Billiard Action (Nintendo DS) - Review by skarma

Introduction

Billiard Action is one of the 'Simple DS'? series from Japan you may have heard of before, as the 'Simple'? range spans across many platforms. Most of the 'Simple'? games are small simple games at a low price point. 505 Gamestreet got the game and published this in Europe that you can pick up for a measly £14.99. As the name suggests, it is a billiards game, and offers many variations of the sport. But since there are a ton of DS mini-game games filled with sports such as billiards, does this game have enough variety and 'Action' in it to warrant its own purchase?

Gameplay

Being a billiards game, you would think that most of the game would be compromised of billiard variations right? Well, pretty much spot on. Now I ain't a seasoned billiard player - though I do enjoy the occasional game - but the only variation in this game I could recognize is the popular 8-Ball. For you folks in the UK, that's your standard game of Pool. Except replace the colours of red and yellow for stripes and spots. I won't go into detail about the modes, as since your probably reading this review you are considering buying the game right? So you should have a pretty solid idea of what some of the variations are in the list of: 9-Ball, 8-Ball, Rotation, Basic, Cut-Throat and 5-9. You can change a variety of game settings in Free Play mode such as computer players (and how many), how many sets you want to play, and the table softness (this affects the balls physics). Free Play is where you will spending most of your gaming, but there is (luckily) a Single-Card Download Play (as well as Multi-Card) for 4-player multiplayer sessions with those who don't own the game.

There is also a Challenge Mode where you are given a load of, well, challenges (to do with billiards) to compete against the computer. Once you get inside the game, the layout is pretty good. On one screen (you can switch between the two at any time) - a top down view of the table, and on the other - a behind-the-cue 3D view of your shot. This is pretty handy to perfect your shot, being able to switch between the two at any time. To hit the ball, press the 'Shot'? button and a sliding bar appears to represent a soft or hard hit. Just touch the bar whenever it lands on your preferred option to send the ball flying. The physics are really good and smooth, unlike 42 All-Time Classics, where Pool/Billiards was very basic and completely non-lifelike. It does take a few seconds to calculate the shot after you hit the bar, but nothing annoying.

Controls

Easy to use menus to get you where you want, so that's no problem. The game itself is pretty easy to control. In 3D mode you use the stylus to move the cue to where you want it to be facing, and also change the camera by moving it up or down. In 2D mode you just tap the place where you want the ball to be facing, very simply and very intuitive really, you shouldn't have any problems here.

Graphics

Nice colourful and clear menus and sharp 3D graphics mean that the game is easy on the eye. The table and balls have some nice detail in them, but this isn't exactly a graphical tour-de-force on the DS. No complaints though for a billiards game.

Sound

Not much to say in this department really. Some nice generic bar music in the background and satisfying 'clop' sounds when the balls are hit. Just don't be expecting an OST anytime soon.

Dual screen

Like I said, the two screens basically show two different views on the "Billiard Action", and since there isn't a time limit, you can freely look at the other screen at your own pace to perfect the shot. The screens also split up the statistics between them, so one isn't cluttered with them.

Final comments

Well I've had a smashing time talking about one of the most hotly anticipated titles ever. This games worth really lies down to how much you are willing to pay for it. The game is no doubt the best Billiards game (whether that be stand-alone or part of a pack) on the DS currently, but I wouldn't fork out full price for it unless you are really passionate (or desperate) for some Billiards-on-the-go. Never the less a neat little game that should provide some use when you are in the mood for some simple light-hearted portable fun.

Pro: Best version of Billiards yet on the DS. Lots of variations.
Con: Not worth the full asking price. Lacks online.
Final score: 7

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