Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Side Pocket places you behind a virtual pool table with a simple yet challenging objective: sink balls in each level and reach the predetermined scores to advance. Every level grants you only a handful of “lives,” making each missed shot a potentially lethal mistake. Precision aiming, careful power control, and reading the angles of each shot are essential, particularly when the clock or limited balls stand between you and the next stage.

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In the original arcade version, you race against a timer to pocket all the balls and rack up points, with bonus stages and extra balls appearing after level completion—provided you have both skill and a bit of luck. The tension of knowing one stray cue ball could end your run adds a strong arcade thrill to every shot. Clearing a stage rewards you not only with points but also the chance at trick shots that can boost your ball count.

The NES release expands the formula with multiple modes: a two-player head-to-head Pocket Game, the competitive 2P 9-Ball duel, a training mode, and a solo Pocket campaign. The single-player route challenges you to conquer City, State, National, and World classes, each presenting unique ball layouts and, beginning at State level, trick-shot requirements that can restart a level if you fail to execute them correctly.

On portable platforms like Game Boy and WonderSwan, the gameplay remains faithful but scaled down. The Game Boy Pocket mode mirrors the NES version, while the WonderSwan iteration adds selectable avatars and CPU opponents for a tournament feel. Meanwhile, the SNES and Genesis ports introduce extra stages, trick-shot layouts, and even a jukebox mode, all woven into a US-wide championship tour that keeps the core shooting mechanics fresh.

Graphics

The arcade original presents crisp, colorful table graphics with clearly defined balls, pockets, and wood-grain textures on the rails. Simple animations keep the action flowing smoothly, and a straightforward overhead perspective ensures that every shot is easy to judge. While not flashy by modern standards, the visual clarity serves the gameplay perfectly.

NES hardware limitations introduce a more pixelated look, but the designers compensate with bright color choices and distinct ball sprites. Backgrounds remain static, but the cue stick’s movement and collision reactions are instantly recognizable. Transitions between levels are clean, and subtle sound cues let you know when you’ve lined up a solid shot or banked one in by accident.

On 16-bit consoles, Side Pocket truly shines. The SNES and Genesis versions boast richer palettes, detailed table edges, and animated crowd or audience elements in the background. Cue-stick movements feel smoother, and particle effects from ball collisions add a satisfying pop to every successful pocket. These enhancements give a more immersive billiards experience without altering the core mechanics.

Portable versions adapt admirably to smaller screens. The Game Boy iteration uses high-contrast sprites to differentiate balls and pockets, while the WonderSwan’s palette allows for surprisingly detailed table textures. Though the visual fidelity doesn’t match home consoles, both handhelds maintain clarity so that aiming and judging angles remain painless even in a quick on-the-go session.

Story

Side Pocket isn’t driven by an elaborate narrative; instead, it wraps its gameplay in the framework of competitive billiards. The appeal lies in progressing through increasingly tough tiers: from local city halls to international arenas. Each tier introduces fresh ball arrangements and venue backdrops, giving players a sense of journey and achievement rather than a traditional plot.

In the NES single-player campaign, you start at City class and work your way up to World class, facing different layouts each time you fail or succeed. State-class levels demand special trick shots to move on, effectively turning the absence of a cinematic story into a series of gameplay-focused challenges. These little narrative beats—beating an opponent, unlocking a new city—give context to your pool prowess.

The WonderSwan and 16-bit console versions paint the progression as a US championship tour, complete with animated map screens and opponent portraits. While you won’t find cutscenes or dialogue trees, the sight of new city titles lighting up and rival characters displaying confident poses offers enough personality to keep you invested in each match.

Ultimately, the “story” of Side Pocket is a tournament ladder, and its simplicity is a strength. By focusing on pure pool competition and the satisfaction of sinking that perfect bank shot, the game crafts its own narrative of skill mastery and escalating challenge without any unnecessary fluff.

Overall Experience

Side Pocket stands out as a classic pool simulator that balances accessibility with depth. Whether you’re dropping quarters into the arcade original or loading up a cartridge on NES, you’ll find a finely tuned mix of strategy, precision, and risk. The basic rule of “one mistake could cost you” keeps the adrenaline high, making every match feel meaningful.

Variety is a major selling point. From frantic timed runs in the arcade to strategic trick-shot challenges in the NES and championship tours in the 16-bit versions, Side Pocket offers something for both solo players and friends looking for head-to-head competition. Portable editions ensure that you can hone your aim anywhere, with modes tuned for quick sessions or extended play.

Graphically, the evolution from simple overhead tables to richly detailed environments on SNES and Genesis adds visual appeal without compromising gameplay clarity. Sound effects and modest music tracks contribute to the atmosphere, ensuring you stay focused on the table rather than being distracted by overblown production values.

In the end, Side Pocket delivers a timeless pool experience. Its core mechanics remain satisfying decades after release, and the assortment of modes across platforms gives it strong replay value. Whether you’re a casual player craving a quick round of billiards or a dedicated enthusiast chasing perfect bank shots, this title offers an engaging, skill-based challenge that’s easy to pick up and hard to put down.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10