| Simple Series: The Billiards review |
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While many of the initial Simple DS Series are Mahjong, puzzle or card-game based titles (though it’s still early days), this second volume is an accomplished and accessible pool simulation.
Simple DS Series Vol.2: The Billiard is Agenda’s 3D pool game that pleasingly takes full advantage of Nintendo’s dual-screen system and offers a better example of why gamers should take a peek into D3Publisher’s budget range.
Many aspects of pool or snooker games over the years have concentrated on improving the physics engine, or in the case of others, the licensing and extra game modes. The Billiard puts a refreshing spin on things by adding dual- and touchscreen versatility to a control system we have all become accustomed to over the years: and why not? With the Nintendo DS, there is a control method screaming to be put to use, possibly helping to make a somewhat stilted type of videogame seem more enjoyable to play. Thankfully, The Billiard does this admirably.
Using the second screen to display an overhead view of the table might sound like an obvious inclusion, but here it works wonders. Trick-shots, positional play and bouncing off cushions (usually completed through guess-work on a television or monitor) have never been easier to pull off, leaving the player to concentrate on putting their opponent into difficult situations.
Using the stylus, the player can smoothly aim the cue in three-hundred and sixty degrees. It’s tricky at first but (as the saying goes), eventually becomes second nature and fun to use. It’s a shame then, that the stylus couldn’t have also been used more inventively for actually striking the cue-ball; tapping the screen in time to a power gauge works well enough, but still feels like a missed opportunity. This soon fades into insignificance, however, as the player begins to gain confidence, lining up shots with deft use of the touchscreen.
The effectiveness of this system is only reinforced by the inclusion of the standard D-pad-and-button controls. Switching back and playing in this way really does seem like a step backward, as everything seems frustratingly fiddly and slow.
The main game consists of six different game types played against increasingly difficult CPU opponents, and all of the modes can also be practiced against a selection of opponents on a range of table types. The real surprise, however, comes in the multiplayer mode: up to three other players (including CPU players, if required) can sponge off a single cartridge for some download play fun.
Thankfully the developers have included some excellent touches to liven up proceedings for idle players waiting for their turn at the table. For example, before an opponent is about to take a shot, the other players can place bets: either that the player will miss a shot, pot the shot, or manage a pocket using the cushion. If the shot-taker accepts this optional challenge but fails, credit is deducted from their account and added to the winner’s. The player with the highest bank balance will win the game.
Another additional feature is the drawing tool. Here, the inactive players can draw on the touch screen and these scribbles are then displayed on every other player’s screen, including (most importantly) the player currently at the table. As you can probably already imagine, this adds a riotous and scheming element to the gameplay: players doodle mischievous images on another player’s screen and he becomes susceptible to missing an easy pot due to laughing so much. Presumably, it can also be used to draw arrows and explain a bet that a player may have put down, but it rarely works out that way. All in all, multiplayer is where most fun can be had and whilst it may be slow-paced due to the very nature of the game, it’s lots of unexpected fun.
Simple DS Series Vol.2: The Billiard is one of the most innovative and pleasing variations on pool that money can buy for your handheld. There are some noticeable loading times as the CPU calculates shots and it’s hardly pushing the system graphically. Yet despite this, and even if it were it not for the multiplayer extras, it would still be highly recommended for the single player options, and of course that economical price of only 2,800 yen.
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System: Nintendo DS
Genre: Sport
Developer: Agenda
Publisher: D3Publisher
Players: 1-4
Version: Japan
Reviewed: Apr 2006
Writer: Lewis Cave
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Pros:
- Good use of stylus control and dual screen
- Excellent multiplayer
- Nice selection of game types
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Cons:
- Could have put the stylus control to extra use
- Some long loading times
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