Virtual Pool 4
| Virtual Pool 4 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Celeris |
| Publisher(s) | Celeris |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, iOs |
| Release | PC
|
| Genre(s) | Sports simulation – snooker & pool |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Virtual Pool 4[a] is a sports simulation video game developed and published by British studio Celeris as an entry in the Virtual Pool franchise, a sequel to Virtual Pool 3. The game was initially released on PC in August 2012. It was then released to Steam on May 11, 2015 worldwide,[3] after a period on Steam Greenlight.[4] The game has two releases, an offline version of the game,[5] and an online multiplayer version.[b][6][7] The game has also had an additional iPad release.[8]
Gameplay
Offline Release
As with other entries in the Virtual Pool series, the game is controlled by keyboard and mouse. Shots are made by holding down specific keyboard buttons, whilst moving the mouse backwards and then forwards to mimic stroking the cue ball. The speed at which the mouse is moved forwards determines the strength of the shot being played.
Featuring 27 different game modes, including eight-ball and nine-ball pool, carom billiards, snooker, and various pub games.[3] Included are different-sized billiard tables such as a smaller bar table, or a bigger championship snooker table.[1] Also included is the ability to edit the size of tables being played including pocket sizes and handicaps [9] Players also have the option of playing the tour, hustle tour or trick shot modes, as well as instructional videos on how to improve in game and on a real table.[1]
In the tour mode, players have the option of playing through differing tours ranking from local competition to international series.[1] The game features real pro and amateur players from across the world,[10] with developers asking pool players to submit information to be included in game.[10] The hustle tour mode sees the player follow "Curly" played by Greg Finley, the game's hustling expert and introduce the player to hustling pool.[11] Curly greets the player in a full motion video, but despite the game mode that is selected, Curly will only play 9-ball pool. Starting as a rookie in the garages and work the player rises through the bars and pool halls to eventually take on Curly himself.[11] Along the way earning cash to spend on new cues and equipment which you can use to impress fellow hustlers and attract bigger cash prize pots.[1] This mode shares similarities to the Hustle Tour mode in Virtual Pool: Tournament Edition and the career mode in Virtual Pool Mobile, with there being the same locations, and cut scenes to watch.
The trick shot mode features 140 preset trick shots to attempt, and features an editor, for the player to setup new challenges; and send to friends. Virtual Pool 4 states that it can make the players' real pool game improve by saying "So realistic it will make your real life pool game better!"[3] The game attempts this with instructional videos with head of coaching in the "world 8-ball pool association"[12] Steve Daking;[11][9] and allows the player to attempt the shots in-game.[3] The player also has the ability to customize the portrait of the player character an opponent in any game mode.[13]
A tutorial mode is included in game before any quick game, to allow the player to learn the controls.[11]
Exclusive to Online Multiplayer
The second version of Virtual Pool 4 features game play for multiplayer matches, Single and double elimination tournaments with or without handicap.[7] The modes feature the ability to upload shots to the players profile online, as well as statistical displays of the players wins, losses, world ranking and calendar for planning events. This features an in-game currency known as "V$".[7][c]
Virtual Pool 4 multiplayer also features all of the same gameplay as the original release, but without the offline season game modes, and instructional videos.[14] This version of the release features an annual membership fee, rather than a straight up cost of the game like the offline release. However, purchasing the annual fee also includes more V$. The offline version of the game also includes a 1-year subscription of the online modes for free.
Locations
The Hustle Mode allows the player to play games of Snooker or Pool through a series of locations. The player has to defeat the boss of each location to unlock the next one. The player starts in the Garage, a location of a converted garage, as the name suggests. The player needs to defeat Big T to continue.[15] Moving to the Hawg Pen, a dirty bar, that supposedly is home to a gang of bikers, lead by Nightrain Lane. Next, The Pit Stop, an American style diner with a race car motif run by "The Hammer". Deep Pockets is another location, which is a grandouise hall supposedly for those with lots of cash, with a boss, simply named "GQ". Hard Times a formal pool club, renowned for hustling pool run by "Tall Steve". And the final location in the hustle mode is the Beach House, where player "Curly" lives, and is able to be challenged.[16]
Other locations to play games include a championship table for Pool and Snooker in other modes, Loch Lomond, a drafty Scottish castle nestled in the Highlands, and an English Pub where Snooker only can be played. Billiards can only be played in the location Monte Carlo, named after the location in the south of France.[16]
Notes
- ^ Two versions of release are currently available, one named Virtual Pool 4, and the other Virtual Pool 4 Multiplayer. Apart from the online multiplayer aspect, the graphics and gameplay is identical.
- ^ Named Virtual Pool 4 Multiplayer
- ^ The in-game currency is also purchasable for real-world currency
References
- ^ a b c d e "Virtual Pool 4 (Game)". Giant Bomb. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
- ^ "Virtual Pool 4 on the App Store". Apple. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d "Virtual Pool 4 on Steam". Steam. Archived from the original on December 13, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Steam Greenlight:: Virtual Pool 4". Steampowered.com. Archived from the original on December 25, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Virtual Pool 4 - Info". Steam DB. Archived from the original on December 13, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Latest News - 9Ball.com". 9balldotcom. Archived from the original on December 13, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c "Virtual pool 4 Multiplayer". Steam. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
- ^ "VP4 iPad Released". VPOnline. Celeris. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
- ^ a b "The World of Virtual Pool 4 With Steve Chaplin". POV Pool. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
- ^ a b "Virtual Pool 4: Last call for submissions". July 9, 2012. POVpool. Archived from the original on December 13, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d "Virtual Pool 4 Overview". Virtual Pool Online. Celeris. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Virtual Pool 4 Released! Featuring the UPC". UPC Pool. Archived from the original on December 14, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Virtual Pool 4". Dad's Gaming Addiction. Archived from the original on December 13, 2017. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "VP4 Products". Celeris. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
- ^ "Virtual Pool 4 Review". Gert Lush Gaming. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Virtual Pool 4 Reference Manual" (PDF). Virtual Pool Online. Celeris. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
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