Side Pocket

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Side Pocket
Side Pocket NES cover.jpg
Developer(s) Data East; Iguana Entertainment (SNES)
Publisher(s) G-mode
Platform(s) Side Pocket: Arcade, Mega Drive/Genesis, NES, Super NES, Game Boy, Game Gear, WonderSwan
Side Pocket 2: Sega Saturn
Side Pocket 3: Saturn, Playstation
Release date(s) 1987–[clarification needed]
Genre(s) Sports
Mode(s) Single player, multiplayer
Media various
System requirements various
Input methods various

Side Pocket is a multi-platform series of pocket billiards (pool) simulator video games produced principally by Data East in beginning 1987. There are three games in the series.

Contents

[edit] Original game

The original Side Pocket during play (Sega Mega Drive/Genesis version), showing a lit-up pocket.

The original 1987 Side Pocket was released for Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, the original Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Game Boy, Game Gear, and WonderSwan.

The unusual single player mode, called "pocket", requires that the player clear all the balls off the table in a limited number of shots, as well as achieve a predetermined score. The player earns points by sinking balls, sinking balls on consecutive shots, and sinking balls in numerical order. On occasion, a pocket will light up, and if the player sinks a ball into that pocket on that shot, a bonus will be earned in the form of points or extra shots. In the two-player "pocket" mode, the game plays similarly, except the two players take turns; if one player does not pocket a ball or scratches, control of the ball changes to the other player.

There is also a two-player nine-ball mode.

A variety of trick shot challenges are also available to the player(s), to earn additional points or extra shots, requiring the player sink all balls into select pockets using a single shot. The player may put various spins on the ball, such as left and right english, and perform massés and jump shots.

[edit] Reception

In reviewing the NES version, Computer Gaming World declared it "far and away the best billiards simulation ever published for any system." The features that went beyond realistic pool were especially praised as enhancing the game's play.[1]

[edit] Sequels

The game had two sequels, Side Pocket 2 for the Sega Saturn, and Side Pocket 3 for the Sega Saturn and original PlayStation.[clarification needed]

[edit] Licensing

G-mode currently owns the intellectual property rights to the Side Pocket series, and licenses these games globally.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Kunkell, Bill (July 1988), "Video Gaming World: Side Pocket", Computer Gaming World: 45 

[edit] External links