Before we start, no, that is not the name of the game. It’s two separate games. Pool Nation and Snooker Nation. My reasoning in reviewing them together is that both were released recently, share identical gameplay and very similar graphics and game modes. The games are even being sold as a double pack on the PSN store, so it makes sense. What doesn’t make sense though, is that there is a Snooker mode in Pool Nation.
Both games set out with fun in mind. They do adhere to the rules and confinements of the sport, but there is a certain arcadey quality to the gameplay that makes it feel more accessible than the likes of Pure Pool and Snooker 19. How you feel about these tweaks will likely determine your overall thoughts on the games. For instance, the ability to continually tap X to skip the opponents shots let’s you spend the whole time playing rather than watching the AI, but that does come at the cost of TV style presentation.
Speaking of TV style presentation, where as the recently released Snooker 19 came packing officially licensed tournaments and players, Pool & Snooker Nation have generic career tournaments and you essentially play as a floating cue throughout the full game. AI opponents have names, but no character models exist for them either. This isn’t a huge blow though, as I said already, Cherry Pop Games is aiming for an accessible pick up and play experience here and they deliver it well.
One disappointment is the length of the career/tournament mode, which in Snooker Nation only takes a few hours to beat. After that you are left with playing exhibition matches offline or testing your luck against the world online. Pool Nation does offer a little more, with Tournaments in six different locations, but they all feel and play out exactly the same. Endurance mode is available in Pool, tasking you with potting balls as quickly as possible. More balls are added all the time and if too many balls spawn on the table it’s game over. Twelve minutes is the time you are trying to ‘endure’ for trophy purposes.
One nice touch both games have is a slow motion camera that kicks in whenever a ball is about to be potted. It’s a simple idea, but it is executed really well and there was never an instance during my time with both games that it didn’t add to the satisfaction of a pot. There are different levels of aiming assist on offer which provide lines next to the balls showing you their trajectory. Especially in pool this almost makes it difficult to miss a shot.
In the review image I have focused the trophy data on Snooker Nation, as I found it the most appealing list but obviously if you do decide to buy the bundle you will get two separate trophy lists. The Snooker platinum is quick (around 5 hours) and easy if you have a moderate skill level at the game. The hardest trophy being the one for getting a 147 break. Pool Nation on the other hand is a bit of a grind, requiring you to reach player level 100 and spend 100,000 pool dollars acquired from winning matches. Again it’s not difficult, but will require you to put in significant time.
Overall both games are fun and worthy of your time. I preferred Snooker Nation of the two, but that coincides with it being my preferred cue based sport. Both can be picked up separately or if you want to save a little you can buy the bundle. Snooker Nation doesn’t hit the heights of Snooker 19, but if you are a casual fan looking for a more accessible game then this is the better option for you.
Reviewed on PS4 Pro. Review codes for both games were provided by the publisher.
