Bankshot Billiards 2 Review (no fat)

Game Description

Bringing billiards to the Xbox 360 would prove to be a difficult task, but the developers of Bank Shot Billiards have done just that, allowing gamers to utilize Xbox Live for their billiard playing pleasures. However, with the variations of billiards available online for free, Bank Shot Billiards 2 proves to be a scratch waiting to happen.

Bank Shot Billiards 2 Gameplay

Bank Shot Billiards 2 is by far the most expensive game for the Xbox 360 console, and proves to be of little gameplay value. For a whopping 1,200 Microsoft Points (which translates into about $15.00 US currency) gamers can expect to get a mediocre game with a few highlights. The game features nine different modes of gameplay, including the usual 8 and 9 ball modes, Euro 8 ball, 14.1 continuous mode, 3 ball, Cutthroat, single-player golf, trick shot and time mode. With modes like these one would think that there would be at least some amusement in this digital package, but quite frankly, this isn’t the case.

The game itself is played from an overhead view. However, the camera angle doesn’t change throughout the gameplay. It would have been a nice addition to be able to view the shot from an actual standing point, but the developers must have overlooked this option. On a higher note, certain aspects of the game are customizable. The cloth of the table, the carpet on the floor, the balls that are in play and even the cue are all customizable. On the other hand, this is where the customization stops. Everyone knows that the rules of pool vary from table to table, but the rules in the game cannot be changed. Gamers will have to play the game and figure the rules out for themselves which can be a timely pursuit.

As with most video billiards games, aiming assistance is included with Bank Shot Billiards 2. The aiming assistance, however, leaves much to be desired. There are three levels of aiming assistance that gamers can choose from. Level 3 and level 2 aiming assistances make the game really easy, as it shows where the gamer is aiming and where the balls are going to end up. Level 1 just shows where the gamer is aiming. Players can also play with no assistance, which makes the game extremely difficult, as you will never know which direction he is actually aiming for.

Gamers will use various on screen tools that will allow them to control the speed and power behind each of their shots. Instruments that give you the ability to apply spins, draws and the like are also included on screen. These features come in handy in the trick mode of the title. One rule of thumb for gamers; Keep the cue ball away from the pockets as much as possible, as they tend to act like vacuums and suck every ball down that comes within picas near it!

Bank Shot Billiards 2 Graphics

When you purchase the game for your Xbox 360 consoles, the graphics on the static screens look decent. But looks can be deceiving. The menu of the game looks relatively well, but that all changes once you start up the game. Lighting and shadows in the game give it a solid look, but the cue ball as well as the stick seems to just hover over the table. When playing this game on bigger screens, everything seems a bit pixilated as well, and the game poses major lag.

Bank Shot Billiards 2 Audio

Developers of Bank Shot Billiards 2 definitely over looked the audio. There are five different music loops incorporated into the game that gamers will immediately get tired of hearing over and over again. The sound effects are the only highlight in the audio department, as balls clashing together sound realistic and believable.

Bank Shot Billiards 2 - Verdict

With the variations of free billiards online, it doesn’t make any sense to purchase this game. It poses little value for an expensive price. Head online if you want real billiards action with customizable options!