Wikipedia

Virtual Pool 2

Virtual Pool 2 (acronymed to VP2) is a 3D, first-person sports simulation video game developed by Celeris and released by VR Sports on behalf of Interplay Productions in 1997.[2] It is the third release of the Virtual Pool franchise of computer simulations of pool games developed by Celeris.[2] VP2 is the second main series title in the Virtual Pool series, and would later be released alongside Virtual Pool 1.[3]

Virtual Pool 2
Original PC release box art
Developer(s)Celeris
Publisher(s)VR Sports
Platform(s)Windows
Release
Genre(s)Sports simulation – pool
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Gameplay

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Player attempts to pot the "3" Ball in the corner pocket, using left hand english and follow

Virtual Pool 2 is a simulation of several different modes of pool. Like its predecessor, Virtual Pool, the game is viewed in first-person 3D perspective, in contrast to most earlier pool games, which featured a fixed overhead view.[4] As with all Virtual Pool games, Interplay offered a full refund for buyers of the game who did not see an improvement in their pool abilities within 45 days of purchase and returned the CD-ROM to the company.[5][6]

In addition to the three pool game modes offered in Virtual Pool (nine ball, straight pool and eight ball), Virtual Pool 2 includes different modes of eight-ball pool (APA rules, English pub or American bar variations), as well as other variants, such as three-ball, 10-ball, one-pocket and bank pool.[2] The game uses a higher frame rate and resolution of 16-bit graphics over the original.[2] The game was released for Microsoft Windows 95, but was later patched to work on Windows 98.[7][8]

Following on from Virtual Pool, Virtual Pool 2 expands the amount of AI opponents to over 100.[6] Whilst also expanding the number of game modes on offer, the game also includes the ability to play, and create tournaments, all for online, single player, or multiplayer use.[6]

Ronnie O'Sullivan and Steve Davis return from Virtual Snooker on the box art.[9] Lou Butera makes a return in game to teach the player trick shots, whilst Mike Sigel is seen in game, showing off pool shots via in-game cutscenes.[2][6]

Reception

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Virtual Pool 2 received generally similar reviews to that of Virtual Pool, but generally more positive than that of Virtual Snooker. GameSpot said that the game had "taken many strides in improving upon its earlier Virtual Pool", and that VR Sports had "worked magic". However, they also stated that Virtual Pool 2 "requires some getting used to."[6] GamePro said, "With a great soundtrack, dazzling visuals, and intuitive control, no self-respecting shark should be without Virtual Pool 2."[18][a] Next Generation called it "a simulation of rare quality [that] deserves all the success it can get."[16]

Virtual Pool 2 was a finalist for the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences' inaugural "PC Sports Game of the Year" award,[19] and was also nominated for the "Best Sports Game" award at the CNET Gamecenter Awards for 1997;[20] both awards were ultimately given to FIFA: Road to World Cup 98.[21][22]

Notes

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  1. ^ GamePro gave the game a perfect 5/5 for graphics, sound, control, and fun factor.

References

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  1. ^ PC Gamer staff (November 20, 1997). "Now Shipping". PC Gamer. Imagine Media. Archived from the original on February 18, 1998. Retrieved December 6, 2019. Now Shipping: ...Virtual Pool 2...
  2. ^ a b c d e "Virtual Pool 2 (1997) Windows release dates". MobyGames. Blue Flame Labs. Archived from the original on December 23, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  3. ^ "Virtual Pool 1 / Virtual Pool 2 Bundle (Jewel Case)". Amazon.com. Seattle: Amazon.com Inc. Archived from the original on March 2, 2009. Retrieved February 2, 2010.
  4. ^ Newman, Jeff (December 1995). "Bosses Bound and Gagged, Now Let the Games Begin". Network Computing. Vol. 6, no. 16. p. 32.
  5. ^ "Bits & Bytes: The Enter*Active File". Billboard. Eldridge Industries. July 1995. p. 66.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Hunsanger, Kevin (December 22, 1997). "Virtual Pool 2 Review [date mislabeled as "May 2, 2000"]". GameSpot. Red Ventures. Archived from the original on January 16, 2005. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  7. ^ "UK Patch Virtual Pool 2". Interplay Entertainment. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  8. ^ "Virtual Pool 2 PC Specifications". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on December 23, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  9. ^ Virtual Pool 2 Big Box PC Complete Game. Amazon.com Inc. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017 – via Amazon UK.
  10. ^ "Virtual Pool 2 for PC". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 26, 2019. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  11. ^ Bateman, Selby (December 2, 1997). "Virtual Pool 2". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on August 16, 2000. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  12. ^ Smith, Peter (1997). "Virtual Pool 2". Computer Games Strategy Plus. Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on May 29, 2003. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  13. ^ Coffey, Robert (June 1998). "Virtual Pool 2" (PDF). Computer Gaming World. No. 167. Ziff Davis. p. S26. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  14. ^ "Virtual Pool 2". GameStar (in German). Webedia. November 1997.
  15. ^ Toose, Dan (February 1998). "Virtual Pool 2" (PDF). Hyper. No. 52. Next Media Pty Ltd. p. 81. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  16. ^ a b "Virtual Pool 2". Next Generation. No. 38. Imagine Media. February 1998. p. 122. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  17. ^ Vaughn, Todd (January 1998). "Virtual Pool 2". PC Gamer. Vol. 5, no. 1. Imagine Media. Archived from the original on March 11, 2000. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  18. ^ Dan Elektro (February 1998). "Virtual Pool 2". GamePro. No. 113. IDG Entertainment. p. 71. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  19. ^ "The Award - Updates". Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on June 15, 1998.
  20. ^ Gamecenter staff (January 28, 1998). "The Gamecenter Awards for 1997! (Sports, Part 2)". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on August 24, 2000. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  21. ^ "The Award - Winners". Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on June 15, 1998.
  22. ^ Gamecenter staff (January 28, 1998). "The Gamecenter Awards for 1997! (Sports Winner)". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on September 30, 2000. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
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