Side Pocket has gone through many versions, ranging from arcade machines to the SNES, as well as a whole range of consoles. The NES version is one of the earliest and featured a new career mode, while retaining the concept of the original version. The game consists of American pool games, with a greater emphasis on simulation than Lunar Pool (1985). Indeed, the player can hit the cue ball in different directions, thus imparting a spin to the ball and allowing for more complicated shots or more precise positioning of the cue ball, since the sequence in which the balls must be pocketed matters much more than in Lunar Pool.
Beyond these considerations, the title also offers some bonuses, which can alter the course of a game: some pockets can light up and pocketing a ball in them can increase one' s score or add an extra life. Other more rare bonuses (Star Ball, Zone) exist and allow players to finish a level more easily or to score more points. Those are indeed essential in the career mode, as the player must reach a certain threshold in order to move on to the next level. From the State Championship onwards, a trick shot is also required to advance to the next stage. These shots require accuracy and a decent grasp of the game's physics. These puzzle-like additions are a welcome break from the monotony of the title. Side Pocket also offers two players the opportunity to compete in a pocket game or a 9-ball game.
While Side Pocket proves to be a more realistic simulation than Lunar Pool, it can also be frustrating due to its lack of options. It is never possible to configure a game with a certain number of balls, which prevents a single player from starting a game with nine or ten balls. Trick shots only occur within the career mode and cannot be solved outside of it, even though they offer the greatest value to the game. Although it is hard to advise against Side Pocket, which is still effective entertainment and has an atmosphere reminiscent of fancy bars, the game remains very dispensable for those who want more customisation or who have access to a pool table.
Beyond these considerations, the title also offers some bonuses, which can alter the course of a game: some pockets can light up and pocketing a ball in them can increase one' s score or add an extra life. Other more rare bonuses (Star Ball, Zone) exist and allow players to finish a level more easily or to score more points. Those are indeed essential in the career mode, as the player must reach a certain threshold in order to move on to the next level. From the State Championship onwards, a trick shot is also required to advance to the next stage. These shots require accuracy and a decent grasp of the game's physics. These puzzle-like additions are a welcome break from the monotony of the title. Side Pocket also offers two players the opportunity to compete in a pocket game or a 9-ball game.
While Side Pocket proves to be a more realistic simulation than Lunar Pool, it can also be frustrating due to its lack of options. It is never possible to configure a game with a certain number of balls, which prevents a single player from starting a game with nine or ten balls. Trick shots only occur within the career mode and cannot be solved outside of it, even though they offer the greatest value to the game. Although it is hard to advise against Side Pocket, which is still effective entertainment and has an atmosphere reminiscent of fancy bars, the game remains very dispensable for those who want more customisation or who have access to a pool table.