Exciting Billiard (Japan)
Getting to Know Exciting Billiard (Japan)
Exciting Billiard is a pool simulation game that was released for the Famicom Disk System in Japan. It arrived in the late 1980s, part of a wave of sports titles that tried to bring realistic physics to the home console. The exact developer and publisher are not widely documented, but it came out on the unique disk format used by Nintendo's add-on drive. As the title suggests, this is a straightforward billiards game without the frills of later home versions.
The player takes control of a cue stick and aims to pocket a set of colored balls using the white cue ball. The game presents a top-down view of the table, and you line up shots by adjusting angle and power. While there are no complex trick shots or power-ups, the core loop revolves around careful aiming and reading the table for your next move. After each successful pocket, you continue shooting until you miss or foul. The FDS version loads from disk, so there may be a brief loading screen between matches.
Today, Exciting Billiard holds a niche appeal for retro collectors who want to experience early digital pool. It doesn't have the depth of modern simulators or the polish of later 8-bit sports games, but it captures the simple challenge of pocketing balls without any gimmicks. For fans of the Famicom Disk System library, this is a clean, no-nonsense take on the genre that feels like a genuine period piece. If you enjoy seeing how different hardware handled familiar sports, this one is worth a quick session.
How to Play Exciting Billiard (Japan) Online
Getting Started
When you boot the game, you will see a title screen and then a menu in Japanese. The options likely include starting a game, changing the number of players, and possibly selecting a table or difficulty. Since the text is only in Japanese, you may need to experiment or use an online translation. Press Start or Select to navigate, then confirm with the A button (X key).
The objective is simple: pocket all of your assigned balls before your opponent does. You take turns with the computer or another player. Use the D-Pad to move the cue indicator around the table, then adjust the aim direction and power. The A button (X key) typically confirms your aim, and then you must pull back and release the cue by pressing A again or holding a button to set power. The exact shooting method may require trial and error; watch the on-screen meter or indicator if present.
Once you pocket a ball, you continue your turn. If you miss or commit a foul, the turn passes to the other player. The game ends when all balls are pocketed. There are no extra modes or power-ups, just straight pool rules adapted for the FDS. If you get stuck, remember that most FDS games had a simple one-screen table view and responsive controls, so practice lining up shots gradually.
Exciting Billiard (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button (jump / confirm)
- S: B button (run / attack / cancel)
- Enter: Start / Pause
- V: Select
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