 98 .[ 7] [ 8]
Following on from Virtual Pool , Virtual Pool 2 expands the amount of AI opponents to over 100.[ 6] Whilst also expanding the number of game modes on offer, the game also includes the ability to play, and create tournaments, all for online, single player, or multiplayer use.[ 6]
Ronnie O'Sullivan and Steve Davis return from Virtual Snooker on the box art.[ 9] Lou Butera makes a return in game to teach the player trick shots, whilst Mike Sigel is seen in game, showing off pool shots via in-game cutscenes.[ 2] [ 6]
Reception
Virtual Pool 2 received generally similar reviews to that of Virtual Pool , but generally more positive than that of Virtual Snooker . GameSpot said that the game had "taken many strides in improving upon its earlier Virtual Pool", and that VR Sports had "worked magic". However, they also stated that Virtual Pool 2 "requires some getting used to."[ 6] GamePro said, "With a great soundtrack, dazzling visuals, and intuitive control, no self-respecting shark should be without Virtual Pool 2 ."[ 18] [ a] Next Generation called it "a simulation of rare quality [that] deserves all the success it can get."[ 16]
Virtual Pool 2 was a finalist for the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences ' inaugural "PC Sports Game of the Year " award,[ 19] and was also nominated for the "Best Sports Game" award at the CNET Gamecenter Awards for 1997;[ 20] both awards were ultimately given to FIFA: Road to World Cup 98 .[ 21] [ 22]
Notes
^ GamePro gave the game a perfect 5/5 for graphics, sound, control, and fun factor.
References
^ PC Gamer staff (November 20, 1997). "Now Shipping" . PC Gamer . Imagine Media . Archived from the original on February 18, 1998. Retrieved December 6, 2019 . Now Shipping: ...Virtual Pool 2...
^ a b c d e "Virtual Pool 2 (1997) Windows release dates" . MobyGames . Blue Flame Labs. Archived from the original on December 23, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017 .
^ "Virtual Pool 1 / Virtual Pool 2 Bundle (Jewel Case)" . Amazon.com . Seattle : Amazon.com Inc. Archived from the original on March 2, 2009. Retrieved February 2, 2010 .
^ Newman, Jeff (December 1995). "Bosses Bound and Gagged, Now Let the Games Begin". Network Computing . Vol. 6, no. 16. p. 32.
^ "Bits & Bytes: The Enter*Active File". Billboard . Eldridge Industries . July 1995. p. 66.
^ a b c d e f Hunsanger, Kevin (December 22, 1997). "Virtual Pool 2 Review [date mislabeled as "May 2, 2000"]" . GameSpot . Red Ventures . Archived from the original on January 16, 2005. Retrieved November 3, 2021 .
^ "UK Patch Virtual Pool 2" . Interplay Entertainment . Retrieved December 22, 2017 .
^ "Virtual Pool 2 PC Specifications" . CNET . CBS Interactive . Archived from the original on December 23, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017 .
^ Virtual Pool 2 Big Box PC Complete Game . Amazon.com Inc. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017 – via Amazon UK .
^ "Virtual Pool 2 for PC" . GameRankings . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 26, 2019. Retrieved November 3, 2021 .
^ Bateman, Selby (December 2, 1997). "Virtual Pool 2" . Gamecenter . CNET. Archived from the original on August 16, 2000. Retrieved November 3, 2021 .
^ Smith, Peter (1997). "Virtual Pool 2" . Computer Games Strategy Plus . Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on May 29, 2003. Retrieved November 3, 2021 .
^ Coffey, Robert (June 1998). "Virtual Pool 2" (PDF) . Computer Gaming World . No. 167. Ziff Davis . p. S26. Retrieved November 3, 2021 .
^ "Virtual Pool 2". GameStar (in German). Webedia. November 1997.
^ Toose, Dan (February 1998). "Virtual Pool 2" (PDF) . Hyper . No. 52. Next Media Pty Ltd . p. 81. Retrieved November 3, 2021 .
^ a b "Virtual Pool 2" . Next Generation . No. 38. Imagine Media. February 1998. p. 122. Retrieved November 3, 2021 .
^ Vaughn, Todd (January 1998). "Virtual Pool 2" . PC Gamer . Vol. 5, no. 1. Imagine Media. Archived from the original on March 11, 2000. Retrieved November 3, 2021 .
^ Dan Elektro (February 1998). "Virtual Pool 2" . GamePro . No. 113. IDG Entertainment . p. 71. Retrieved November 3, 2021 .
^ "The Award - Updates" . Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences . Archived from the original on June 15, 1998.
^ Gamecenter staff (January 28, 1998). "The Gamecenter Awards for 1997! (Sports, Part 2)" . Gamecenter . CNET. Archived from the original on August 24, 2000. Retrieved November 6, 2021 .
^ "The Award - Winners" . Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences . Archived from the original on June 15, 1998.
^ Gamecenter staff (January 28, 1998). "The Gamecenter Awards for 1997! (Sports Winner)" . Gamecenter . CNET. Archived from the original on September 30, 2000. Retrieved November 3, 2021 .
External links