It's time to put yourself behind the 8 ball in Real Pool 2, just released by Infogrames and Arush Entertainment!

Talk about challenging!  The action on the pool table runs fast and furious!  You are always on the clock and have just 60 seconds to consider and make your shot!  If you take too long, your turn is passed over and that could mean certain defeat if your opponent is sharp!

This software offers four different types of pool games:  One Pocket, Straight Pool, 8-Ball and 9-Ball.  Each game has its own rules which are clearly explained both on the game menu and in the game manual.  You might want to take time to give either one or both a read so you will know what you are up against before you start playing!

If you want to jump right into the action, choose Play A Quickie from the main menu.  Choose Championship if you want to start at the bottom of the pile by challenging rookies and work your way to the top of the heap.  You'll be able to save your games, too, and you'll find a selection on the main menu to take you to those saved games.  You can play with one or two players so you can pit your skills against one of 12 computer players or take on a friend or family member.  Real Pool 2 also allows you to play on the internet in multiplayer mode.

Let's take a look at who you'll be playing against if you choose to compete against the computer.  There are several characters to choose from in each of the four levels of competition.  You might want to choose Chip from the Amateur opponents...You'll also find a little lady named Disco who's in the Hustler category.  There's a real classy lady by the name of Fi Fi in the Professional Club...and the pool champion of the World Class category goes by the name of Screamer!  These are just 4 of the 12 characters you'll choose for computer competition in Real Pool 2.

The action takes place in four different locations around the world:  The Basement, Championship Room, Le Palace, and Lucky's Tavern.  The locales might look a bit different but those pool tables all look just about alike.  The pictures of the characters you play against as computer opponents look like real photos...but don't expect them to move or speak!

Be sure to check out the Settings options on the main menu too.  Selecting OpenGL under the Renderings option will make the game look and play better if you have a 3D Hardware Accelerated Video Card.  Otherwise, you should use the Software setting.  You can choose either a High or Low Detail setting.  Raise or lower the volume...and toggle the music on and off here as well.  There are also different Resolution Settings which will help you get the best game results for your computer.

Real Pool 2 has been rated E for Everyone.  Minimum System Requirements include:  Windows 98/ME/2000/XP; Pentium II 350; 128 MB RAM; 4MB Video Card required for software mode; 75 MB of Free Hard Disk Space; 4X CD-ROM; Keyboard and Mouse.  Multiplayer Mode requires LAN or Internet Connection.

Install:  Quick and easy installation.

Gameplay:  7.0
Real Pool 2 has a fairly good engine although I did experience some difficulty when trying to get a particular view.  This occurrence was spotty, however, and did not totally spoil the gameplay but did earn a lower rating than it would otherwise.  This game is certainly fun and challenging and will have players playing it again and again to try to better their scores.

Graphics:  6.5
The graphics are pretty good, though not particularly innovative...hince the score.  It is better than average, however.

Sound:  6.5
Here again, there is not anything particularly innovative.  There are no voices...just a few sound effects and some jazzy music, which wasn't bad but I can see it becoming obnoxious after a while.  Remember that you can toggle the music on and off!

Difficulty:  8.5
Real Pool 2 is definitely challenging!  The higher the level of competition you choose...the harder it gets!  Let's just say that this grandmother type was kept in the Amateur standing!

Concept:  6.5
Again, there is nothing spectacular I can put my finger on in this game.  Players who like computer pool games will find this software challenging and entertaining.  It is not a game for the faint of heart, however.  If you want to play and win this game you will have to spend some time honing your skills!
 
Multiplayer:  7.5
Players who enjoy competition on a grand scale will find it in Real Pool 2.  There is no limit to the number of players who could become involved in an internet championship.

Overall:  7.0
Real Pool 2 is a couple of steps above the average game of its type on the market today.  It is fun and challenging and certainly held my attention.  It will have you returning time and again to see if you can best your old scores.  I find that a good money value as well as good entertainment.