Let's Play: Paradise Pool

By Alex Trickett

PARADISE POOL Format: PS2, Xbox, GC, PC Price: £19.99 Publisher: Ignition Genre: Pool simulation

On the face of it, Paradise Pool looks limited.

Many of us enjoy a quick game of pool at our local watering hole, but the pleasure wears thin after a couple of racks.

Surely a game devoted to our favourite pub sport is stretching it in this most demanding of interactive eras?

Not quite. Paradise Pool is a simple but smooth package that keeps you coming back for more, either in two-player mode or against a motley collection of computer opponents.

The one-player story is simple.

You have been washed up on a tiny paradise island with not a penny to your name and must build your fortune by challenging a dubious crowd of characters like William Grates, Hippy Moonunit and OJ Stumpstem.

To climb the rankings, you have to beat your rivals at all manner of pool games - from UK eight ball to US 9-ball, via that ale house classic, Killer.

VERDICT Graphics: 80% Playability: 85% Sound: 65% Lastability: 80% Overall: 80%

And your ultimate goal is to unseat the island's top player, Jimmy White, who lent his name to the title.

Along the way, there is plenty of fun to be had.

The cash you earn can be put towards better equipment at the surprisingly-well-stocked island shop. Goodies include designer cues, laser sights and - bizarrely - a dodo.

Alternatively, you can pour your winnings into unlocking side-games like darts and a coconut shy.

For those so inclined, there is also a "Crazy Tables" room, devoted to tables of all shapes and sizes.

Gameplay in all modes is realistic and easy to pick up.

On the Gamecube version, a joypad rocking motion from top to bottom simulates the movement of the cue and works pretty well, although it is hard at first to gauge angles.

For the advanced player, meanwhile, cue-ball spins can be imparted to put yourself in perfect position on the black.

The graphics are good, but the soundtrack is uninspired.

In the greater scheme of things, this is not barrier-breaking software, but it is crisp, clean fun at a budget price.

So why not break out the Hawaiian shorts and get in the mood for summer, "Paradise Pool" style.