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Pool Paradise

Platform(s): Arcade, Game Boy Advance, GameCube, Nintendo DS, PC, PSOne, PSP, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360
Genre: Sports

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'Pool Paradise' (NGC/PS2/PC) - Screens

by Rainier on March 5, 2004 @ 1:50 a.m. PST

Players land on the island penniless, but can win cash by beating the 30 opponents all competing in an Island league. Cash can be spent on game aids or bizarre items as well as unlocking the numerous sub-games and secret locations around the island. Pool Paradise features no less than 12 main rules sets, including all the popular 8 & 9 ball variations in UK and USA format, as well as 14:1, Bowlliards and Switchball. Players can enjoy the practice table out on the beach, or in the more serious competition hut, or maybe the secret cave. There's also a Stunt Hut featuring some very bizarrely shaped tables, from triangular to ice hockey themed.

As dusk comes down, the cicadas can be heard in the background, as players enjoy pool, lit by flame torches. Yet, by day, the sun provides ample opportunity for the balls to show off their amazing, dynamic, environmental reflections and accurate real-time shadows.

 

Jimmy White has worked with Archer on and off for the past 13 years. The collaboration began with Jimmy White's Whirlwind Snooker, which was released in 1991. The series went on to sell over three million copies across a variety of formats over the years. Jimmy's involvement with Pool Paradise has seen the 'Whirlwind' help develop what is to be the 'Grande Finale' in the series.

"Over the years I have watched Archer and the team develop increasingly amazing looking games," says Jimmy, "and with Pool Paradise, I think we have created the ultimate ball and cue game – it doesn't get any more realistic. I have been asked to ensure that the game feels right in every respect, from the physics of the balls to the sound of a 'kick' – and the additional opportunity to create tables and rule sets that could never exist in real life makes Pool Paradise an essential game for anyone with even a passing interest in the sport."

Archer Maclean's Pool Paradise is a unique game which offers players an idyllic island populated with a collection of pool-playing characters. The island lives and breathes. The waves lap upon the shore; days turn to night and the indigenous creatures happily flit about their business. Arriving on the island, cue in hand but penniless, players must work their way up through the ranks in order to become the island's top dog. With cash earnt from winning games and placing side bets, players can unlock hidden areas and other extras. Along the way, players can take part in a wide selection of additional mini games and pub sports, purchasing better equipment with which to challenge the tougher opponents.

Pool Paradise requires players to master all standard pool rule sets – UK, US, eight ball and nine ball – alongside some spectacular and challenging new derivations, such as the unique and inventive Switchball. Stunt tables raise the bar significantly further, requiring a real understanding of the angles.

"I'm really enjoying my game at the moment" adds Jimmy, "and working with Archer again has proved a good laugh. Pool Paradise really is the mutt's nuts when it comes to pool games. Me and my kids have seen some of the other games available and Pool Paradise really is the only one worthy of carrying my name."

Archer Maclean's Pool Paradise will be available on PlayStation 2, PC and Game Cube on April 2nd 2004. The game is exclusively endorsed by Jimmy White.

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