Act: Billiard Boxing [by Shizmoo Games]

Game Review: Billiard Boxing
Release: 2003
Genre: Action
Developer: Shizmoo
System Requirements: Windows and a Java Enhanced browser
Price: US $25 / 6 months (site membership)


This game is a finalist in the web/downloadable category at the upcoming IGF awards, and I intend to find out why.

Billiard Boxing is without a doubt the most aggressive Pool Sim I’ve ever played. This game will turn even the most proper and reserved players into mean, unruly savages, who will do just about anything to sink their opponent into a pocket. I frequently caught myself laughing insanely as I fired a ball into the other guy’s way, preventing him from getting that shot he had been lining up.

The aim of the game is to pot all the right balls before your opponent does, however that’s where the game stops sounding like Pool and sounds much more like a punch up. Billiard Boxing lives up to it’s name in that you have to physically try and stop your opponent from potting his/her balls by ramming your cue ball in their way or by knocking your opponent’s cue ball off course (preferably into the nearest pocket). Every time you manage to pot your opponent one of the balls they have already potted is replaced back on the table – this can be incredibly annoying because you spend your time systematically going round the table potting each ball, only to have your opponent (by then your new worst enemy) knock you into a pocket a few times and before long all your balls are back on the table!

T iming plays a key part and it takes significant skill to judge just when to fire your shots as most of the time your cue ball will be moving around the table at high speed. There is, however, very little strategy involved in this game, as straight after the break it quickly turns into a frenzy of potting and knocking your opponent off course.

The control system is possibly one of the most disappointing aspects of Billiard Boxing. It sticks to the conventional “click and drag back” way of cueing and when the game play is as fast-paced as this it can get very difficult to hit the ball where you want to hit it. I found myself very frustrated several times as I missed a shot or lost a great opportunity to pot my opponent because of the difficulty of the controls. You will also find yourself desperately trying to follow your ball around the table with your cursor so that you can fire off another shot as quickly as possible, but a lot of the time it’s traveling too fast and you have to sacrifice what could have been a great shot.

Graphics 5/10
The graphics are very simple and there is no animation of the balls or special effects of any kind. This can be forgiven though as the emphasis is not on spectacular graphics or realism but on the game play itself. Still, it is lacking that extra finesse that comes from smooth ball physics.

Sound 7/10
There is very upbeat bluegrass-themed music, which really brings a frantic feel to the game and goes really well with the fast game play. There are also some high-quality sound effects when you hit the ball and when balls collide. However that’s where the sound effects stop and there is nothing extra that you sometimes get on other pool sims like clapping, sounds when the ball hits the cushion or any kind of winning music.

Game Play 8/10
The game plays really well and flows very smoothly. Once you get the hang of the tricky controls and the concept, you will soon be potting balls. The key to winning is to strike a delicate balance between attack and defense. You must try and hinder your opponent as much as possible whilst potting your own balls as quickly as possible. Games don’t generally last very long, but you’ll want to play again and again to improve on your performance. The game is definitely lacking a single-player mode to fine-tune your technique and there is much room for improvement on the control system.

Concept 9/10
The concept is very clever and as far as I’m aware, totally original. The game is simple but fun and can be quite addictive. The unique concept of having two cue balls and being able to pot your opponent’s cue ball is pure genius and makes a very fun game. It brings a whole new aspect to an old game, which makes for some brilliant multiplayer gaming.

Fun 8/10
Billiard Boxing will give you hours of fun at absolutely no cost and is one of those games that you will keep going back to whenever you have a spare moment. The fun is only hindered by a poor control system and this can sometimes get frustrating.

Overall 8/10
Billiard Boxing is very quick and easy to get into, and appeals to all. Its unique concept and fast game play will have anyone going back for more. There is room for improvement and I hope to see some refinements in future releases, but this game has a lot of promise and I can see it becoming very popular. Shizmoo games have created almost a new genre of gaming with Billiard Boxing and it’s both annoying and fun, which in my opinion are by far the best type of multiplayer games.

Added: February 26th 2004
Reviewer: Robin Spottiswoode
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