"A bizarre, fun pool game"

Lunar Pool, simply put, is a fun game. It contains 60 pool tables, each one shaped differently. The point is to put all the balls in a pocket (sometimes there's only one) without sinking yours. You lose a life when you sink your ball, or when you hit your ball three times without sinking another one. The game uses a power meter, and the arrows move a target around your ball. Setting up shots is very easy. The best part of the game, however, is the boards. Each one is different, and most are bizarre. There are X shaped boards, diamond shaped, ones with many indents and sharp edges, smooth ones, ones with walls set up in the middle of the board, and more. Each hole presents a new challenge and they're all different. Two players can play each other, or one player can play by themselves or with the computer.

Graphics: 5/10

Very simple, but what do you expect? It's just the board and the balls.

Sound: 6/10

Limited music and sound effects, but it's not really important.

Gameplay: 9/10

The control is amazingly simple, and functions well. The assortment of boards is fantastic. Some of the boards are very easy, while others are very tough. The title screen lets you select the fricton on the board, which is a nice touch, and even what level you want to start at. The two player mode is nice as well. One disadvantage is that in some levels, balls can find their way into tight jams that are almost guaranteed to lose you a life. Still, those occurances are rare and are not a major problem.

Replay: 9/10

Most of the boards are just fun to play again. The two player mode lets you match skills with a friend, and changing the friction creates a whole new pool game.

Overall: 8/10

Wow. A 1985 NES pool game, and it's so good. The simplicity and frustration often found in games of this time is nowhere to be found here. I recommend a purchase for this game, because it can be found cheap, and the replay value and fun factor definitely justifies it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10 | Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99

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