I like computer pool games.
They are a great diversion when I don't feel like going out and spending
money every time I get the urge to rack and crack. The problem, however,
with shooting some stick on the computer is, well, no stick. Then came
the fine folks down at Miacomet and Interact, solving my PC pool hall
blues with their fabulous PoolShark game interface. With the PoolShark,
the player actually uses his or her own pool cue (or one provided) to
strike the eight-ball home.
For about thirty bucks, you
get the PoolShark, a plastic break down pool cue, a user's manual and
a copy of THQ's Ultimate 8 Ball. All the software you need is already
on your computer. Just plug the PoolShark into an empty USB port, twist
together the plastic cue and you'll be busting racks in about two minutes.
The PoolShark itself is basically
a modified three-button mouse with a grooved roller at the head. It has
a switch underneath that allows the user to set it for either right handed
or left handed players. It can also be set to function as plain old mouse.
To use it, simply place your cue on the aforementioned grooved roller
head and stroke as you would normally.
It
takes a few seconds to get use to controlling video pool balls with an
actual stick, but once you get the hang of it, you'll never go back to
the mouse. This is about as good as virtual pool gets. In no time I was
as good (or bad) at computer pool as I am at real pool. The PoolShark's
multiple button setup allowed me to program it with the most common keyboard
features of the game, thus giving control of cue ball placement and english
to my aiming hand for more efficient gameplay.
The only drawback to playing
with the PoolShark is that you need plenty of space for shooting with
the stick. Otherwise shots are compromised or you could end up impaling
your monitor. I overcame this by placing a barstool in front of my computer
and playing off of that.
Aside from room to play, this
is the perfect companion for all the major computer billiards games. It's
inexpensive, easy to set up, use and maintain, and simply fun as all get
out. I love this thing. I'm addicted and my pool game (both real and simulated)
is getting better.
It
takes a few seconds to get use to controlling video pool balls with an
actual stick, but once you get the hang of it, you'll never go back to
the mouse. This is about as good as virtual pool gets. In no time I was
as good (or bad) at computer pool as I am at real pool. The PoolShark's
multiple button setup allowed me to program it with the most common keyboard
features of the game, thus giving control of cue ball placement and english
to my aiming hand for more efficient gameplay.