Summary

Release Year: 1986
Genres: Sport
Platforms: Atari ST/STE
Developers: MichTron Corp.
Publishers: MichTron Corp.

8 Ball (1986): The Atari ST’s Premier Snooker Simulation

Released in 1986 by MichTron, 8 Ball is a classic snooker game for the Atari ST. Developed and designed by Stanley Crane, 8 Ball brings the pool hall home on disk with its realistic graphics, sound, and action.

Gameplay

8 Ball is an arcade-style snooker game that simulates the classic game of eight-ball. The player takes control of a cue ball and must use it to pot all of the balls of their assigned color (either solids or stripes) before potting the black ball.

The game is played on a standard snooker table with 15 red balls, 6 colored balls (yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, and black), and a white cue ball. The player can use the mouse to aim the cue ball and control the power of their shot.

8 Ball features a variety of different game modes, including single-player, two-player, and tournament mode. In single-player mode, the player can play against a computer opponent of varying difficulty levels. In two-player mode, two players can take turns playing against each other. And in tournament mode, the player can compete against a series of computer opponents in a single-elimination tournament.

Graphics and Sound

8 Ball’s graphics are impressive for its time. The game features a realistic snooker table with detailed textures and lighting. The balls are also well-rendered and move smoothly across the table.

The game’s sound is also top-notch. The sound of the balls colliding is realistic and the music is catchy and upbeat.

Controls

8 Ball’s controls are simple and easy to learn. The player uses the mouse to aim the cue ball and control the power of their shot. The game also supports a joystick for those who prefer a more traditional control scheme.

Reception

8 Ball was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its realistic graphics, sound, and action. It was also praised for its variety of game modes and its challenging AI opponents.

8 Ball is still considered one of the best snooker games ever made. It is a classic game that is still enjoyed by many people today.

Legacy

8 Ball has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It is one of the first games to successfully simulate the game of snooker, and it helped to popularize the sport among video game players.

8 Ball has also been cited as an influence on later snooker games, such as World Snooker Championship and Snooker 19.

Conclusion

8 Ball is a classic snooker game that is still enjoyed by many people today. With its realistic graphics, sound, and action, 8 Ball is a must-have for any fan of snooker or pool.

Review Score

8/10

Publisher: MichTron Corp.

8 Ball (1986)