Pure Pool (Xbox One) Review

As soon as Pure Pool is loaded for the first time, the game instantly loads into a standard 8 ball game of pool that is constantly running in the background of the main menu, meaning the trickier shots can be practised at any time. Simply hitting the Start button will open up a world of content from an extensive single-player career to multiplayer leagues.

The solo career is broken up into two main sections: standard solid and stripes 8-ball where the player and opponent take it in turns to pot all of their balls before the other, while US 9-ball is slightly trickier and revolves around potting balls in a specific numerical order. The game follows very strict 8- and 9-ball rules, which may confuse many as it quickly becomes apparent that those rules learnt over the years are completely wrong.

Each of these game types contain three individual tournament difficulties (six in total) that are unlocked by completely beating the previous stage. Pure Pool may seem easy enough at the beginning when getting a hang of the controls but it quickly ramps up the difficulty, to the point where if a single ball is missed, a restart of the game might as well be done right then and there. When it comes to the last few stages it becomes incredibly frustrating watching the computer complete one in a million shots over and over again... cheating so-and-so!

A pool title may sound like it may not have a lot of content but prepare for a surprise as Pure Pool is packed with unique, fun options. It contains the standard break, pot and win games, as well modes that involve having to pocket so many in a set time, potting as many as possible in a row, and even an eliminator mode where a life is lost every time someone fails sink a shot. These are scattered throughout the single-player career, breaking up the tougher competitive matches.

As well as the he frustratingly tough AI, Pure Pool adds another level of complexity by including three extra objects in each game. Every time one of these is completed, a star is awarded, typically breaking down into one for completing the match itself, while the other two are tied to accomplishing bonus objectives, such as no foul shots or potting two balls off the break.

Whenever an opponent is defeated, a range of different accolades (medals) are received, which are given for accomplishing specific tasks like winning a game, seven-balling the opponent, or even potting two balls at once. Experience can also be gained, eventually levelling up and unlocking different cues to play with. It's disappointing how little customisation the game includes, though, little things like being able to create user-defined cues or playing surfaces, which would have been a great addition and made it more personal. Unfortunately, only the few pre-created cues/surfaces can be selected, all of which are fairly dull.

Pure Pool also offers a fairly in-depth multiplayer mode, as well as the mountain of single-player content. At any time, an online pool league can be set up, where friends can be invited along to play for hours on end in a structured, recorded environment. If that isn't enough, the player can also issue online challenges that can be accepted at any time.