For years, I’ve gone by the handle of ‘Shark’ based on my screen name, e-mail address, and sharp pointy teeth (Just kidding). When asked to explain why I choose the handle ‘shark,’ I’ve done so in a variety of ways: I’m a gaming shark, a card shark, my head is shaped like a hammer, etc. However, the one thing I’ve never really considered myself is a pool shark. That’s why when I received my review copy of Pool Paradise; I was initially a little surprised. I’ve rarely ever played, and when I do, I’m not very good. However, what I’ve discovered with Pool Paradise is that anyone can be a digital pool shark, and anyone can become strangely addicted to it too.

Features:

Available exclusively for PC and GC

1 or 2 players

11 different variations of pool to play

15 easy listening music tracks for you to groove to.

Tons of fun items and mini-games to unlock

8 camera angles to view the action

Rated ‘E’ for Everybody

Gameplay:
Imagine yourself whisked off to an exotic South Pacific Island carrying nothing but your trusty pool cue and smile, then imagine a helpful loan shark getting you started with some cash, and then finally imagine yourself becoming the local pool shark by mercilessly beating your opponents and taking their cash. That, in a nutshell, is the idea behind Pool Paradise. You begin the game just as stated above, on a gorgeously detailed island with a single pool cue and 200 dollars. From there, you must compete and lay your money on the line against over 30 characters, each with a clever personality and an uncanny resemblance to someone you know. With your earnings you’ll be able to buy tons of unlockable items such as new felt for the pool tables, new pool cues, minigames including darts and skeeball, and the ever so rare stuffed dodo. Yes, the dodo, the legendary extinct bird that has somehow found its way to Pool Paradise and will make tons of cameos during your play, which is just one of many clever touches added to this game to make it truly unique.

How does he keep that thing lit?

So let’s get right into the heart of Pool Paradise: Pool. After all, that’s what you’re here to do right? Your first stop may be to the practice tables to warm up on any of 11 different variations of pool at your disposal. After choosing your game, choose your arch-rival to play against. Take your time to examine the profiles of each character because a lot of thought and creativity went into designing them, and some will make you just plain laugh out loud. Some of the more memorable ones include: William Grates, OJ Stumpson, Pete Za Cutter, and Undead Fred. After choosing your opponent, you’re brought to the table and get to see him or her face-to-face….err, well. Hand to hand, anyway. Instead of creating entire models of each character, only their hands are represented, but each set of hands is truly unique and different. For those of you who scowl at this idea, know it works very well and not only do the hands play pool, they’ll also show you what they think of your game based on subtle hand gestures (and no, not that one either.)