Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Pub Pool delivers a refreshingly straightforward yet engaging pool experience, perfect for quick matches or longer sessions. The core mechanics revolve around UK 8-ball rules, meaning red and yellow balls rather than the more familiar stripes and solids. You’ll use a simple drag-and-drop cue action to line up shots, adjusting both angle and power before release. The intuitive touch controls ensure that lining up cut shots, applying spin, and managing force feels natural from the outset.

The game offers both hot-seat play against a friend on the same device and solo matches against one of three AI opponents, each representing a different skill level. Whether you’re a newcomer to digital pool or a seasoned cue stick veteran, you can tailor the challenge to your comfort level. Matches progress at a steady pace, and the AI adapts fluidly—miss a straightforward pot and your opponent will seize the chance to pull ahead.

One of Pub Pool’s most charming gameplay features is Barman Terry, who referees each match. He calls fouls, congratulates you on well-executed shots, and grumbles when the cue ball unexpectedly jumps out of play. Meanwhile, various locals at the bar occasionally pipe up with witty quips or encouraging praise when you sink a difficult ball. This ambient commentary fosters the cozy pub atmosphere and keeps the momentum lively between turns.

In addition to standard matches, Pub Pool includes optional challenges and trick-shot scenarios to test your precision. These mini-games encourage experimentation with spin and force, helping you master advanced techniques. Completing these challenges unlocks new table cloth colors and cues, offering cosmetic incentives for honing your skills.

Graphics

Graphically, Pub Pool embraces a clean, 2D visual style that replicates the feel of your local watering hole without overloading the hardware. The table and balls are rendered crisply, with smooth animations as balls collide and roll across the felt. Reflections and subtle shading highlight the contours of each sphere, and the cue stick’s movement is fluid and responsive.

The pub environment beyond the table feels alive, with background details like dartboards, beer taps, neon signs, and framed photos adding depth. Patrons at the bar are drawn in a cartoon-ish style, but their occasional movements and reactions—clapping when you nail a long pot, groaning at a missed shot—contribute significantly to immersion. Even the lighting is spot-on, with a warm glow over the table and dimmer ambient light elsewhere in the room.

One minor drawback is that the color palette for the pub’s walls and floors tends to stick to earthy browns and deep greens, which can feel a bit repetitive over extended play. Still, the designers compensated by offering alternate table cloth designs and cue stick skins as you progress. These unlockable cosmetics inject a splash of color and help keep the visuals feeling fresh.

Overall, the graphics strike an effective balance between performance and polish. Pub Pool runs smoothly on a wide range of devices, meaning you won’t suffer slowdowns or stuttering even during tense, multi-ball exchanges. The result is a visually appealing package that never distracts from the core gameplay.

Story

While Pub Pool is primarily a sports simulation rather than a narrative adventure, it still weaves a light story around your matches. You step into the shoes of a regular at the local pub, shooting the breeze between turns with Barman Terry and various patrons. There’s no overarching plot, but the vignettes and banter create the feeling of an ongoing league night or weekend competition.

Barman Terry doubles as both referee and storyteller, offering tidbits about previous matches, teasing you after an errant scratch, or tipping his hat when you clear the table. The locals pepper you with chatter—sometimes friendly, sometimes cheeky—about everything from your choice of cue to the state of the dartboard in the corner. These short interactions form the backbone of Pub Pool’s narrative ambiance.

Between games, you can glimpse a small in-game “scoreboard” showing your win/loss record and progress through local tournaments. Although there are no cutscenes or voiced characters, the incremental progression feels satisfying. As you climb through the pub’s informal ranks, the stakes subtly rise—crowds grow more animated, and opponents become more confident in their banter.

Ultimately, the story in Pub Pool is less about dramatic arcs and more about capturing the sociable spirit of a neighborhood gathering spot. If you’re looking for a deeply plotted experience, this won’t scratch that itch. However, for players who appreciate characterful ambience and lighthearted rivalry, it’s a fitting complement to the gameplay.

Overall Experience

Pub Pool succeeds in delivering a cozy, authentic pub atmosphere paired with solid pool mechanics. The mix of hot-seat multiplayer and tiered AI difficulty ensures that both casual players and aspiring champions can find their ideal match. Little touches—like Barman Terry’s commentary and onlookers’ reactions—set it apart from more sterile cue sports titles.

Replayability is high, thanks to unlockable cues, alternate table cloths, and challenge modes that reward precision and creativity. Even if you’re strictly in it for quick head-to-head matches, you’ll find the pacing tight and the competition engaging. The absence of long load times or intrusive menus means you can jump right back into the action whenever you please.

While the visual variety beyond the table is somewhat limited, the core assets are polished and run smoothly under any conditions. The game’s lightweight footprint and intuitive controls make it an excellent pick for on-the-go play, whether you have five minutes or an hour to spare. All told, Pub Pool offers a satisfying balance of accessibility and depth.

For anyone seeking a digital rendition of British 8-ball in a welcoming pub environment, Pub Pool is hard to beat. Its strengths lie in its atmosphere, straightforward yet nuanced gameplay, and the charm of its supporting cast. If you enjoy cue sports or simply want a pleasant, low-pressure gaming session, this title is well worth your time.