Celeris, the company behind the best known pool game out there, has released a version of Virtual Pool for the iPhone and iPod touch. Touted as “one of the best looking and playing VPM versions yet,” Virtual Pool Mobile gives the expression “ball on” a whole-new meaning on the iPhone, with superb 3D graphics, realistic physics, great controls, and endless re-playability.

Having played Celeris’ Virtual Pool as a kid on my 233MHz computer, and seeing what the iPhone was capable of, I knew that a port wasn’t far off. I was extremely pleased not only to find that Celeris had indeed confirmed my expectations earlier this year, but also that the game looked and played beautifully on Apple’s smartphone. Moreover, Celeris did the right thing and released a Lite version of the game. Admittedly, this version is as “light” as Lite gets: it only offers a small taste of the game – 6-Ball game and a stripped-down Career Mode. Still, it’s just enough to make you want to fork out three bucks for the full game, which offers online play, 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Straight, Rotation and the full career mode.

VPM uses the iPhone’s touchscreen to enable the player to aim, apply spin to the cue ball, and shoot. The control system is perfect for fans of the genre, as it allows them to tweak their position millimeter by millimeter. By sliding one's finger faster or slower up and down the screen when they're ready to shoot, one can apply just as much force as they need, not only to pocket the ball in sight, but also to line up their shot for the next one. Different views are available, to please any kind of player, as well as an Over Head view for those really tricky shots when the ball is touching the cushion, or when one is dealing with what is known as “an angled shot.”

To progress through the game, you need to earn cash. You start out small, and work your way up by knocking other players out of commission. The first batch of opponents includes the temperamental, frustrated types, so they’ll choke under pressure. If your game isn’t brilliant, just wait for a mistake on their behalf. It’s enough to put the last ball in order to win a game.


Virtual Pool (Mobile) Lite screenshots (batch #1)
Also handy, when you’re having an off day, is the Aim Aid feature, which can be toggled on and off (to the delight of the arrogant, I’m sure). By using the feature, less experienced players will be able to learn where exactly the impact between the cue ball and the object ball needs to occur for the ball to go in.

If the backgrounds come between you and your game, there’s an option to disable “room graphics” under the Settings tab. This will not only free your eyes, but it will also free some memory, which VPM can use to smoothen the graphics and ball movement.


Virtual Pool (Mobile) Lite screenshots (batch #2)
There’s a lot more to be said about Celeris’ Virtual Pool Mobile port, but you don’t need anyone telling you how good of a game it is. Just download VPM onto your device and see for yourself. Start with the Lite version and work your way up not only to the most powerful opponent, but to all the VPM players out there in Virtual Pool Online (full version).

Virtual Pool (Mobile) main features:

· Touchscreen interface to aim, apply spin and shoot in a full 3D virtual world.
· State of the art physics engine delivers a stunning simulation of billiards.
· 6-Ball play in first room of Career Mode (Full version offers 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Straight, Rotation and the full Career Mode).

Review Information:

- Application: Virtual Pool Lite;
- Developer: Celeris;
- Version reviewed: 1.97 Lite ;
- Review device: first-generation iPhone (8GB) running iPhone OS 3.1.


Download Virtual Pool (Mobile) Lite (Free)

Download Virtual Pool (Mobile) Online ($2.99)
(compatible with iPhone and iPod touch; requires iPhone OS 2.0 or later)