Pro Pool (USA) (En,Fr,De)

Pro Pool hit the Game Boy Color in 2000, bringing pool hall action to Nintendo's handheld. Developed by Blade Interactive and published by Codemasters, this is a straightforward sports simulation aimed at billiards fans. The cartridge supports English, French, and German, which was a nice touch for a portable release of this era. Unlike the many platformers and RPGs on the system, Pro Pool went for a more realistic table-sports experience, with digitized cues and balls rendered in the GBC's limited color palette.

The player lines up shots on a standard pool table, choosing from a variety of game modes like tournament, exhibition, and practice. Aiming uses the D-pad to adjust the cue's angle and power - there's a power meter to control shot strength. Spin and bank shots are possible too, though the physics are simplified compared to home console pool games. The core loop is selecting a table, breaking the rack, then sinking balls in correct order (solids or stripes) to pocket the 8-ball last. Matches can be played against the computer or a second player via link cable.

Pro Pool is a niche title that still holds appeal for fans of old-school sports sims. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it captures the basic rhythm of a pool game without overcomplicating things. Compared to other GBC sports games, it's a solid entry for quick sessions - the simple controls and clear visuals make it easy to pick up. If you grew up playing arcade pool or just want to see what a billiards game looked like on Nintendo's portable, it's worth a few minutes. Just don't expect deep simulation or lavish extras; this is pool stripped to its essentials.